Do you want to keep your pressure washer in top-notch condition and extend its lifespan? By carrying out thorough equipment maintenance, you can avoid pesky malfunctioning issues and enjoy top performance for the longest time possible.
Not to mention, if you shop for high-quality parts from our MTM Hydro powered by Veloci, you ensure your pressure washer remains a reliable tool for all your cleaning needs.
In this guide, we’ll give you detailed pressure washer maintenance tips and recommendations for the products you need, so keep scrolling!
How to Maintain Your Pressure Washer in the Best Way Possible
To perform equipment maintenance properly, you must check your washer before and after use. You should also store it in a suitable place if you plan to bench it for over a month.
Below, we’ll walk you through the process in detail to help you plan maintenance tasks.
Before Use
Here are the preventive maintenance tasks you should carry out and the parts you should check before use to avoid unexpected equipment failure.
1. Check for Leaks
There are two types of leaks you should look out for: water leaks and fuel/oil leaks.
- Water Leaks: Connect and turn on the water supply to your pressure washer, then check for any low-pressure leaks. If no leaks are present, start the pressure washer using your manufacturer’s start-up procedure. Check all high-pressure connections, hoses, spray guns, and accessories for leaks.
- Fuel/Oil Leaks: Check the washer’s frame, engine, and pump for oil or fuel residues before you start it. Wipe away any residues you find, and check again after a short period of use. If the issue prevails, take your washer to a professional repair facility.
2. Check Fluid Levels (Fuel/Oil)
Here’s how to check fuel and oil levels before turning on your gas pressure washer. Electric washers don’t need fuel to operate.
- Fuel: Open the fuel cap and look inside to ensure that you have sufficient fuel. You should fill the tank after each use to prevent air entry.
- Engine Oil: Locate your engine's oil dipstick, pull it out, and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick per your manufacturer's guidelines to see whether the oil is at an acceptable range for operation.
- Pump Oil: If equipped with a serviceable pump, locate your pump's oil dipstick, pull it out, and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick per your manufacturer's guidelines to see whether the oil is at an acceptable range for operation. Some pumps utilize an oil-level site glass rather than a dipstick.
Note that if you haven’t used your pressure washer in a long time, you should change the oil and fuel for optimum equipment performance.
3. Check the Pressure Washer Parts
Check the Pressure Washer Parts
You need to check a few different parts during your pre-use routine maintenance: water inlet screen, spray gun, nozzle, fittings, and hose.
Water Inlet Screen
You’ll find the water inlet screen in the place where you attach the hose, also known as the pump inlet. Before cleaning with your washer, check the screen for any stuck debris and clean it thoroughly. Consider replacing it if worn or unable to clean.
Spray Gun
For your spray gun to work properly, its trigger should bounce back smoothly after you pull it. If it doesn’t, it might need repair or replacement, in which case we recommend the ever-powerful Astra Spray Gun.
Nozzle
If you haven’t cleaned your pressure washer’s nozzle in a long time, it might be clogged with debris, which can affect the flow of water. To prevent this issue, you should clean the nozzle each time you use the washer using a tip cleaner. After pushing all the contaminants out, rinse thoroughly with water.
If your nozzle looks battered and you’re considering replacing it, take a look at the ones we offer at MTM Hydro powered by Veloci.
Fittings
Fittings can become rusted, brittle, or even crack over time. Inspect all fittings for proper sealing and engagement. Some fittings may be repairable with replacement O-rings. Veloci offers a wide range of pressure washer replacement fittings.
Hose
Checking the condition of your high-pressure hose is extremely important; many pressure washers can produce 4,000 or more PSI! Inspect your hose for pinholes, cracks, bubbling, and leaking fittings. Always use a hose that is properly rated for your washer. Never drive over the pressure washer hose.
If a replacement is needed, check out the Kobrajet Smooth Blue Hose.
After Use
After you finish cleaning using your washer, you have two maintenance procedures to carry out. Here’s a brief roundup of them.
1. Flush the Detergent System
Every time you pressure-wash an object, you should fill your washer with new detergent. That’s why you should empty the soap after finishing. To do so, run clean water through the washer till you don’t see any soap coming out of it.
2. Storage
Here are some tips to follow if you decide to store your washer for the season:
- Store in a dry place that will remain above freezing
- Keep the washer away from any ignition source
- Cover the washer with a breathable, protective cover
- Add suitable fuel stabilizer
To Wrap Up
Having proper maintenance checklists is essential for all your equipment, and the one we’re focusing on today is your pressure washer.
For your washer to function correctly every time you use it, you need to carry out routine inspections and corrective repairs whenever necessary. These include checking the washer before and after use and taking proper care of it before storage.
Finally, to get free giveaways and special deals on equipment parts, sign up on our website today!