Before temperatures cool, you should perform pressure washer pump maintenance in order to prepare and protect your machine from the winter weather. You should sustain your washer as best as you can so that you don’t end up with damaged components.
There are several steps to insure your washer holds up well during storage. Always check your owner’s manual first for any product-specific information. The following list contains 13 basic tips to help you save time and money.
1: Drain the Tank
Gas can clog up fuel lines. You can drain the fuel tank to curb this potential problem. To do so, merely run the pressure washer until it’s out of gas.
2: Add Fuel Stabilizer
If you don’t have time to wait for your pressure washer to run out of gas, consider fuel stabilizer. Pour directly in the tank, and once done, run the engine for about 10 minutes or so to send it through the entire system.
3: Flush out the Water
The fact is simple here: water freezes, so it must be drained. Run the machine on a low pressure setting when doing it. With the washer turned off, squeeze the spray gun to remove excess water and pressure.
4: Get Rid of the Detergent
Like the water, detergent or soap can freeze. Do away with any trace of detergent as the build-up can cause an obstruction. Concerning electric pressure washer maintenance, detach the detergent tank and give it a thorough rinse.
5: Pressure Washer Maintenance Oil
You can lubricate certain things, such as the cylinders, with oil. To do this, remove the spark plug wires and spray WD-40 into the cylinders as well as the carburetor. Make sure to turn the engine while doing this so the oil is coated on.
6: Oil Replacement
If there’s enough oil, then there’s next to nothing to do in this case. If you don’t have enough, then it’s best to change the oil as well as both the oil and fuel filters to prevent sludge from growing.
7: Disconnect the Wand
If your pressure washer hose has a removable wand, check that all liquid has been removed. An air compressor can work great here. Disconnect the wand, and with the valve opened and turned upside down, use the air compressor to shoot air through.
8: Detach the Hoses
If you have a garden hose hooked up, just unscrew it and allow the water to run out. Otherwise, you can go through the same steps as with the wand through use of an air compressor to get rid of leftover water.
9: Check Foam Air Filter
Another good area to check for pressure washer maintenance is the foam air filter; that is, if your machine has a foam filter. If so, check for any signs of wear or dirt. You can simply pull it out and wash it under soap and warm water. After it’s dried, just put it back in place.
10: Examine or Replace Paper Air Filter
A paper filter can’t be as easily washed as a foam one. So, in the event that your pressure washer has a paper filter and there looks to be too much grime, then it’s best to throw it out and replace it.
11: Check the Pressure Washer’s Tires
This tip relates concerning the type of pressure washer you have. The washer’s tires may be plastic, rubber, or either full or semi-pneumatic. In the case of full and semi-pneumatic, just press down on each tire. If any of them appear low, it’s easy to run to a gas station and fill them up.
In the case of your tires being hard rubber or plastic, then there shouldn’t be a need to check the pressure.
12: Pressure Washer Pump Maintenance
This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of winterizing your pressure washer. Pump Saver can provide great pressure washer pump maintenance by preventing moisture from forming, which stops it from freezing. Hook it to the inlet for your hose and just spray it in
13: Find Good Storage
Keep your pressure washer stored in a warm place to help stop the cold temperature from settling in. Consider using a tarp if storing it outside such as in a garage or shed.
If you live in an area where the temperatures drop, then it’s in your best interest to ready your pressure washer for the coming weather. Good pressure washer care and maintenance will have your machine working like new for years down the road. If you need any help or just wish to learn more about how to winterize your pressure washer, contact us, and we’ll be sure to provide you with anything you need.
