What's up, guys? Coty from Southeast Softwash here. I recently made a stop at Tractor Supply to pick up a hitch for my truck, and, as always, I took a stroll down the pump aisle. Since we’re now a pump manufacturer, I always keep an eye on what’s available. That’s when I spotted a Rimco pump marked down by $100. The reason? It had been returned just days earlier.
I bought it immediately—not because I needed it, but to prove a point and expose one of the biggest little-known scams in the pressure washing industry.
The Softwash Pump Scam: How It Works
For years, certain individuals in the softwash industry have been gaming the system. They buy a pump, use it incorrectly, burn it out, and then return it to the store for a full refund or a replacement. Rinse and repeat.
Big box store employees, who aren’t trained to recognize misuse, simply take the pump back and mark it as defective. The manufacturer takes the hit, and the scammer gets free pumps indefinitely. It’s dishonest, unethical, and completely unfair to legitimate business owners and manufacturers.
Spotting the Scam in Action
When I opened up the returned Rimco pump, my guess was immediately confirmed—bleach residue inside the box. That’s a telltale sign that someone used this pump for softwashing and then brought it back when it failed. Even worse, the pump was still wet.
Further inspection revealed corrosion on the screws and seepage around the gasket. The wiring setup was poor, likely causing an electrical failure. Instead of taking responsibility for their bad wiring or improper use, the buyer simply scammed the store and manufacturer.
Why We Don’t Offer Warranties on the Super Pump
At Southeast Softwash, we’ve seen this scam play out for decades. That’s why our Super Pump lineup—the 16 GPM and Super Eight—comes with no warranty.
Here’s why:
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Pumps are mechanical and will eventually fail. No matter the brand, they have a limited lifespan.
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Scammers take advantage of warranties. The few honest customers with legitimate factory defects get overshadowed by the overwhelming number of people trying to game the system.
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We test every pump before shipping. When you buy from us, you know you're getting a pump that has been properly assembled and tested.
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We refuse to participate in this scam. We’re here to sell quality products, not provide free equipment for dishonest operators.
If you buy a Super Pump, you’re getting a high-performance, revolutionary product. But if you burn it out due to bad wiring, poor plumbing, or improper use, that’s on you.
Learning the Right Way: Troubleshooting Over Scamming
The real issue isn’t just the scam—it’s the lack of troubleshooting skills among some softwash beginners. Instead of learning how to properly install and maintain a pump, many choose the easy way out by returning it. This mentality is toxic to the industry.
How to Avoid Pump Failures
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Use the right wiring and connections. Poor electrical setups can fry relays and burn out your pump.
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Understand pump mechanics. Learn how pressure switches, relays, and flow rates work before installing a new pump.
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Read the troubleshooting guide. Most manufacturers provide troubleshooting steps—use them before assuming the pump is faulty.
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Accept the learning curve. Everyone pays a “stupid tax” at some point. The key is to learn from mistakes, not pass the cost onto others.
The Final Test: Was the Pump Really Dead?
Back at the shop, I hooked up the Rimco pump to a power source. To my surprise, it worked perfectly. The only issue? The previous owner had a bad wiring connection. Instead of fixing it, they blamed the pump, returned it, and walked away with a refund.
This proves the point: many so-called “defective” pumps are perfectly fine—the real problem is the user.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be That Guy
If you’re in the softwash industry, don’t run this scam. Not only is it unethical, but it also hurts legitimate businesses and manufacturers who work hard to provide quality products.
At Southeast Softwash, we stand by our Super Pump lineup, but we won’t play into the scam. If you buy one, know that it’s been tested and built for high performance—but it’s your responsibility to use it correctly.
So, let’s raise the standard in this industry. Learn, troubleshoot, and do things the right way. And remember, nobody else should be paying your stupid tax.
See you guys in the next video!
