by Nancy Ondra
Performing regular checks and routine maintenance on your pressure washer protects your investment and can save you money on repair parts and services.
Before Each Use of Your Pressure Washer
A few simple pre-spraying checks help ensure that your pressure-washing job goes safely and smoothly. Refer to the owner's manual of your pressure washer for additional checks that apply to your brand and model.
Clean it up. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any caked-on dirt or debris. Wipe the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.
Look it over. Carefully inspect all of the hoses, screens, O-rings and other parts for cracks, damage and signs of wear. Replace any damaged parts before using.
Test the trigger. Examine the spray gun and nozzle extension for leaks, and make sure the hose connection to the spray gun is secure. Test the trigger by releasing the trigger lock or safety latch and pressing on the trigger. If you can press the trigger without releasing the lock or latch, or if it does not spring back into place when you let it go, replace the spray gun immediately.
Check the oil and fuel. Use the dipstick to check the engine oil level and add more if it is low. Add more unleaded gasoline to the fuel tank if needed.
Connect the hoses and nozzles. Let water run through your garden hose before attaching it to the pressure washer to flush out any debris. Attach all hoses on your pressure washer and turn on the water supply before starting the engine.
While You're Pressure Washing
If you run your pressure washer for more than a few minutes without pressing the trigger on the spray gun, the re-circulating water can get very hot. The heat opens a relief valve that releases some water onto the ground to prevent the pump from overheating. It's best to turn the engine off if you won't be spraying within 5 minutes.
To add more fuel to your pressure washer during a cleaning job, turn off the engine and let it cool for at least 2 minutes before slowly loosening and removing the fuel cap. Add fresh unleaded gasoline. Don't overfill the tank; there needs to be some space for the fuel to expand. If any fuel spills, let it evaporate before restarting the engine.
After Pressure Washing
Spend a few minutes on routine maintenance after each use so your pressure washer is ready to go the next time you need it. Here are some basic steps. Check the owner's manual for additional tasks that apply to your model.
Flush the system. Before turning off the engine, spray any remaining detergent out of the system until clear water comes out. If you leave a cleaning solution in your pressure washer between uses, solid sediments or minerals can settle out of the solution and possibly damage your pump or clog the spray nozzle.
Release the pressure. Shut off the engine and turn off the water supply. Point the spray gun in a safe direction, release the trigger lock or safety latch and squeeze the trigger to release any pressure left in the system.
Drain the system. Let the engine cool and then disconnect the water-supply hose. Also disconnect the high-pressure hose from the spray gun and the high-pressure outlet on the pump. Drain the water from the hoses, spray gun and nozzle extension. Put away the accessories. Inspect the high-pressure hose for signs of damage before hanging it up for storage.
Empty the pump. Make sure the throttle is in the 'Off' setting and then clear any remaining fluid from the pump by pulling the recoil handle several times. Store your pressure washer in a dry place.
Routine Maintenance
Before adjusting, repairing or transporting your pressure washer, prevent accidental starting by disconnecting the spark plug wire and placing it where it cannot contact the spark plug.
At least once a year, clean or replace the spark plug and air filter and change the engine oil. Refer to the owner's manual for your pressure washer's engine for more routine maintenance tasks specific to your brand and model.
Preparing Your Pressure Washer for Long-Term Storage
If you won't be using your pressure washer again for at least a month, take a few steps to protect the pump and engine.
Protect the fuel system. To prevent deposits from forming in the fuel system, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the engine for 2 minutes to circulate the stabilizer through the carburetor. If you don't add a stabilizer, drain any remaining fuel into an approved container and then run the engine until it stops.
Protect from freezing. If you can't store your pressure washer indoors in a dry, frost-free place, follow the instruction in the owner's manual for protecting the pump from freeze damage.
Solving Pressure Washer Problems
Most pressure-washing problems are relatively easy to fix yourself. For more detailed troubleshooting tips, refer to the owner's manual for your pressure washer. You can also ask a Manage My Life expert for advice.
Pulsation while spraying. A clogged spray tip causes the pump to work harder and can produce a pulsing sensation while you're squeezing the spray gun trigger.
- Turn off the engine and the water supply.
- Point the spray gun in a safe direction, press the trigger release or safety latch and squeeze the trigger to release the pressure in the system.
- Remove the spray tip and use a small paper clip to remove any debris that's clogging the opening.
Low water volume. A clogged spray tip is one possible cause. Inadequate water flow into the unit can also produce a weak spray.
- Shut down the engine and release the trapped pressure from the system.
- Disconnect the garden hose from the unit and run water through it to make sure it's not clogged.
- Also check the water inlet screen on your pressure washer and remove any debris.
- A hose that's too long can greatly reduce water pressure; replace it with one that is 50 feet long or shorter.
Detergent doesn't mix with spray. Make sure that the detergent shut-off valve is in the On position. Also, check the spray tip or setting you are using. Most pressure washers won't apply cleaning solutions unless you're using the detergent tip or a low-pressure setting.
Striping or streaking is evident after pressure washing. Using a too-high nozzle pressure setting for rinsing may damage the surface you're cleaning. Working too quickly, failing to keep a consistent distance from the cleaning surface and not using a steady, even, overlapping spray pattern can produce uneven cleaning results. To prevent streaking on vertical surfaces, apply the detergent from the ground up, and then rinse from the top down before the cleaning solution has a chance to dry.
Freelance writer Nancy Ondra gardens in Pennsylvania and blogs about her favorite plants at Hayefield.com.
Copyright 2012, Sears Brands, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
