Winter has just started, and it’s time to discover how to winterize a pressure washer, as this is an essential step to keep the washer in a good state for years. There are five easy steps that you can try. Since it can be done with a breeze, I’m sure it won’t be challenging for you.
Without a doubt, winterizing a pressure washer is just a matter of a few effortless steps. But, these easy and uncomplicated steps can make you free from the hassle of repairing it in the spring season as the warranty doesn’t cover the damage caused by improper storage.
Remember that the garages and sheds are not insulated enough to safeguard your pressure washer from freezing temperatures. My friends, there are more things that you should know, so without further ado, let’s start!
Why Winterizing A Pressure Washer Is Important?
The following points will guide you why winterizing a pressure washer is important:
#1. Water
If you leave water inside your washer during the whole winter, it freezes and expands as a result. That expansion can cause damage to hoses’ detergent lines. The freezing water could crack castings on the pressure washer.
#2. Oil
Oil plays a major role in keeping your pressure washer in its peak state. The freezing point will make the oil thick and useless as a lubricant. Know these things: what kind of oil for pressure washer pump and how to change oil in pressure washer.
#3. Gas
The leftover gas causes blockage in fuel lines and carburetors, and winterizing your pressure washer is the only solution to this problem. Click on this link to know how to drain gas from pressure washers.
Steps To Winterize A Pressure Washer
It is helpful to know the correct procedure for every chore we do in our daily life. This section of the article includes a five-step guide on how to winterize a pressure washer:
Step #1. Drain the water
First, you have to drain all the water from the pump. Disconnect the water supply line and high-pressure hose. Also, disconnect the high-pressure trigger gun. Make sure to drain all the water from hoses.
Step #2. Protect the water pump
There are two different methods to protect the pump from freezing.
Firstly, you have to pour RV antifreeze solution through a funnel connected to a hose in the pump. Pull the starter cord to run the water pump and dispose of the water inside the pump. Keep pulling until the thick solution comes outside.
Secondly, you need to attach a pump saver bottle to the water inlet valve through the connected hose and threaded end of the hose. Open the cap of the pump saver and press the button. The solution coming from the water outlet should be foamy to ensure that your pressure washer’s pump is safe.
Step #3. Protect the fuel tank
Again, there are two methods to protect the fuel tank from freezing during the winter season. The first one is the simplest and involves one step of fuel removal from the tank. The second is a bit more complicated and completes in a few steps. In this method, you have to add a fuel stabilizing solution in the tank instead of draining the fuel out. Some tools are needed during this process. These are containers, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and fuel line clamps.
You have to empty the fuel tank and carburetor of the pressure washer before mixing the stabilizer in the fuel. Firstly, locate the fuel line and open the clamp on it with the help of needle-nose pliers. Then, drain all the fuel inside a container after the hose is freed from the tank.
Disposing the fuel from the carburetor is simple too. Just remove the bowl and dump all the gasoline inside a can. Alternatively, you have to open a drain screw from the front of the carburetor to drain the fuel. The application of these two different methods depends on the model of the pressure washer.
Step #4. Mix fuel stabilizer
After completing the steps mentioned above, it’s time to mix the fuel stabilizer solution in the drained fuel. Then, add that mixture to the fuel tank. Lastly, run the pressure washer to send the mixture to the carburetor.
Step #5. Protect the cylinder
Now it’s time to winterize the cylinder of the pressure washer. Arrange a pair of pliers and a socket with an extension to achieve the task. These tools will help you remove the spark plug and pour oil into the cylinder. Remove the spark plug with the pliers. Then place a socket with an extension on the bolt. Twist the extension to unscrew the bolt. Pour a few drops of 30 weight motor oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter cord to ensure that the oil has lubricated all cylinder parts.
Consider Winterizing Pressure Washer In Warmer Areas
You may want to store your pressure washer even if you live in a warm place or going out of the town for 30 or more days. You are winterizing not only protects the pump seals from drying but also increases the ability to use fuel. Detach all the hoses from the pressure washer. Fit a hose on the water inlet with the help of a quick fitting. Attach a funnel on the other side of the hose. Pour some antifreeze solution into the funnel. Don’t forget to place a container or bucket in front of the water outlet hose. Pull the cord of the pump to drain the water outside.
The water coming from the pump will gather in the container. Keep pouring the solution until you see that only the solution is coming through the outlet. This indicates that all the water inside the pump has drained. Know the 9 ways to use a pressure washer that will blow your mind.
It’s A Wrap!
We are sure that your information has been updated on how to winterize a pressure washer. The convenient, easy, and systematic winterizing procedure is what you were looking for, and that’s it, you got that.