Pressure Washer Tune-Up & Maintenance
Need some quick tips on how to keep your pressure washer running smoothly every time you use it? There are several tasks that play an important role in keeping your pressure washer running efficiently.
Before Each Use:
- To keep the engine working properly, check the fuel and oil levels.
- Check the Screen Filters.
- Inspect your pressure washer hoses and O-rings for any leaks, cuts, or dents. If you find any, replace the item that is the cause.
- Check the spray gun to ensure the trigger and nozzle are working properly.
After Each Use:
- Run clean water through your pressure washer for approximately 2 minutes to flush any leftover detergent from the pressure washer.
- Shut off the engine and let cool.
- Engage the spray gun trigger until water flow stops.
- Detach the garden and high pressure hoses. Detach the spray gun from the high pressure hose.
- Wipe your pressure washer off so no excess water is on it
Pressure Washer Pump Maintenance
Maintaining your pressure washer’s water pump is relatively easy. All that is required is keeping contaminants out of the pump and changing the oil on time. To keep out contaminants simply flush the water pump of dirt and debris.
Change the pump oil after 50 hours of use or intervals recommended by your manufacturer. Keeping the water pump up serviced is essential for your pressure washer to work correctly.
Changing Oil in Your Pressure Washer Engine
The oil in your pressure washer engine should be changed after the first 5 hours of use and after 50 hours of use, whichever comes first.
Better yet, just change the oil in your engine and your water pump at the same time, so it’s impossible to overlook.
Screen Filters
Screen filters play an important role in keeping your pressure washer running properly. The screen filters keep dirt and debris from entering into your pressure washer. If you check the filter and see that it is dirty, simply wash it out. If it is damaged or wore down from usage, replace it. If the screen is not replaced or washed, containments could enter your pressure washer and damage or clog the pump.
High Pressure Hose and O-ring
Checking for leaks, cuts, and dents is very important. If you find a cut or dent in the hose, it’s best to consider replacing it. O-rings can get damaged or wear down from use, causing leaks. If this occurs, replace the O-ring that is causing the issue.
Spray Gun and Nozzle
To check the spray gun, pull the trigger a few times to see if it returns to its normal position. If it is not sturdy or doesn’t return to its normal position, replace it. The nozzle provides a fan spray angle, necessary for cleaning different surfaces. If the nozzle becomes clogged, and the clog is not removed in several days, this could lead to permanent damage to the nozzle.
Preventative Maintenance:
These tasks may seem tedious, but they are imperative for keeping your pressure washer running properly and for achieving the highest PSI possible. If these steps are not taken, permanent damage can occur, causing your pressure washer to not work properly. Keep all these tasks in mind as you are using your pressure washer and you should be able to prolong the life of your equipment.
Jack’s Safety Tips: Before servicing or repairing any power equipment, disconnect the spark plug and battery cables. Remember to wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals and debris. View our Disclaimer.
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About the Author
Jacks Jack's Small Engines has been providing parts for outdoor power equipment online since 1997. We also run a service center for outdoor power equipment like riding mowers, snow blowers, generators, chainsaws, and just about anything else.
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