Whether use your pressure washer throughout the winter, or you store it, properly winterizing your machine is crucial. Not only does winterizing ensure that your pressure washer is in excellent working condition when you need it most, but it can help prevent damage to your machine’s components… damage that could result in costly repairs.
To help you protect and extend the life of your pressure washer we’ll explain why winterizing is so important and provide you with a few tips to make winterizing your machine quick and easy.
Why Winterize Your Pressure Washer?
In the Inland Northwest, where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, winterizing your pressure washer is incredibly important.
We can’t count how many times we’ve had to repair a pressure washer in the Spring that has suffered damage simply because it wasn’t properly winterized.
From cracked pump manifolds, plungers, and seals, to burst hoses and costly engine repair, pressure washer owners have racked up thousands of dollars’ worth of unexpected expenses from cold weather damages alone.
The simple fact is that all of this could have been easily prevented by taking the necessary steps to winterize.
Preparing Your Pressure Washer for Storage
Clean Your Machine
Give your pressure washer a thorough cleaning. Remove any dirt, grime, and build up from the exterior of your machine and make sure there is no debris in the filters, hoses, or other lines.
Not only is a clean machine easier to work on, but the buildup of grime can cause corrosion and rusting if left unattended over the winter months.
Protect Your Engine & Fuel System
Engine and fuel system damage such as rust, corrosion, and gunk build-up are just a few common problems that are caused by stale gasoline that is left to sit and break down in your engine and fuel system over the winter.
To avoid these problems, add a fuel treatment to your tank along with clean, fresh fuel. Then run the pressure washer for 2-3 minutes to distribute the stabilizer through your system.
Wait for the engine to cool and then siphon off the remaining gasoline into a clean, non-corrosive container to store for the winter.
Flush Your System of Residual Water & Detergent
The most expensive winter damage to pressure washers is typically caused by the freezing of residual water, detergent, and other fluids in your system.
To prevent freezing damage, first drain all chemical, float, and water tanks you may have on your machine. Then, connect an air compressor to the inlet to blow out the remaining liquid.
If you don’t have an air compressor, turn the pressure washer on at the lowest pressure and squeeze the trigger for 1-2 minutes to flush out the lines. Finally disconnect the gun, wand, and hose assemblies and drain the remaining liquid.
Even if you continue to use your machine throughout the winter, it’s recommended to flush out your machine after each use if left in a cold area overnight or longer.
It should also be noted that neither of these methods are guaranteed to remove 100% of liquids from your system. It is best practice to add wintering fluid or antifreeze to your machine after flushing.
Using OR Storing Your Pressure Washer
Protect Your Pump & Internal Components
We strongly recommend applying a bio-degradable antifreeze to your pressure washer to protect your pump and other vital internal components during the winter.
For smaller units, especially cold-water machines, Karcher’s Pump Guard Antifreeze is the perfect solution. It not only protects your pump from temperatures as low as -25° F, but also provides extra lubrication that prevents valves and seats from sticking, while protecting components from premature wear.
For larger units and hot water pressure washers, we recommend using our exclusive Winterizing Pail with winterizing fluid. This 5 gallon pail comes complete with hose and couplers that make it easy to run protective winter fluids through your pump, coil, and lines. Fluid refills are available throughout the winter at our Spokane, WA shop.
Proper Storage
Whether storing for the season, or just for the night, put your pressure washer in a clean, dry location that is protected from inclement weather when not in use. Lay a tarp or other covering over the machine to protect it from settling dust and debris.
If you live in an area where rodents are common, be sure to lay traps or other deterrents near your machine and close off any openings they can gain access to. Rodents move inside during the cold weather and like to chew on wires and make nests out of other components, including those on your pressure washer.
Things To Consider If Using Your Machine In Winter
Take Climate Into Account
Avoid operating your pressure washer in freezing temperatures. Be sure to take wind-chill into effect as well. Your pressure washer has a high likelihood to be damaged in temperatures below 32° F!
If you must use your pressure washer in below freezing temperatures, be sure to keep the water flowing at all times. Still water freezes quickly and can result in costly damages.
Safety First!
Operating your pressure washer in near or below freezing temperatures not only risks damage to your machine but creates safety hazards as well. Both hot and cold water can quickly turn into ice, creating hazardous surfaces for your employees and customers.
If you must use your pressure washer in these circumstances bring deicers or sand to help provide traction. The surface you are working on is almost guaranteed to become icy and dangerous.
Avoid Ice Damage
When pressure washing in freezing temperatures your water is sure to freeze! The added weight and pressure from the ice that forms can cause many surfaces to crack, break, or buckle.
Don’t risk the damage if you don’t have to. Wait until the Spring to clean if you can.