Winterizing your power washer is a crucial step to protect it from damage caused by freezing temperatures, ensuring its longevity and readiness for the next season. The process primarily involves stabilizing the fuel, draining all water, and protecting the pump with a specialized solution.
Neglecting to winterize your power washer can lead to costly repairs. Here's why it's essential:
- Freeze Protection: Water left in the pump, hoses, or spray gun can freeze, expand, and crack components like the pump manifold, rendering your unit useless.
- Prevent Corrosion: Stagnant water can lead to rust and corrosion on internal parts, especially if it contains minerals.
- Extend Lifespan: Proper winterization prevents wear and tear, significantly extending the life of your power washer.
- Easy Start-Up: A well-winterized unit is much more likely to start up smoothly when you're ready to use it again in warmer weather.
Essential Supplies for Winterizing
Before you begin, gather these items:
- Fuel Stabilizer (for gasoline models)
- Pump Saver/Pump Protector Solution
- Clean Rags
- Empty Fuel Container (if draining fuel)
- Funnel
- Engine Oil (if performing an oil change)
- Spark Plug Wrench (optional, for engine protection)
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Power Washer
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your power washer is fully protected:
Step 1: Safety First
Always prioritize safety. Ensure the power washer is turned off and completely cooled down. For gasoline models, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
Step 2: Prepare the Fuel System (for Gasoline Models)
This step is vital for preventing gumming and corrosion in the fuel system. You have two primary options:
- Option A: Fuel Stabilizer
- Add a high-quality fuel stabilizer to the gas tank according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Start the engine and let it run for 5-10 minutes. This circulates the stabilizer through the carburetor and fuel lines, protecting them from ethanol and preventing fuel degradation.
- Turn off the engine and the fuel valve (if applicable).
- Option B: Drain All Fuel
- Place an approved fuel container under the carburetor's drain plug or disconnect the fuel line to drain all gasoline.
- Run the engine until it sputters and dies, ensuring all fuel is expelled from the lines and carburetor.
- Dispose of the drained fuel properly.
Step 3: Drain and Protect the Water System
This is the most critical step to prevent freeze damage to the pump.
- Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect all hoses, including the garden hose from the water inlet and the high-pressure hose from the pump's outlet.
- Clear Hoses: As noted in effective winterization practices, make sure that the hose is clear of water before storage. Elevate and drain them thoroughly.
- Expel Remaining Water from Pump: Briefly run the power washer for just a few seconds (without water connected) to expel any remaining water from the pump. Do not run it dry for more than 5 seconds to avoid damage.
- Apply Pump Saver: Now, it's time to protect the pump. Attach your pump saver to the water inlet on the pump. A pump saver, also known as pump protector or antifreeze, contains a mixture of lubricants and anti-freeze agents that prevent freezing, inhibit corrosion, and lubricate the pump's internal components.
- Run Pump Saver: Turn the pump saver to the 'on' position and run it until the solution begins to exit the high-pressure outlet. This indicates that the pump's internal parts are thoroughly coated with the protective solution.
- Drain Accessories: Disconnect the spray gun and wand, and ensure they are drained of any water.
Step 4: Protect the Engine (Optional but Recommended)
For maximum protection, consider these steps:
- Change Engine Oil: If it's time for an oil change, performing it before storage ensures the engine sits with fresh, clean oil.
- Cylinder Lubrication: Remove the spark plug, add a small amount (about a tablespoon) of clean engine oil into the cylinder, then gently pull the recoil start cord a few times to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug. This prevents rust on the cylinder walls.
Step 5: Clean and Store
- Clean Exterior: Wipe down the exterior of your power washer to remove dirt and grime.
- Organize Hoses and Accessories: Coil your hoses neatly and store all accessories (nozzles, wand, gun) in a safe place.
- Storage Location: Store your power washer in a dry, temperate area where it won't be exposed to freezing temperatures or extreme humidity. A garage, shed, or basement is ideal.
Following these steps will ensure your power washer remains in excellent condition, ready for action when the warmer weather returns.
