How to Extend the Life of Pressure Washers
Keeping your pressure washer in good working order will extend its useful life and give you more hours of cleaning time for your money. Proper maintenance of pressure washers is important and should be performed on a regular basis to extend the unit's life and ensure efficiency. Pump maintenance is vital to your pressure washer's life, as is regular care of the engine. Hoses and trigger guns should be regularly inspected and maintained as well to ensure long service and safe handling. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pressure washer
- 10W-30 engine oil
- DP70 pump oil
- Oil drain pan
- O-rings and filter screens (optional)
Instructions
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1
Check the O-rings and screens on the water intake valve, hose, and wand connections. Clean the screens and replace any leaky or broken O-rings.
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2
Clean and check the condition of the injector tube filter. Replace if broken or cracked. Run clean water through the injector and tube after each use to clean detergent and chemicals from the system.
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3
Squeeze and release the trigger on the trigger gun while running pressure washer to check trigger's spring mechanism. Check for leaks and loose connections that would prevent proper trigger valve shutoff.
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4
Check engine and pump oil levels before each use. Top off with recommended oil if necessary.
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5
Change the engine oil on a regular basis--about every six months or 100 hours of use. Fill with 10W-30 oil according to the engine manufacturer's specifications.
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6
Change the pressure washer's pump oil on a regular schedule, around every three months or 250 hours of use. Fill with DP70 pump oil according to the pump manufacturer's specifications.
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7
Run the engine with the throttle at a medium speed to provide adequate power to the pump, avoiding premature pump wear. Lower the pressure by changing tips or adjusting pressure settings rather than lowering engine speed.
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Tips & Warnings
If DP70 pump oil is not available, 30W nondetergent motor oil will work.
Properly dispose of used oil at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used oil.
Never let the pressure washer run for more than two minutes without running water through the pump to ensure the pump does not overheat.
Avoid using standing water from ponds, ditches or barrels for your pressure washer's intake supply. Only use clean water under pressure. Contaminants can foul the pressure washers pump and shorten its life. Standing water can cause the pump to work too hard, causing overheating and pump failure.
Never run bleach or harsh chemicals through the pressure washer's pump. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for chemical use.
