Pressure washers are amazing for handling heavy-duty cleaning jobs. But like any power equipment, they need proper care and maintenance to maximize performance and lifespan. Edisons offers reliable electric high pressure washers, so you won’t have to maintain it a lot.
Follow this guide to keep your electric pressure washer running smoothly for years to come. Don’t let a lack of maintenance cut the life of your pressure washer short!
Protect It From Freezing Temps
Letting your pressure washer freeze will damage seals, gaskets, hoses and other components. In cold weather climates, you’ll need to properly winterize the unit.
The simplest option is bringing the pressure washer into a heated garage or shed for storage during winter months. That avoids exposure to freezing temps that can wreak havoc.
If that’s not possible, you’ll need to thoroughly flush the system, disconnect hoses, and add RV antifreeze designed for pressure washers. Consult your owner’s manual for the complete winterization process recommended by the manufacturer.
It’s a hassle but way cheaper than replacing a pressure washer ruined by freezing temperatures and water expansion damage. Plan ahead!
Use Manufacturer Recommended Chemicals
Don’t put random cleaners and chemicals into your pressure washer’s reservoir or inline injector. Use only what the manufacturer recommends for that specific model.
Harsh chemicals like bleach or acid-based cleaners can be corrosive to seals. Excessively soapy water can clog the nozzles. Stick to mild detergents labeled as safe for pressure washers. Never put flammable solvents into these machines.
Using the wrong chemicals can lead to costly damage and repairs. When in doubt, call the manufacturer to verify compatibility. It’s just not worth the risk to use some mystery chemical you found in the garage.
Regular Oil Changes Are Crucial
For gas-powered pressure washers, nothing is more important than regular oil changes. Over time, engine oil gets contaminated and breaks down. Changing it every 50 hours of runtime keeps the engine lubricated and running smoothly.
Check the oil level each time before startup and top it off as needed. Bad oil is a leading cause of failure in small gas engines. Don’t skip this critical maintenance task!
Inspect and Replace Worn Parts
Watch for signs of wear on key components and replace as needed:
– Frayed or cracked hoses – cause leaks/bursting.
– Worn spray nozzles – reduce cleaning power.
– Damaged seals/gaskets – lead to internal leaks.
– Chipped pump plungers – reduce pressure.
– Bent wands – make controlling the spray difficult.
Don’t wait for total failure. Swap out worn parts that are clearly degrading. It’s much cheaper than waiting until major damage occurs.
Follow Storage Best Practices
How you store your electric pressure washer between uses impacts its longevity:
– Fully depressurize and disconnect the hose.
– Wipe exterior clean and dry.
– Store indoors protected from weather and UV light.
– Use fuel stabilizer in gas models before off-season storage.
– Hang the hose on the hook to avoid kinks.
– Plug openings to keep out dirt and pests.
Proper storage is especially key during the cold winter months to avoid damage from freezing, excess moisture, and rodents looking for a warm place to nest.
Taking these simple precautions keeps your pressure washer looking and running like new for years to come. Don’t let poor storage practices degrade it prematurely.
Use a Water Filter
To prevent mineral deposits and debris from clogging the pump, always use a water filter when connecting your pressure washer to an external water source.
Some models have a filter built-in. If not, you can purchase an add-on filter that connects to your garden hose.
Soft water is ideal, but a good filter removes enough solids and sediment even from hard wells or city water to prevent issues.
Why risk sand, limescale, grit, and other junk ruining your pressure washer? Protect that pump with a quality water filter. It’s cheap insurance against repairs and downtime.
Clean It After Each Use
Never put your pressure washer into storage dirty. Always take a few minutes to clean it after finishing a job.
Rinsing it down removes corrosive chemicals and debris. Wipe the housing clean. Check for oil leaks or damage. Clean the nozzles with the included tools.
Following a quick post-job cleaning routine prevents buildup and corrosion that shortens the machine’s lifespan. Don’t get lazy about cleanup!
Use Manufacturer Approved Accessories
From spray wands and nozzles to surface cleaners and foam cannons, only use accessories specifically designed for your pressure washer model.
Universal aftermarket accessories made for “general use” are iffy. Stick with what the manufacturer recommends for guaranteed compatibility and safety.
Trying to rig up some adapter or mismatched accessory seems like a shortcut but can easily damage your machine or cause hazardous conditions. Don’t risk it!
Read the Owner’s Manual!
The manufacturer put together an owner’s manual for a reason – to teach you proper operation and maintenance. But so many people just toss it aside.
Don’t make that mistake! Reading the manual helps you:
– Troubleshoot issues.
– Use correct startup/shutdown procedure.
– Follow recommended maintenance schedule.
– Use correct chemicals and accessories.
– Adjust pressure and flow properly.
– Employ all safety features.
Get maximum performance and longevity by following the manufacturer’s directions and guidance in the owner’s manual. It contains a wealth of useful info!
With proper routine care and maintenance, your electric pressure washer should provide many years of dependable service. Don’t cut corners or neglect necessary upkeep. Follow these tips and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained machine ready to vigorously tackle every cleaning job.