How To Store Pressure Washer? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

A pressure washer storage tip can be just what you need. To begin, keep the gadget out of the elements by putting it away in a cool, dry place. Next, keep it away from any heat sources that could ignite the gasoline vapors or dry up the pump seals. This is the final step. A pump lubricant, antifreeze, or other lubricant is needed. Mineral deposits can also be accelerated by the use of a solution. Finally, use a pressure washer cover to keep the water out of the machine.

Additionally, if you plan to store your pressure washer for longer than thirty days, you should keep these precautions in mind as well.

With the pump and all other parts insulated, cold temperatures won’t cause additional harm. In addition, apply some fuel stabilizer to the pressure washer’s engine as you remove the water. This is just a brief overview, so please continue reading!

Winterize & Store Your Pressure Washer

Protect Your Engine

Take care of your Briggs & Stratton engine to ensure proper winterization of your pressure washer.

Stale gasoline can lead to component problems and expensive repairs in 30 days or less. Additionally, ethanol blends account for 90% of all gasoline marketed in the United States. In the fuel tank, ethanol-blends degrade relatively immediately, leading to corrosion, rust, and gun/varnish buildup. Use a pressure washer to circulate treated fuel through the fuel system after adding fuel treatment to clean, fresh fuel before filling the tank. 2 minutes of engine running is all it takes to get the gasoline stabilizer moving about. It is now time to turn off the pressure washer.

Flush Out the System

When storing a pressure washer, make sure there is no water left in the pump.

Using the low-pressure setting, operate the pressure washer for 2 minutes with an injection tube inserted into a clean water pail. You may also want to do an anti-freeze flush, depending on your environment and the model of your pressure washer. After that, shut off the water and the engine.

Squeeze the trigger on the spary pistol to release the trapped pressure. The spray gun’s trigger lock should now be engaged.

Maintain the Pump System

Move to a clean, dry area after removing all liquids from the pressure washer pump system. Make sure your eyes are protected by laying down a tarp. A garden hose (approximately one yard long) can be used to fill your pressure washer’s intake adaptor with pump saver oil. Keeping pistons and seals from drying out will help avoid corrosion, freeze damage, and rust.

The final step is to pull the recoil handle twice to complete the operation.

Storing Your Pressure Washer

Remove any filth, grime, and moisture before storing your pressure washer in a cold, dry location.

Check out Briggs & Stratton pressure washers for more information. See Pressure Washers 101.

Tips To Store Pressure Washer

Are you a resident of a place where the winters are long and cold? Draining the pressure washer of its remaining fuel is one option if that’s what you’re looking for. Secondly, a fuel stabilizer must be added to the mixture. Also, don’t forget to use the pump to add 1 part antifreeze and 1 part water. The water freezes and expands if it doesn’t. You’ll notice later that it’s already breaking the pump. Before putting the device away, unhook all of the device’s attachments. Place it in an area that is dry and cool. As a result, bring it out again in the next months of the year. Utilize the on-board storage as well.

Tips When Maintaining Pressure Washer On A Long-Term

There are long-term considerations to keep in mind. They are able to keep the pump and the engine in proper functioning order. Oil changes are required every fifty working hours, though. For more than a year, you should get rid of it. Maintaining proper lubrication and minimizing heat and friction are critical benefits of this oil change. The spark plugs in a gas-powered pressure washer need to be changed once a year in order for the pressure washer to start every time. Changing the oil and flushing the pump once a year is sufficient.

Preventative Measures To Keep In Mind

Here are a few things to keep in mind before putting the pressure washer to use.

#1. Making sure components work properly

Essential components should be checked for proper operation. Afterwards, inspect the air filters and clean them every four hours of work time. When you’ve reached 100, you should make a new one. Replace the paper filters with foam air filters and clean the foam air filters only. Make sure the pressure washer has enough fuel in the tank to work. Check the oil in the engine as well. There is a warning notice if it’s too dark. Inspect how often you have to change your oil. Replace it after every fifty hours of use.

#2. Ensuring the pump is working correctly and all other parts

After you’ve checked the engine, turn your attention to the pump to make sure it’s working properly. The oil level can be checked directly at the pump. After fifty hours of work, switch to a new one. Clear the in-line screen and the water inlet to make sure nothing else is clogging up the system. A flat tire may necessitate hauling the pressure washer around, so make sure the tires are properly inflated.

#3. Checking the different attachments

Now that the fundamental components are out of the way, you can focus on the other attachments. No leaks in the high-pressure hose are to be expected. Replace it if it is leaking with a PSI rating that is higher than the one it now has in order to prevent further leaks.

#4. Checking the connectors and couplers

Make that the wand’s connectors or couplers are in working order. If you notice any leaks, replace the O-rings with new ones. Before you clean the washer hose, give it a quick rinse with some water. As a result, bugs and other debris won’t be an issue.

#5. Run cleaning the water in the system

If you’re using detergent, run the water through the system for around two minutes. Reduce the stress on the design. After you’ve shut down the engine, pull the trigger on the rifle. Pull the recoil handle on the water pump to clear it.

Steps To Store Pressure Washer

So, where should I keep my pressure washer when it’s not in use? Getting your pressure washer ready for the next season involves the following four steps:

Step #1. Prepare to store the fuel system

Maintain the pressure washer’s gasoline before storing it long-term. Fuel that is stored for more than 30 days can pose a health risk, causing damage to critical components. Refill the fuel bottle with the remaining fuel. To prevent the gas from breaking down and clogging up its engine parts, add some fuel stabilizer. Run the stabilizer’s engine for ten minutes once it’s been added. The engine’s coolant should be able to freely flow through it. Preparation of gasoline can be kept for up to twenty-four months in a storage facility.

Step #2. Prepare to store the engine

Be sure to perform an oil change prior to storing the engine. Place a tbsp of fresh motor oil in its place after removing the spark plug. Make sure the cylinder is sprayed with the correct fogging agent. Repeatedly depress the recoil starter will disperse the oil in the cylinder. Pull the recoil slowly and replace the spark plug. Allow the cylinder to dry out completely before moving on to the next step.

Step #3. Change its oil

Oil changes are an integral part of the vehicle’s year-round maintenance. Doing so prevents corrosion and moisture buildup, which can lead to premature wear. After changing the oil, remove its spark plug. In the cylinder, add a spoonful of fresh engine oil. Then, repeatedly squeeze the recoil starter’s trigger. Fill the cylinder with oil and distribute it evenly. While slowly pulling the recoil, replace the spark plug. Remember to keep the cylinder dry by waiting until you can feel the resistance. Make sure you use the right type of pressure washer pump oil.

Step #4. Prepare to store the pump

Turn off the engine, the water supply, and the fuel supply. Take care when positioning the spray gun. Then, squeeze its trigger to relieve the pressure that has been trapped inside the device. Afterwards, disconnect the spray gun’s drain water and hoses. Also, remove any liquids from the pump. Repeat this procedure six times to flush out the pump of fluid. Before you do anything else, make sure to winterize your pressure washer pump.

Preparing your power washer for winter isn’t difficult, but it’s necessary to keep it running smoothly.

Knowing how to correctly store a pressure washer is an important part of having one. This normally signifies winter for the majority of us. Depending on where you live, this could mean anything from a few days to many weeks for those who live in more temperate climes.

This is a chore that many pressure washer owners despise, and unfortunately, a large number of them simply disregard it. Pressure washers, on the other hand, require only a few minutes of rest and preparation before they can get back into action.

But why bother with winterizing your pressure washer in the first place?

It’s still a good idea to winterize your pressure washer even if you keep it in a garage or shed and won’t be using it for several weeks. Insulation in garages and sheds is typically inadequate to withstand freezing temperatures.

Pressure washers can be damaged even if they are kept in a basement or adjacent garage where temperatures do not fall below freezing.

Dry rot and cracks in the pump system might occur as a result of prolonged storage at low temperatures. After around 30 days in the fuel system, gasoline begins to lose its freshness. Rust, corrosion, and accumulation can occur in the gasoline lines as a result of the ethanol in the fuel. Any remaining water in the machine has the potential to freeze, expand, and burst the water hoses within. Mold and mildew can grow, which eats away at the seals and clogs the lines, causing leaks and malfunctions.

And before you know it, you’ve got a dripping pressure washer that has to go in the trash. Pressure washers that have been neglected will not be covered by warranties. There are various pressure washers on the market that can cost as much as several hundred dollars.

Both electric and gas pressure washers need to be winterized, but the process for the former is more time intensive.

How to winterize a gas pressure washer in 5 easy steps

The instructions in your pressure washer’s owner’s handbook should be followed to the letter.

1. Purchase antifreeze and gasoline stabilizer (pump saver). Recommended brands can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
2. Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank of your vehicle. Run the engine for roughly two minutes to ensure that all of the components are properly circulating.
3. Tap water should be used to fill a clean bucket.
4. As you would ordinarily, connect a garden hose to the washer. Pour some water into the bucket and insert the detergent feed line. The pressure washer should be turned on. Let the low-pressure nozzle run until all detergent is flushed out of the system before shutting it off. Disconnect the garden hose from the mains water supply. Once again, press the trigger to flush the remaining water from the lines.
5. Disconnect and drain all hoses, guns, and extension cords of water. Using the manufacturer’s instructions on the can, add pump saver to the pump’s inlet. Make sure the washer is covered and stored in a location that is dry and clean.

A few pointers:

• Keep the spray gun’s trigger lock engaged to keep the valves open so it can drain completely.
• Remove any remaining water from your washing machine’s hoses by wiping them with a rag after you’ve drained them to prevent freezing or the growth of mildew.
• To clear the pump of any remaining water, pull the starter cord six times.
• Always follow the fuel recommendations in your owner’s manual, but use ethanol-free fuel whenever possible. Because many gas firms blend ethanol into conventional gasoline, it’s difficult to know if a particular batch contains any. In any case, that’s exactly what it should be called. If you must use standard fuel, look for 93 octane (premium), which has the least amount of ethanol.
• During the first start-up in the spring, use fuel stabilizer to maintain the fuel flowing smoothly throughout the season.

Winterize your electric pressure washer in 3 steps

Electric pressure washers are easier to winterize because they don’t have a fuel system to worry about. For this project, you’ll need access to hot, clean water and a container of pump saver.

1. Fill a five-gallon bucket halfway full of hot water. You can either fill your machine’s onboard detergent tanks with hot water, or put the detergent siphon hose in the hot water and let it do its work.
2. Turn on the water supply by connecting a garden hose to the faucet’s inlet. The pressure washer should be turned on. To remove any remaining detergent from the pipes, simply squeeze the trigger and let the machine run for up to two minutes. Pull the trigger once again after disconnecting the garden hose to ensure that all water has been removed from the system. Disconnect the trigger gun and wand, and allow them to dry out.
3. Per the manufacturer’s instructions, add antifreeze to the washer’s pump system and keep it in a dry, safe place.

A few pointers:

• Turn on the pressure washer and rock it back and forth for about 10 seconds after all the hoses have been removed. Any remaining water in the system will be flushed out this way.
• Try to keep the pressure washer inside your home in a basement or attached garage, where it will be protected from freeze damage because of its light weight and lack of gas.

How to use pump saver

Regardless of which brand you use, you must attach the bottle to the water inlet before you can use it (where you attach the garden hose). Squeezing the bottle is often the norm (or trigger on a can). Do this 4 or 5 times, using roughly one-third of the bottle or can. This pushes the pump saver through the pump system until you can see it coming out of the water exit.

Just keep squeezing the bottle or trigger on an electric pressure washer until the fluid comes out of the outlet.

Don’t forget the cover!

Keeping your pressure washer dry and free of debris is easy with a storage cover. To protect your pressure washer from the sun and rain, as well as bird excrement, you’ll need a cover for it to be kept outside.

Polyethylene, a water-resistant layer made of cloth (typically canvas or polyester), protects them from moisture damage while allowing them to breathe. It’s possible that they’re water-resistant, water-repellent, or even waterproof. As a general rule, the more waterproof the cover is, the better off you’ll be.

Although many coverings are one-size-fits-all, measuring your own body is a good idea just in case. You want a snug fit that doesn’t show anything. A tarp or BBQ grill cover can be used in a pinch if you make a few minor alterations.

It’s A Wrap!

You’ve now learned how to store a pressure washer, which emphasizes maintaining it in a dry and cool environment. Protect it from accumulating moisture by covering it. To ensure that your pressure washer lasts for a long time, follow the rest of the instructions. To learn more about why your pressure washer won’t start or how to start a pressure washer, do some research first.