Before you store your pressure washer for the winter, it’s important to prepare it to prevent unnecessary damage and ensure the equipment is ready to go when the weather warms. Power washers in cold climates are particularly susceptible to the damage that freezing weather can cause, making pressure washer winterization a necessity.
TIPS FOR POWER WASHER WINTERIZATION
Antifreeze: When winterizing power washers, use non-toxic automotive antifreeze to prevent components within the washer from freezing and breaking. Remove the pressure washer’s regular hose and replace it with a 3-foot section of garden hose. Mix equal parts water and antifreeze and pour down the hose and into the pump. Start up the pressure washer and hold the trigger for a couple of minutes or until the antifreeze mix starts to come out of the pump outlet. Stop the machine, but continue to pull the trigger to release the pressure within it.
Hoses: Leave the hoses disconnected from the washer over the winter, and remove any residual cleaning solutions before storing them.
Gasoline: Drain all the gasoline from the power washer’s tank, carburetor and fuel lines. Alternatively, you can fill the tank almost full of gas and add a vehicle fuel stabilizer. If you choose the latter option, run the power washer for a few minutes so the fuel stabilizer can circulate throughout the various components.
Oil: Change the oil, oil filter and fuel filter so sludge doesn’t build up over the winter.
Battery: Disconnect the battery so it doesn’t slowly discharge.
Lubricant: After removing the spark plugs, spray a lubricant into the carburetor and cylinders. Let the engine turn over so the components get well coated.
Pump saver: Add a pump saver to the water pump to prevent the pistons, manifold and pump seals from cracking
