Preparing Your Pressure Washer for Winter

After a successful summer full of power washing projects, you begin to feel the chill in the air as fall starts blowing in. Once again, it's time to safeguard and winterize your pressure washer.

How to Winterize a Pressure Washer

The following quick and easy steps need to be taken each time your machine is stored for more than 30 days. You could break your pump, damage internal components, or worse if ignored.

1. Stabilize the Gasoline

It's important to add Fuel Stabilizer to the fuel tank to make sure the gas doesn't clog the fuel lines during storage. Add the stabilizer according to the manufacturer's directions. Run the engine for 2 minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the fuel system, then shut it down.

Fuel stabilizer needs to be added to the fuel when it is purchased.  Adding fuel-stabilizer to fuel that has been sitting in the pressure washer for over 30 days will not preserve the gasoline. The stabilizer only preserves the condition the fuel is in when it is applied.

2. Flush Out Remaining Water

All water and leftover detergent must be flushed from the system. Place the injection tube of your power washer into a bucket of clean water. Run the unit in a low-pressure setting for a minute or two, then turn off the engine and water supply.

Squeeze the trigger of the spray gun to relieve any trapped pressure and set the lock. Disconnect and dry all attachments, putting them away in their proper place. There may still be leftover water in the pump. This can be taken care of by pulling the recoil handle a few times.

3. Add Pump Saver

Lastly, you'll need to add pump saver. Pump Saver prohibits moisture from forming in the pump, preventing it from freezing. It also allows for easy starting post-storage and prevents mineral deposits from developing.

Apply the pump saver through the garden hose inlet on your pump to fill the chamber. Allow it to stay there all winter and drain it in the spring.