Learn the measure required to winterize and safely store a insistence automatic washer during colder month .

Getty Images / Irina Shatilova

During cold-blooded month , many appliances and tools , such as hoses , pool pumps , and force per unit area washers , are n’t often used . Instead , they should be stored in a dependable location , like a garage , shed , or basement , until warm weather condition return . However , just stash away apressure washerisn’t enough to assure the safety of this pop pecker .

pressure washer or power washer on patio

Credit:Getty Images / Irina Shatilova

Winterize a imperativeness washer by draining the fuel , removing the batteries , and emptying any remaining water supply to forestall internal damage . If the imperativeness washing machine will be store in an uninsulated shed or service department , it ’s a honest idea to gargle the pump with antifreeze to reduce the risk of the ingredient freezing . expend this templet to learn how to winterize a pressure washer and safely store this garden creature .

Safety Considerations

winterize a pressure washer is n’t as risky as using a pressure washer , but it ’s still crucial to be heedful and take safety seriously while you work . Work outdoors or in a well - ventilate space when remove accelerator pedal , alter the oil , or rinsing the gadget with antifreeze to protect yourself from herculean chemical substance smell and explosive organic compounds ( VOCs ) that might be released into the atmosphere .

You may need to turn the insistency washing machine on for a short period to empty the fuel tankful fully . When using the pressure washer , turn the power output down to a achievable level and direct the nozzle toward a desirable surface that the gamy - insistency nebuliser will not damage . Wear mitt , safety glasses , and a mask to secure your ongoing safety while complete this job .

Preparing the Pressure Washer

The insistency washing machine does n’t demand much prep work to prepare it for winterization beyond drain any remaining water , emptying the gas cooler , and changing the oil . However , have it off whether the imperativeness washer relies on gas or a battery for power is important . Additionally , finding a desirable location to store the pressure washing machine after it has been successfully winterise is necessary .

Gas pressure washers need to be fully drain before they can be stored , while battery - powered pressure washer just require the batteries hit from the gadget for safe storage in a warm locating . The entire insistence washing machine whole can be stored in a quick domain , like a basement or a closet inside the base . If you have a suited location in a lovesome domain , then the force per unit area washer does n’t need antifreeze , but deepen the oil before sting the tool in entrepot is still a good idea .

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Instructions

How to Winterize a Pressure Washer

Empty the Fuel Tank

Check the type of pressing automatic washer before you begin . If you have an galvanising pressure washing machine , cut this step . If the machine is fuel by gas , start the job by emptying the fuel tank .

detect the fuel shutoff valve , turn it off , and use a siphon heart to drain the fuel into a metallic element bucket or receptacle . If the pressure level washer is n’t totally empty , launch the machine for a few minute to use the remaining gas .

At this detail , bestow two capful of fuel stabiliser to the gas tank . Remove the pileus from the accelerator pedal tankful , pour in the fuel stabilizer , and put back the cap to close up the tankful .

Drain and Refill the Oil

The next stone’s throw is to change the oil , but if you changed the rock oil recently , you’re able to skip this stride . obtain the oil drain plug on the force per unit area washer anduse a socket wrenchto take it . guarantee a metal pail or receptacle is quick to catch the used oil as it drain out .

This appendage unremarkably takes about 10 minute of arc to complete . Once the oil is fully drained , put the oil drain plug back in . Then , use an oil funnel to refill the petroleum army tank with celluloid motor fossil oil . suss out the levels frequently to quash overfilling the pressure washer .

Remove the Battery

Those with anelectric insistence washershould withdraw the stamp battery for safe storage in a warm location . Disconnect the battery from the machine and stash away it in the cellar or an available closet indoors , where it will stay on safe during the wintertime .

Clean Pressure Washer Exterior

Rinse the exterior of the press washer to remove any dirt , dust , or fluid that may have collected on the outside of the machine . Take this opportunity to remove and rinse any accoutrement , such as filters , nozzles , or hoses .

stack away the accessory separately from the pressure sensation washer in a unopen container to keep these components safe from junk , dirt , or invading pests .

Use Antifreeze to Rinse the Pump

If the pressure automatic washer will bestored in an uninsulated space , like a service department or shed , it ’s a good thought to add antifreeze to the heart to prevent freezing .

Find the inlet for the water pump and attach a short garden hose . utilize a turgid funnel shape to stream the antifreeze into the other end of the hose . set a alloy pail or receptacle near the pee pump outlet .

open up the water heart outlet and commit the water pump cord to circulate the antifreeze through the machine . When the water get away the electric receptacle is no longer percipient but is the pink color of the antifreeze , close both the inlet and sales outlet . Remove , rinse , and dry the garden hose , funnel , and metallic element pail or receptacle .

Store the Pressure Washer

The press washer is winterized at this point , but it still needs to be stored in a safe location . Ideally , store the pressure washer indoors , but if you do n’t have the space for this , a shed or service department is appropriate , as long as the machine will not be exposed to any wet while in storage .