How to Prepare Your Pressure Washer for Winter [Easy & Hard Way]
As a pressure washing business, staying operational year-round is crucial for maintaining a steady income. While there are times when you're not out cleaning, having a practical method to winterise your pressure washer ensures it's ready to hit the road when the cold weather subsides.
In this guide, we'll explore two methods: the "Hard way" and the "Easy way" to get your pressure washer ready for winter.
The "Official" Way to Winterise Your Pressure Washer
Empty the Fuel or Add a Fuel Stabiliser: To prevent fuel clogging, either drain the fuel from your pressure washer using a small hand syphon pump or add a fuel stabiliser to the fuel tank, following the manufacturer's instructions. Run the engine for 2 minutes to circulate the stabiliser throughout the fuel system, then turn off the engine and fuel supply. Keep in mind that fuel stabilisers work best with fresh fuel that is not over 30 days old.
Fuel Stabiliser
Fuel Pump
Flush Out Remaining Water in the Pump: Ensure all detergents are flushed from the downstream injector, just as you would after using a softwash mix. To clear water from the pump head, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water inlet to the pump and disconnect it.
- Open the ball valves at the end of your high-pressure hoses or pull the trigger on your gun if it's directly connected.
- Disconnect and dry all attachments, storing them properly.
- With the pressure washer turned off and leftover water in the pump, open the water outlets on the pump.
- Manually recoil the pump a few times to disperse any water trapped in the pump head.
While this is the official method for winterising your pressure washer, here's a technique commonly used in the UK pressure washing and roof cleaning industry.
The Easy Way to Winterise Your Pressure Washer
- Disconnect the Water Inlet: Begin by disconnecting the water inlet to your pressure washer. With the trigger or hoses open, run the pressure washer for about 30 seconds until the water is no longer in the pump or hose lines. There may still be a minimal amount of water in the machine.
- Allow Water to Escape: Leave all the hose and valve openings on your pressure washer in the open position. This allows any remaining water to escape. Since water expands by approximately 10% when it freezes, this step ensures there's room for the ice to expand.
- Oil-Filled Radiator Hack: If you plan to use your pressure washer during the winter, consider this overnight hack. Run a power cable to your van and use an oil-filled radiator to keep the equipment from getting too cold overnight. This method allows you to continue cleaning even in colder weather conditions, but be sure to leave sufficient space around the radiator for safety.
Please note that the oil-filled radiator hack is suitable for milder climates like the West Midlands in the UK, where freezing temperatures are rare.
If you found this article helpful, don't forget to check out our post on
pressure washer maintenance. Ensuring your equipment is in top shape is essential for a successful pressure washing business, no matter the season.
