Preventive maintenance of pressure washers is crucial.
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your pressure washer and accessories will extend its life and help avoid performance problems. Maintenance of pressure washers may vary with the type and model of the unit. Generally, gasoline-powered pressure washers usually require more maintenance than their counterpart electric pressure washers.
In fact, according to Sun Joe pressure washer reviews, Sun Joe is the best power washer for home, and this only requires minimal maintenance. It is also easily included on the list of the best electric pressure washer for cars.
It is therefore important to check the brand or the operator’s manual in order to learn about the maintenance schedule for your unit and the steps involved.
Below are some tips on how to do pressure washer maintenance.
Pressure Washer Maintenance Before Use
- Check the Engine Oil and Fuel levels
Before each use, you should examine the oil level of your pressure washer. It is recommendable to change the oil regularly, preferably every month. This will keep the pump running smoothly. Oil in the engine is likely to pick up debris and dirt, making it thick and ineffective. The color for fresh oil is golden while stale oil is dark in color.
To change the engine oil and fuel, tilt the power washer forward in order to collect the used oil. Tilt it back and add the oil. Just make sure not to overfill. You may also want to check for bubbles or whitish color in the removed oil. This shows that water may be leaking into the oil or the seal is blown.
- Check the Inlet Filter
It is advised to check the inlet filter for dirt and debris. The inlet filters play an important in preventing dirt, debris, and other contaminants from entering in your pressure washer. You can simply wash the filter after every four hours of use. However, if it is damaged or cannot be washed without getting damaged, replace it.
After cleaning the filter, dry it and saturate with the engine oil before reinstalling.
- Clean the Water Inlet Screen
Prior to use, examine the water inlet screen and see if there is any dirt or debris buildup. If you find it dirty, wash it out with clean water and allow it to dry thoroughly. If it is damaged, replace it before returning it to the pressure washer.
- Examine the Hose and O-ring
Inspect the washer’s hose to see if there are cuts, leaks, abrasions, or any other damages. You should check the hose connections for damage or wear. If you find any damage to the hose, be sure to replace it.
O-rings, which are located on the ends of the washer, can also wear down. When this happens, you are likely to experience leakage or even injury during use. Replace it if it is damaged.
- Check the Nozzle and Spray Gun
The nozzle, which is located at the end of the wand, should be examined to ensure that it is locked securely. Checking for dirt and debris on the nozzles is also very important. Clogging of the nozzle could result in permanent damage. Ensure that there is no clogging so that you can have the right spray angle.
Additionally, check the spray gun by pulling the trigger to see if it’s sturdy. If it does not return to its normal position, be sure to replace it.
Clogged nozzles will not do the job right.
Pressure Washer Maintenance After Use
After you are done using your pressure washer, you need to store it properly.
- Rinse the Detergent
After cleaning the pressure washer, rinse off with clean water. Detach the detergent siphoning tube and run clean water through the system for about two minutes. Then shut down the engine and turn off the water supply.
- Reduce Pressure in the Unit
The next step is to relieve pressure from the washer. After turning off the unit, press the spray gun until the water in the line stops flowing. Also, remove the remaining water from the pump. To do this, pull the recoil handle 6 times for gasoline-powered pressure washers. For electric pressure washers, turn it on until all the remaining water in the pump’s water outlet is removed.
Then fit the trigger lock into place and allow your unit to cool down before storing it in a cool and well-ventilated area.
Always relieve pressure and water from the unit before storage.
Conclusion
For effective and thorough cleaning, you should always care for your pressure washer. Taking preventive pressure washer maintenance will also extend the life of your unit and save you money in the long run. Use the above maintenance procedures to care for your pressure washer.
