How to Winterize Pressure Washer
Prolong the lifespan of your pressure washer and protect it from internal damage. How? Read here to know the 4 steps on how to winterize pressure washer!
27/08/2019
Pressure washers, also known as power washers, are great investments that can be more efficient during winter and autumn. However, they need to be properly stored and maintained in order to prevent damage.
Whether you own an electric or gasoline pressure washer, you need to know how to winterize pressure washer. According to this review, electric pressure washers units are the best pressure washers for home. However, they also need to be stored in a heated garage or be winterized before storage.
When a pressure washer is stored or used in freezing conditions, water left inside the pump, hose, and gun jet expands. When this happens, it can cause real damage to the unit and decrease its life. Besides, damage caused by freezing is not covered by warranty.
Therefore, proper winterization of your pressure washer is very important. Winterization offers the best protection for your unit against damage that may be caused by freezing. This is especially important if you are looking to store your pressure washer for extended periods. Did you know that you can also winterize the other things in your home. Below are some steps on how to winterize your pressure washer in order to extend its lifespan:
1. Stabilize the Fuel
The first and most important step is to stabilize the gasoline to ensure that it doesn’t clog the fuel lines. Basically, gasoline goes stale within 30 days, and this could result in components of the unit failing. Degradation of the fuel can also cause corrosion in the engine, which is costly to repair.
Using a fuel stabilizer before storing your pressure washer for winter will protect your engine. It also prevents corrosion, rust, and buildup that can cause deterioration of gasoline. A good tip is to run the engine for some minutes in order to allow the fuel stabilizer to circulate through the system. Then, shut down the unit. It is recommendable to follow the manufacturer’s manual when adding the stabilizer.
Alternatively, you can drain the gasoline from the fuel tank, the carburetor, as well as the fuel lines. A drawback of this method is that it leaves your unit vulnerable to moisture contamination.
If you want to winterize your vehicle, this article will help you a lot!
2. Flush and Drain the System
The next step is to flush off water and cleaning solution from the pressure washer’s system. To do this, attach the detergent siphoning tube into clean running water. Then let the unit run on low pressure setting for a few minutes in order to clean out the system. Turn off the unit, as well as the water supply, and disconnect the pressure washer hose from the pump inlet.
Once you have done this, let the spray gun turn to a safe direction and pull the trigger. This helps to remove water from the system and release trapped pressure through the nozzles. After that, engage the trigger lock on the spray gun and drain water from it. Also, drain the water from the hose and nozzle. Then pull the recoil handle 6 times to flush all liquids from the pump.
3. Winterize the Pump
The other step is to use a pump saver antifreeze to properly winterize your pressure washer. A pump saver is effective in preventing moisture from forming in the pump as this can cause freezing. It also prohibits mineral deposits from forming and keeps the seals and pistons from drying out.
Connect a garden hose about 3-feet long to the inlet adapter and fill the chamber with pump saver oil. Ensure that the engine is turned off. Finish by pulling the recoil handle twice and disconnect the hose. Let it sit in the chamber throughout winter and drain during spring. Note that it’s important to wear eye protection when adding the pump saver.
4. Storage
After completing all the above steps, clean your pressure washer to get rid of dirt and grime. Be sure to store it in a cool and dry place.
Conclusion
Preparing your power washer for storage, especially in freezing conditions, will protect the internal components. During low temperatures, water can expand, and this cracks components like the hose. On the other hand, oil is likely to get thick at low temperatures, and this makes it ineffective.
Hence, if you are going to store your
pressure washer for extended periods of time, it
is recommendable to winterize it.
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