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How to Winterize a Pressure Washer: Make Sure It’s Ready to Handle the Cold!

How To Winterize A Pressure Washer?

Winter in the northeast is a time for bundling up and curling up with a book. But it’s also a time to get your house ready for the long, cold months ahead. One way to prepare is by winterizing your pressure washer so you can keep your driveway and sidewalks cleared of ice and snow this year!

Why Should You Care About Winterizing Your Pressure Washer In The First Place

We’re taking a look at how to winterize your pressure washer. It is vital if you live in cold weather climates since cold weather can cause many problems for your equipment. For starters, when the temperature drops below freezing, water inside the machine will freeze up and then expand, causing damage or even destroying pieces of it. 

Another thing you should be aware of is that in colder temperatures. Gasoline turns into a sludge-like substance which reduces efficiency in running engines and causes them to conk out more often. To help prevent these issues from happening this winter season, here are some steps on how to properly winterize your pressure washer so it’ll be ready for next springtime! 

How To Winterize A Pressure Washer

How To Winterize A Pressure Washer

Today, I’ll show you how to winterize an electric or a gas pressure washer.

3 Steps To Winterize Your Electric Pressure Washer Like A Pro

  1. Fill a gallon container with hot water to make it easier to clean. Depending on your machine, fill the onboard detergent tanks or insert the detergent siphon hose into the hot water.  
  2. Connect the inlet to a garden hose and turn on the tap. Turn on the pressure washer. Squeeze the trigger to run for up to 2 minutes, residual flush detergent from the lines. Remove the high-pressure hose, disconnecting the trigger gun and wand as they drain, before removing them.
  3. Fill the pump system with pump saver antifreeze as the manufacturer directs and store the washer in a safe, dry place.

5 Steps to Winterize Your Gas Pressure Washer in a Hurry and Easily

  • If you don’t intend to use your pressure washer for the next 30 days, properly storing it is critical for the engine’s longevity. You must drain the fuel stabilizer & water from the pressure washer pump system.
  • First, pour the fuel stabilizer into the gas tank and run the engine for two minutes to distribute the stabilizer throughout the fuel system.
  • Let’s empty the remaining water and clean the pressure washer water system.
  • Connect the pressure washer to your garden hose in the same manner as you would with a regular one. Instead of the soapy detergent tank, insert the detergent feed tube into a pail of clean tap water. Set the pressure washer to work and pull the spray gun trigger with the low-pressure nozzle for a few minutes to allow it.
  • If you believe the temperatures will drop near freezing for the last stage, add an antifreeze “Pump Saver” to the pump inlet. It will keep you safe from freezing temperature and mineral deposit buildup.

How to use pump saver

The manufacturer’s instructions will differ, but they all ask you to attach the bottle to the water intake (where you connect the garden hose). Typically, you’ll squeeze the bottle (or trigger on a can) 4 or 5 times, pull the starter cord throughout the pump system. 

The pump saver automatically activates to protect your equipment when the water supply is interrupted. It prevents damage to your system until you see it flowing from the water outlet.

For an electric pressure washer, keep squeezing the bottle or pressing the trigger until fluid enters the outlet.

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Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Wrap Up – How To Winterize A Pressure Washer

It’s been a long time since you last used your pressure washer, and it’s starting to show. You can’t keep up with all the dirt build-up because of the salt from the snow. 

The winter season is coming around quickly, so now would be a great time to follow these steps to winterize an electric or gas pressure washer properly!

Happy cleaning!

FAQs

Where to store it?

The ideal place to store your pressure washer is in a warm, dry place, like your connected garage or basement.

Should you buy a storage cover?

A storage cover protects your power washer from dust and rust. It costs around $20 on Amazon. I think it’s well worth it.

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Z Hashan

Z Hashan

I’m Z Hashan, an entrepreneur, but more importantly (well, to me at least), a tool head. I’m passionate about all sorts of machines and how they work – it’s in my blood.

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