While there are tons of videos out there on winterizing your pressure washer, many of them are confusing, time-consuming, and often, not shown by factory trained technicians.

To simplify things, we sat down and complied a list to making sure your pressure washer survives the winter and won’t break down come spring.

Some Considerations

The first consideration when prepping for winter is determining you level of usage. Many of our customers put their equipment into storage for the winter and do not wash. While others still use their equipment periodically during the winter months. No matter your usage, period of inactivity greater than 2 weeks should consider winterizing their equipment to prevent issues.

Inactive Usage

Step 1: Fuel

Unused gas or diesel left in a pressure washer over the winter can get stale, gumming up the carburetor and inviting rust. First, add fuel stabilizer to the tank, then run the pressure washer to distribute it through the system off. Turn the pressure washer off and allow the engine to cool. Then siphon the excess gas into a clean container. 

Step 2: Flush Out Water

Leaving these types of liquids in your pressure washer during the cold months can cause damaging. The swelling and warping of the pump head and high pressure fittings, means leaks and an expensive repair bills come spring. 

The best way to remove fluids from the system is to drain all chemical and water tanks if equipped. Blow air through the winterizing valve (if equipped) or the inlet of the pressure washer. This will cause all fluids to flush out the discharge of the pressure washer. Things to remember: Hoses, Guns, Wands, and Chemical Injectors.

Step 3: Add Anti-Freeze

Once you’ve removed all fluids, it’s important to add biodegradable anti-freeze before storing. This will keep moisture from gathering in the pump, and high pressure components from freezing and forming deposits such as calcium or other minerals.

Once there is anti-freeze being discharged from the outlet, make sure to trigger the gun at least 2 times to make sure it gets through all the passage ways of the unloader valve.

Before moving on to the next step. Always test your anti-freeze to verify it can withstand the elements.

Step 4: Additional Precautions

When finally putting away your equipment make sure that your storage facility is free from pests such as mice. Mice are the #1 cause of electrical damage to equipment after the winter. It is always a good idea to place traps or other means to avoid costly damage.

Active Usage

Step 1: Weather Updates

Always check the weather before considering putting equipment away. When in doubt play it safe.

 It’s simply not worth the risk of freezing. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed that if your pressure washer freezes, it breaks.

Step 2: Add Anti-Freeze

Add biodegradable anti-freeze before storing. This will keep moisture from gathering in the pump, and high pressure components from freezing and forming deposits such as calcium or other minerals.

Once there is anti-freeze being discharged from the outlet, make sure to trigger the gun at least 2 times to make sure it gets through all the passage ways of the unloader valve.

Before moving on to the next step. Always test your anti-freeze to verify it can withstand the elements.

Step 3: Be Safe

If you plan to use your pressure washer in near-freezing to below-freezing situations, be aware that this will likely result in the creation of ice.

If you create large amounts of ice in public places or businesses you may be liable for keeping them safe. Bring along protective substances like salt or grit to keep people from slipping.

Additionally, spraying surfaces like brakes, stairs, locks, or doors can actually cause them to break from the pressure of freezing water.