How to Maintain a Pressure Washer

Like all machinery and equipment, pressure washers suffer from wear and tear that can reduce their effectiveness over time and even compromise safety. However, with proper care and regular maintenance, a pressure washer will last for many years and allow you to keep cleaning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. After each use, flush the chemical or detergent intake and the entire system with water to clear out chemical residue.

2. Turn the pressure washer off, but keep the nozzle in the open position to reduce pressure in the hose.

3. Purge excess water from the pump by pulling the start rope 4 to 5 times for gas models or flipping the switch on and off for a few seconds for electrical models.

4. Disconnect and drain all hoses.

5. Store pressure washers where they will be dry and protected from the weather.

Tips & Warnings

• When the pressure washer is running, don't keep the nozzle closed for more than a minute or two to avoid overheating the pump.
• Do not attempt to patch or repair a leak in any hose while the pressure washer is running or while the hose is under pressure. See "Related eHows" for hose repair tips.