Nothing is more satisfying than seeing years of grime and dirt disappear after a good power washing session. However, if you want to keep your pressure washer in good working order, you need regular maintenance. Follow these tips to get the most out of your machine.
Flush The Pump
Pressure washers are pretty simple in how they work. All you have to do is hook up a hose to the attachment at the back to let water in. Then, the pump increases pressure on the water flow and pushes it out through the wand. Because the pump is responsible for the “pressure” part of the pressure washer, you need to make sure that it, and the motor, are in good shape.
One way to maintain the pump’s integrity is to flush out all the water left in the machine after finishing your project. To do this, attach a can of pump lubricant or antifreeze to the hose port in the back and turn the pressure washer on. When you pull the trigger, you should see a foamy substance come out of the pressure hose port. Once you see this foam, it means all the water is out of the pump, and all that remains is a protective layer of the antifreeze/lubricant you used.
If you don’t flush the pump after every use, the water left inside could cause rust to form inside the machine, making it less effective and reliable.
Replace O-Rings
The pressure generated by the pump is necessary for getting the cleaning effect you are looking for in a pressure washer, but it can cause stress to the internal workings. Various components inside the pressure washer could start to degrade and break down with that stress, leading to leaks and malfunctions.
One of these components that you need to keep an eye on is the O-ring. Several of these in any pressure washer; they help create watertight seals around attachment areas and hose ports. Because they sit in vulnerable positions, you need to monitor them regularly. Replacing the O-rings will prevent leaks and keep the pressure accurate.
Watch the Fuel
If you have a gasoline-powered pressure washer (as opposed to an electric one), you need to watch the fuel. If you don’t plan on using the pressure washer again soon after finishing a job, you should add a stabilizer to the remainder of the gasoline inside the tank. If you don’t, the gas is likely to begin breaking down, which could affect the motor the next time you use it. An overheating motor is quite common in power washers whose fuel has not been stabilized.
Keeping your pressure washer maintained properly is crucial for its functioning. If you need help with anything pressure-washer-related, get in touch with Brunner Tool and Repair, the pressure washer experts. Give us a call today for any remaining questions or to set up a maintenance service!
