In countless shops and garages from Albuquerque to Albany, at least one non-working pressure washer sits in the corner, collecting dust after weeks, months, even years of neglect. The machine stopped working perfectly one day and was simply brushed aside to make room for a newer, shinier model. Sound familiar?

It doesn’t have to happen. When properly maintained, a pressure washer can easily last five to 10 and even 20 years. With knowledge of basic maintenance tasks, and how and when to perform them, anyone can save a pressure washer from a short, unfulfilling life.

First things first

Before beginning a maintenance program, you must become familiar with the parts of the machine. Even experienced operators may not know what each part is and where it is located. While not all pressure washers have the same parts, they all have basic components, including a pump, unloader, relief valve, hose, and gun assembly. For detailed descriptions and diagrams showing all parts of your machine, refer to the owner’s manual.

Also, since the machine is designed to clean, wouldn’t it make sense to keep the pressure washer itself clean? It is much easier to detect problems, such as hose damage and fluid leaks, on a clean machine. Now, follow these practical tips to make sure your pressure washer stays in it for the long haul:

Every time

Before each use, take a few minutes to inspect the high-pressure hose and the supply hose for leaks, kinks, cuts, abrasions, or bulges. On electric units, also check the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power cord for visible damage.

Before starting the unit, check the pump oil and top off if necessary. If the machine is gasoline-powered, check the engine oil and fuel level as well, adding as needed. Also, flush out the water system before installing the pressure tip at the end of the gun assembly to prevent dirt in the system from clogging the tip.

When you put the washer away at the end of the day, there may be one more cleaning task. If you used detergent, be sure to clean out the soap compound by running clear water through the injector.

Periodic maintenance

Daily preventive maintenance is the best way to extend the life of a pressure washer. But don’t neglect other periodic maintenance. The owner’s manual will provide specific maintenance timelines and details unique to each model. Depending on how often you use the machine, you may need to do these checks weekly, monthly, or less often.

First, check the hose and fittings for water leaks. If you find a leak, change the hose or fitting. But remember, safety first. Shut the machine off before attempting to fix any leaks, as the line remains under high pressure and can cause injury.

Next, turn your attention to the pump. There are two kinds of pumps: belt drive or direct drive. Belt drive units require extra maintenance. With these, check the belt occasionally for wear and correct tension. If the unit is powered by an engine, the engine oil needs to be changed every 100 hours (or more often when operating in dirty conditions).

For new washers, change the oil after the first 20 hours. Also, regularly check the air filter and clean it if it becomes clogged or dirty. A dirty air filter can hurt performance and allow dirt to get inside the engine. That could damage the engine and shorten its life. Check the owner’s manual for more maintenance tips and recommendations.

To err is human

Operator error can cause several problems with pressure washers. The most common – and dangerous – is using an insufficient power supply. The National Electric Code dictates the power requirements on all machines. If a machine requires a 120-volt, 20-amp power draw, a 110-volt, 15-amp standard outlet may not be sufficient.

If you try to use a standard outlet anyway, the machine may not work at all. If it does work, this overload to the power source could eventually cause serious damage to the machine, or even an electrical fire. Adjust the power supply as needed.

Another common mistake is choosing the wrong pressure washer tip size, hose type, or trigger gun. Tips aren’t coded based on orifice size, but by the angle of the spray. This means you must look for size information when choosing the tip to ensure that it will fit your washer.

Also, hoses are temperature-rated specific to every type of washer. In other words, a hose rated for a cold-water pressure washer will not work for a hot-water pressure washer. Finally, all trigger guns are rated according to flow (gpm), temperature, and pressure (psi). Be sure the gun has a rating compatible with the pressure washer.

Certain detergents are acceptable for use in pressure washers. Detergents are rated based on variances in temperature from machine to machine. Use a detergent with the proper temperature rating for your unit. Use of the wrong kind of detergent in a hot-water washer will eventually plug the heating coil.

Finally, remember that there is a reason companies manufacture both hot- and cold-water pressure washers. Never use hot water in a machine designed only for cold, as this can damage the pump’s O-rings and gaskets.

A final word

Despite how easy maintenance is, most users don’t give it a single thought – until the machine stops working properly. Rather than waiting to deal with problems until they interrupt your work or require expensive repairs, stick to a basic maintenance schedule. Your pressure washer will thank you by providing years of consistent, powerful service. And think of the space you will save by not having to stack another machine in the dark corner of your shop. n

Dan Leiss is president of Jenny Products Inc., Somerset, Pa. Reach him at 888/425-3669 or dleiss@steamjenny.com.