Learn the post-use maintenance that adds years to your power washer's life, saving you hundreds of dollars in repairs after any exterior cleaning job.
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When you turn off the engine, your power washing equipment’s internal processes do not stop. Soap residue from siding cleaning begins to harden inside pumps and hoses. Water left in components can lead to corrosion or, more damagingly, freezing. Debris can settle in places that will negatively affect performance. Here in Holbrook, New York, the Long Island weather cycles from humid summers to harsh, freezing winters. This temperature variation, combined with salty air, is tough on exterior cleaning equipment that is not properly cared for. The difference between a pressure washer that lasts for many years and one that requires major repairs after just two seasons often comes down to the ten minutes of attention it receives after each use.
The most vital step occurs before storage. You need to flush every trace of detergent and debris from your system. This is especially true if you practice soft washing, which uses stronger solutions for jobs like roof cleaning. Soap residue can form a concrete-hard buildup inside your pump, a primary cause of expensive repairs. After using any cleaning solutions for your concrete cleaning job, run clean water through the entire system for at least two minutes. Start with an empty detergent tank and the engine at full throttle. Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun to let clean water flow through the pump, hoses, wand, and nozzle. This simple flush can prevent pump damage that costs between $200 and $400 to repair.
The most vital step occurs before storage. You need to flush every trace of detergent and debris from your system. This is especially true if you practice soft washing, which uses stronger solutions for jobs like roof cleaning. Soap residue can form a concrete-hard buildup inside your pump, a primary cause of expensive repairs. After using any cleaning solutions for your concrete cleaning job, run clean water through the entire system for at least two minutes. Start with an empty detergent tank and the engine at full throttle. Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun to let clean water flow through the pump, hoses, wand, and nozzle. This simple flush can prevent pump damage that costs between $200 and $400 to repair.
Your power washing unit’s engine requires attention after you turn it off. Gas engines are especially vulnerable to fuel-related issues during storage, whether you do residential power washing or larger jobs. Even short periods of neglect can lead to starting difficulties and diminished performance. Modern gasoline degrades in as little as 30 days, creating gummy deposits that clog carburetors and fuel lines. If you plan to store your washer for more than a month between deck cleaning projects, you need to address the fuel system after every use.
You should add a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank before you finish a job, not afterward. This action lets the stabilizer mix with the fuel while the engine is running. A typical ratio is one ounce of stabilizer per gallon of fuel. Let the engine run for five minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the carburetor and fuel lines. For long-term storage, you can either drain the fuel system completely or fill the tank with stabilized fuel. A full tank is often better as it prevents condensation and rust. While you’re at it, check your air filter; a dirty filter forces the engine to work harder and reduces its effectiveness.
Engine oil degrades under the constant load of power washing. Check your oil level after every use and change it based on the manufacturer’s schedule, typically every 50 hours of operation or once a year. Hot oil drains more thoroughly, so checking the level while the engine is still warm is a good practice. Also, inspect the spark plug periodically for fouling or an incorrect gap, as these issues affect starting and fuel use. For air-cooled engines, keep the cooling fins clear of grass and debris from gutter cleaning to prevent overheating, a common cause of engine damage.
These power washing maintenance tasks take fewer than fifteen minutes but can add years to your equipment’s operational life. The pressure washers that last for decades are the ones that receive consistent post-use care. You can start with the basics: flush the system, protect it from freezing, and manage the engine’s fuel and oil. By building these steps into your exterior cleaning routine, you help your equipment start reliably for every job. If you are in the Holbrook area and require professional assistance with commercial power washing or residential projects, get in touch with High Pro Power Washing Service Inc.
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