Don’t know how to maintain a pressure washer the right way? Here are some before & after tips to take care of your pressure washer to live long and perform better.
When tackling cleaning jobs that involve dirt, grime, mud, mold, and other forms of filth, pressure washers are bound to take a beating. Therefore, it is essential to learn some pressure washer tips that will help you prolong the life of your pressure washer.
If you want your pressure washer to serve you for several more years, follow the pressure washer maintenance tips outlined in this guide. We look at some of the maintenance routines you need to complete before and after using your pressure washer and how to store it for long periods, such as during the winter.
Pressure Washer Maintenance: 9 Things to Do Before Using a Pressure Washer
Always take time to inspect your pressure washer before every use. Here is a checklist of things you should do before use;
- Examine the tires. For pneumatic tires, their ideal air pressure is about 15 and 25 PSI, so ensure they are filled up.
- Next, ensure the water inlet screen is not clogged or damaged. It is located near the garden hose and helps filter out debris and impurities. If clogged, flush it with clean water, and if damaged, replace it.
- Repeat step two with all connectors and accessories. Clogged outlets lead to a build-up of pressure within the pressure washer and may cause damage.
- Inspect the high-pressure hose and ensure that it is not damaged or leaking.
- Next, check whether the detergent setup is clogged with residual detergent. If so, flush it with clean water.
- For gas-powered pressure washers, inspect the oil and fuel levels. Refill the fuel tank if it’s low and replace the old engine oil per the instruction manual.
- Next, make sure the O-rings are in good condition. They are located in the spray wand. If dirty, clean them and replace them if damaged to prevent water leaks.
- Ensure all connections are secure. This includes the spray gun, the spray tips, and the high-pressure hose.
- Lastly, flush the garden hose of impurities and debris before connecting it to the washer.
Important Note
Please read & Follow the instruction manual carefully before using a pressure washer. This ensures the safety of the operator and the machine itself.
7 Things to do after using a Pressure Washer
You should always follow the following steps after pressure cleaning to prolong the lifespan of your washer;
- The first step is to switch off the washer to ease pressure from the machine and to avoid unnecessary damage or injury when storing the washer. For electric washers, make sure they are unplugged from the power supply.
- When off, take out the detergent system. Store the remaining detergent in another container and then flush it with water.
- Next, flush the detergent injection tubes thoroughly with water to remove any residue detergent and prevent clogging in the tubes.
- Rinse off all grime and impurities left in the pressure washer to leave it ready for the next use.
- Turn off the water supply and drain the water in the pressure washer by pressing the spray trigger until all the water is discharged. If water is left in the washer, it will form a breeding ground for flies, insects, bacteria, and mold.
- Disconnect all the connectors and accessories.
- Lastly, find a suitable place to store the washer and its accessories. The location should be secure, away from the kids’ play area, and protected from environmental factors such as direct sunlight, rain, and snow.
6 Important Routine Pressure Washer Maintenance Tips
Below are some of the routine maintenance checks you should embrace to ensure your pressure washer is always operating at optimum levels;
- Lubricating all the interconnecting pieces. This includes the spray gun, extension wand, and the high-pressure hose. Lubrication protects the connection points of these items from wear and tear due to friction.
- Inspect the cooling vents of your washer and get rid of any debris that might be lodged in the vents for better ventilation and air circulation within your washer. When pressure washing, the impact of water lodges dirt in the vents, thereby blocking air circulation.
- Cleaning the spray tips and quick-connect nozzles to eliminate debris that may hinder the water outflow.
- Inspecting for damaged O-rings in the water inlet and outlet connection points and replacing them to make your washer air and water-tight. Installing new O-rings will prevent water from leaking and hence produce maximum pressure.
- Examine the muffler on your gas-powered washer to ensure that nothing is blocking the discharge of exhaust fumes.
- For electric-powered washers, ensure the machine is well-insulated and its spark arrestor functions correctly to prevent short circuits.
Important Tip
If your pressure washer is not functioning correctly, please do not attempt to repair it yourself unless you have found the problem. Some minor problems can be repaired without any expert guidance. But for significant issues, claim your warranty or consult the local mechanic near you.
Long-Term Pressure Washer Storage Tips
When the winter period arrives, and you want to store your pressure washer for months at a time, you should follow the following tips to ensure it is ready for subsequent use:
- Follow the regular maintenance routine after using the pressure washer, then continue with step two below.
- If you own a gas-powered pressure washer, drain the gas or treat it with a fuel stabilizer to preserve it for months.
- Next, run the engine until all the fuel is consumed and the engine stalls.
- Smear the pump, seals, and pistons with antifreeze/lubricant to protect them from corrosion caused by mineral deposits during winter.
- Find a suitable place to store the pressure washer. The ideal location should be far away from a kid’s playground and sheltered from environmental extremes such as strong winds, direct sunlight, rain, and snow.
- Round up all the accessories and store them with the pressure washer. Most electric pressure washers have an inbuilt storage space that allows users to store the washer’s electric cord. As for the high-pressure hose reel, you can round it up neatly and hang it around one of the push handles of the washer for tidy storage.
- Place a cover on the washer to protect it from moisture, dust, cobwebs, etc.
- Please note that if you did not treat or drain the gas in your gas pressure washer, the fuel might be contaminated after a long period.
Important Point
Besides the above points, it is mandatory to follow your machine’s user manual for long-term storage of your pressure washer. This ensures long-term usability without lag and saves you from dealing with repair hassles.
Final Words: How to Maintain a Pressure Washer?
As you can see, some maintenance needs vary between the different power trains of pressure washers. Therefore, always refer to your washer’s instruction manual for specialized maintenance guidelines for your model of pressure washer.
That said, upholding good maintenance habits, such as cleaning your pressure washer and its accessories before and after every use, will prolong your pressure washer’s lifespan.
The tips above will ensure that your pressure washer’s performance remains at peak levels and will keep you from spending money on repairs and spare parts.
