How To Winterize A Power Washer
Winterization is an essential winter preparation, especially if you want to preserve the lifespan of your outdoor machines, gizmos, and appliances. And with winter being just a few months away, now is an excellent time to start the process. But different gadgets such as power washers and sprinklers require different winterization steps. Keep reading to find out how to winterize a pressure washer.
Does a pressure washer need to be winterized?
Yes. Like other outdoor appliances and machines, you need to winterize your power washer to prevent it from breaking down. This entails emptying the gas tank and ensuring there is no water in the washer before storing it.
And as most manufacturers do not cover winter damage under their warranties, it is in your best interest to winterize your costly gadgets such as a pressure washer to prevent it from getting damaged.
How do you drain gas from a pressure washer?
Open the gas chamber and process to pout its content into a container for storage or disposal. If you intend to save the fuel, then be sure to add antifreeze into it and shake well to distribute it evenly. This will help to stabilize the fuel and prevent it from degrading due to freezing and thawing.
If the gas is usable in other winter-proof machinery, then you can go ahead and use it. Make sure you drain all the fuel from the washer to prevent the leftover fuel from cracking the fuel tank due to expansion and contraction caused by freezing action.
Can I use RV antifreeze in my pressure washer?
Yes. You can use RV antifreeze in a pressure washer. Seeing as the fuel used in machine motors’ is similar to that used in RV’s the same product used in RVs can work in pressure washers. However, you need to consider one factor.
If you have a diesel-powered pressure washer, then you can use an RV antifreeze designed to be used with diesel. Alternatively, if your washer uses gasoline, then you need antifreeze intended to be used for gasoline-powered motors.
This is because the chemical composition of the antifreeze for diesel engines and motors is different from the chemical composition of the motor that uses diesel—as such, using the wrong antifreeze may lead to a chemical reaction that may damage the washer’s motor.
Do I need a fuel stabilizer for my pressure washer?
It depends on whether you intend to leave fuel in the pressure washer’s gas tank or you intend to drain it. If you want to leave gas in the washer, then you need to get pressure washer antifreeze to stabilize the fuel.
It also prevents the gas tank from rusting due to corrosion by water molecules in the fule once it degrades and separates.
How to store a pressure washer
Once you have finished handling the pressure washer’s fuel chamber, you need to ensure that you drain all the water from the pressure washers pipe to prevent cracking. Run clean water through the pipe to remove any soap residue. Do this for at least to minutes to ensure all the soap is removed from the hose.
Then proceed to dry all the past of the washer that comes into contact with water
thoroughly. Water is the leading cause of winter damage on power tools and appliances, due to the contraction and expansion of materials when they freeze.
You can also place your washer in a thick bag as a way of isolating it. This will minimize the chances of any water or fuel in the washer from freezing.
If possible, place your washer inside a storage cabinet or on a dry surface to reduce the chances of freezing. If you do not have access to a garage or shed, you can store the washer in your attic or basement. As long as it is well insulated and properly winterized, it should survive the winter without breaking down.
You can also invest in a protective cover for the washer, such as a pressure washer pump protector to ensure your washer is adequately insulated.
How to de-winterize a pressure washer
Once winter is over, you need to run diagnostics on your pressure washer to confirm that it did not get ruined during winter. Start by adding gasoline in the gas tank if it is gas-powered. Or simply plug it into an electric outlet is if it is an electric-powered washer.
Then connect the water hose to a water outlet and proceed to test the washer. Check for water pressure and leakages to ensure the pipes were not compromised and the. Also, inspect the trigger gun and the nozzle to ensure they are working correctly.
Be on the lookout for any strange noises produces by the washer, as this may be an indication of a larger problem. You may need to let it run for a while to give the fuel a chance to circulate through the entire motor before you can access its performance.
And finally, check the rubber seals and other peripheral parts to ensure they are all working fine. If you notice anything out of the ordinary with the washer, fix it immediately before the issue becomes severe, and force you to spend a lot of cash trying to fix your power washer.