how to winterize a pressure washer

Tools required

• Empty oil pan
• Large funnel
• A medium-sized plastic food container
• Siphon pump
• Medium-slanted oil funnel
• A socket wrench whose socket matches your drain plug bolt
• Small, clear, shallow plastic container
• A two-foot hose with one side standard hose threads and no fitting on the other.

Materials required

• A bottle of plumbing antifreeze
• A bottle of fuel stabilizer
• motor oil or whatever oil your pressure washer owner’s manual recommends

Steps you must take to winterize a pressure washer

#1 Drain the reservoir completely

The freeze/thaw cycles during winter can cause any remaining liquid to expand and contract, potentially damaging a pump beyond repair. Do not leave any liquids or cleaning solutions in the plumbing or tank. Turn the pressure washer on for about a minute at minimum pressure and squeeze the trigger to flush any soap or water out of the supply lines.

#2 Blow out plumbing and hose lines

Drain as much liquid as you can by disconnecting the high-pressure hoses, the spray gun, and the wand assembly. To prevent components from freezing, think about flushing the system with a little amount of antifreeze before winter.  You can use an air compressor to blow out any retaining fluid.

#3 Clean

To avoid rust and maintain the new appearance of your pump system and housing, wipe away all visible dust, debris, and filth from all exterior surfaces and nooks using a moist cloth. Remove the pump filters and clean any particles from the filter bowl or strainer. Make sure there is no residue on the metal mesh screen. Disassemble the nozzles and clean the orifice, removing any deposits to prevent corrosion.

#4 Disconnect the battery

If your pump is a electric start system, disconnect it to reduce the chance of completely draining the battery.

#5 Take extra steps for gas-powered pumps

Drain all of the gasoline if your pump uses a fuel system to function. Alternatively, a fuel stabilizer must be added to the fuel tank to ensure that gasoline does not clog the fuel lines during storage. Add stabilizer according to manufacturer’s instructions. Circulate the stabilizer throughout the fuel system by running the engine for two minutes , then shut it off.

#6 Add pump saver to the pump

You can also add the pump saver. Pump saver prevents moisture from building up in the pump, preventing it from freezing. It also allows for easier starting after storage and prevents mineral deposits from developing.

Attach a pump saver to your pump through the garden hose inlet to fill the chamber. Leave it there all winter and take it out in the spring.

#7 Store in a dry place

Storing your pressure washer in a dry & clean location helps reduce potential corrosion or damage from the elements. Consider using it to prevent dust from settling. Ideally, store your pump equipment in a place that won’t freeze.

#8) Remember the cover!

Storage covers guard your pressure washer from dust, moisture bugs, spider webs, rodents, and rust. If you must put your pressure washer outside for any reason, you need a cover to protect it from the sun and rain.

Covers made of fabric (often canvas or polyester) with a water-repellent coating such as polyethylene allow them to breathe while protecting against moisture damage. They can be water-repelling, water-resistant, or waterproof. Of course, if you’re storing it outside, the more waterproof the cover, the better.

If you don’t have a cover, do you still remember the box of the BISON pressure washer? There are moisture-proof plastic bags and foam boxes inside. They can also help winterize your pressure washer.