To keep your pressure washer running smoothly and performing its function well, you must know how to maintain a pressure washer.
Isn’t there anything more frustrating than washing your car only to find out your pressure washer didn’t bother to throw the pressure you required? And then suddenly, you get an important call telling you that you need to go somewhere.
But your car isn’t ready yet, and it isn’t looking as if it will be in the next few minutes. What will be your reaction? Bashing your pressure washer now? But what if it is your fault?
Obviously, you do not want your pressure washer to break down while you are working. But, this may happen if you do not maintain and get your pressure washer regularly serviced.
Therefore, to avoid any inconveniences, ensure that your pressure washer is well-maintained and properly serviced regularly.
Maintain Your Pressure Washer For A Long Life
As with any machine, a pressure washer also requires maintenance to keep it running smoothly and performing its function well. You should change the filters when necessary and change the oil after 50-75 hours, depending on your use.
This article covers all the important points required to maintain your pressure washer so that it keeps working for a longer period.
The following article offers comprehensive instructions for performing scheduled maintenance, including over-the-period maintenance, and provides extra tips for servicing gas pressure washers and electric pressure washers without calling a service technician.
But most importantly, it is advised to use your pressure washer with utmost care and handle it properly to get its benefits over a long time.
Before we get started, let’s discuss some of the benefits of routine maintenance and checkups.
Benefits of A Routine Maintenance Or Regular Checkups
Keep an eye on your pressure washer and examine it regularly to get the following benefits along with the peace of mind:
Avoid Repairs To Save Money.
Regular cleanings and maintenance help your pressure washer last longer. In addition, its mechanical parts are less prone to breakage and damage when they are properly maintained and serviced. This way you can limit the chances of repairs.
Prevents Breakdowns/Malfunctioning In The Middle Of Your Work
Checking the machine on a regular basis ensures the good operation of any electric or gas-powered machine. If there is a breakage or possibility of damage, you can repair it prior to beginning the pressure washing task. It will not disturb you in the middle of your work.
Avoiding Inconvenience
Inconvenience is inevitable if you have a broken pressure washer or any of its parts. You will have to take it to a repair shop or wait for your ordered parts to arrive.
Avoid the inconvenience and keep your pressure washer in good working order by regular checkups and maintenance.
Performance Assessment
Regular check-ups and maintenance are also crucial to ensure the performance of your pressure washer. It will let you know whether any parts are wearing out, or if they are going well.
Furthermore, it will allow you to see how much run time is spent by any of its parts.
Types Of Pressure Washer Maintenance
1. Before Use Check-Up
You should check your pressure washer before you start pressure washing. This will ensure that it works smoothly and it does not break down in the middle of your work. Check out the following:
- Engine oil & fuel Level
- Check Spark plug for erosion and corrosion
- Always Check for any debris in the lines
- Check for clogging
- Deeply check every connection
- Check pressure hose
- Examine the pressure gun and lance
- Check for detergent system
- Check the Water In the system
Engine Oil & Fuel Level
Make sure the gas engine’s oil and fuel levels are correct. A low level of oil can cause damage to internal parts of the engine to great extent. And low fuel can cause disruption in the middle of your work.
Always check the spark plug of the engine of the pressure washer to safely start it and for high efficiency of the engine.
Check Inlet Screen For any Debris
If any debris is found in the screen filter of the pressure washer’s garden hose inlet, remove it with water, or if found damaged, replace it.
Check For Clogging
You must check the in-line screen filter and clean it with water if it is clogged or replace it if it is damaged.
Check Connections
Observe all connections before using a pressure washer. Ensure that the connections of the wand extension, spray gun and nozzles are secure.
Check Pressure Hose
Pressure hoses bear all the pressure and blast dirt, grime, and tough stains with their power, so always check for any crack, damage, cut, leak, etc. on your pressure hose.
The O-Rings at both ends of the pressure hose play important role in perfect leak-proof connections. Check the O-rings for any wear and tear and replace them in case of any damage to protect against any leakage.
Examine The Pressure Gun
In order for the pump’s safety to be ensured, the trigger lock and the spray gun must be in working condition.
Check For Detergent System
Always check the siphoning tube of the detergent system or the pipes connected to the detergent tank for any clogging or damage.
Check the Water In the system
Always check whether there is adequate water in the source or not. The shortage of motors can cause extreme damage to the pump.
2. After Use Maintenance / Checkups
After completing the washing task, follow the tips provided below to ensure that your pressure washer is ready for your next perfect wash.
- Switch off your power washer
- Remove Detergent Residue
- Cut the Built-in Pressure
- Remove and Disconnect all the connections
- Activate trigger lock
- Completely drain the pump
- Get rid of the debris
- Keep it safe
Switch off your power washer
Disconnect the water source from your pressure washer at the end of every use. Unplug it to avoid any injury loss or damage to your pressure washer.
Remove Detergent Residue
Remove any detergent residue from the pressure washer. Then, run clean water through the detergent tank to wash it thoroughly. If you are using a separate detergent source, remove the siphoning tube and clean it with water.
Cut the Built-in Pressure
Once the pressure washer has been shut off, keep the pressure gun in place until no water comes out.
Remove and Disconnect all the connections
Remove the spray gun, wand extension, garden hose, nozzle, high-pressure hose, or anything which you have connected. Dry them out after draining the excess water in them.
Activate trigger lock
After every use of the pressure washer, it’s important to activate the trigger clock to prevent it from being released by accident.
Completely drain the pump
This is the most important step to ensure the safety of the pump of the pressure washer.
- For gas pressure washer:
If you have a gas pressure washer, pull the engine recoil cord 4 to 5 times so that the extra water accumulated in the pump comes out completely.
- For electric pressure washer:
Turn on the unit without a water source so that the water in the pump exits completely.
Note: Shut down the pressure washer immediately when there is no water coming out.
Get rid of the debris
Make sure the pressure washer is free of any dirt, filth, and debris so that it would not interfere with the function of your pressure washer in the future.
Keep it safe
Always keep your pressure washer in a well-ventilated space. Keep it away from rain, sun, and snow. Moreover, keep it out of the reach of children.
3. Regular Engine Checkups – Periodic Maintenance
Air filters
It is that part of a pressure washer that needs to be checked frequently and more often. The air filter should be cleaned every 8 to 10 hours of operation.
For cleaning the air filter, take out the air filter and clean it. It should be tapped against the ground, brick, or any hard surface to remove the dirt accumulated inside.
It is necessary to clean the air filter every 90 to 100 hours.
Oil Check-Ups
The engine oil is necessary to eliminate friction and wear and tear inside the engine. You should consult the owner’s manual for the most appropriate oil changes.
However, it is generally prescribed to change engine oil after the first 3 to 5 hours of use. You should replace the engine oil again after 10 to 12 hours of use, then repeat this process again after completing 30 hours.
Afterward, you should continuously change the engine oil after every 20 to 25 hours of use.
How to change the oil
Always drain old oil when the engine is warm. This method will ensure that the old oil is completely drained. Then drain the oil into an empty box or pan. Fill the oil reservoir of the engine with the new recommended engine oil and don’t overfill it.
4. Maintenance For Storage
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly maintain and store your pressure washer:
Release pressure:
Before storing your pressure washer, make sure to release any built-up pressure in the system. You should do this by turning off the machine and squeezing the trigger to release any remaining pressure.
Disconnect hoses and attachments:
Now remove any hoses, nozzles, and attachments from your pressure washer. Clean and dry them thoroughly before storing them separately.
Drain the water:
Drain any remaining water from the pressure washer by removing the inlet hose and letting the water drain out. This will protect your pressure washer’s inner parts from rusting.
Flush the system:
Flush out the system with a cleaning solution to remove any debris or residue that may have built up during use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning solution.
Rinse and dry:
After flushing the system, rinse it thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely. Make sure that all the parts are dry before storing.
Lubricate:
If your pressure washer has any moving parts, such as pumps or pistons, lubricate them with the recommended lubricant before storing them.
Fuel treatment:
If your pressure washer runs on gasoline, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent the gas from going stale and causing problems when you next use the machine.
Store properly:
Now store the pressure washer in a dry, cool, and protected area.
Cover it with a tarp or plastic sheet to prevent dust, dirt, and moisture from getting in. It’s also a good idea to store it in an upright position to prevent any oil or fuel from leaking out
