June 11, 2026 — A consumer reported a dangerous incident involving a newly purchased SurfaceMaxx pressure washer hose, which failed catastrophically shortly after first use. The hose, rated for 3200 PSI, separated from its crimped end while in use with a 2600 PSI pressure washer, causing it to whip violently and strike the user, resulting in a deep tissue bruise to the leg.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On May 22, 2026, a consumer purchased a “SurfaceMaxx 1/4-in x 25-ft, up to 3200-PSI Pressure Washer Hose” from Lowe’s in Benton Harbor, MI. The hose was intended for use with a 2600 PSI pressure washer, which is well within the hose’s advertised maximum pressure rating of 3200 PSI.
Approximately 3-4 minutes into its first use, the end of the hose closest to the pressure wand catastrophically separated from its factory-crimped fitting. The threaded fitting remained securely attached to the pressure wand, indicating a failure of the hose-to-fitting crimp itself. Upon separation, the high-pressure water stream caused the hose to whip violently and uncontrollably. The hose struck the user’s leg across the shin and calf. Fortunately, the user was wearing jeans, which likely mitigated the severity of the impact. Despite this, the incident resulted in a visible, long, red, deep tissue bruise. The consumer plans to return the defective hose to Lowe’s and has notified authorities of the defect.
Safety Concerns
The failure of a high-pressure hose, particularly near the operating end, presents severe safety risks:
- Immediate Dangers:
- High-Pressure Injection Injuries: Water at 2600 PSI can penetrate skin, clothing, and even footwear, leading to serious injection injuries. These injuries may not look severe on the surface but can cause extensive internal damage to tissues, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, potentially requiring surgery and leading to permanent disability or amputation.
- Blunt Force Trauma: The uncontrolled whipping of a high-pressure hose can strike a user or bystander with significant force, causing severe blunt force trauma, lacerations, fractures, concussions (if it hits the head), or eye injuries.
- Loss of Control: The sudden and violent movement of a failed hose can cause the user to lose balance, potentially leading to falls or contact with other hazards in the vicinity.
- Long-Term Risks: Injuries from high-pressure water can lead to chronic pain, infection, nerve damage, and long-term functional impairment. Deep tissue bruising can be slow to heal and may result in complications.
- Who Might Be Affected: Not only the operator of the pressure washer but also bystanders, including children or pets, are at risk from a whipping hose or uncontrolled high-pressure water stream.
- Property Damage Potential: An uncontrolled high-pressure hose can damage vehicles, windows, siding, landscaping, or other property in its path.
This incident highlights a critical manufacturing defect where a product designed to withstand specific pressures fails at a lower, advertised safe operating pressure. Such failures pose an unacceptable risk of severe personal injury.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a SurfaceMaxx pressure washer hose, especially the “1/4-in x 25-ft, up to 3200-PSI Pressure Washer Hose” model, should take immediate precautions:
1. Stop Use Immediately: If you possess this specific model or any SurfaceMaxx pressure washer hose exhibiting signs of wear, damage, or manufacturing defects, cease using it immediately.
2. Inspect Your Hose: Before each use, thoroughly inspect your pressure washer hose for any signs of damage, including cracks, bulges, cuts, abrasions, or deformities near the crimped fittings. If you notice any issues, do not use the hose.
3. Verify Pressure Ratings: Always ensure that your pressure washer hose’s maximum PSI rating exceeds the operating pressure of your pressure washer. However, as this incident shows, even within rated limits, defects can occur.
4. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate safety gear when operating a pressure washer, including safety glasses or a face shield, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and long pants/sleeves to protect against accidental spray and potential hose failures.
5. Report Incidents: If you experience a similar failure or injury with this or any other consumer product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps authorities track dangerous products and potentially initiate recalls.
6. Retain Documentation: Keep your receipt and any packaging information for the product, as well as photographic evidence of the hose failure and any injuries.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.