Pressure Washer Storage: How to Store a Pressure Washer
Did you know that proper pressure washer storage can be the difference between thousands of dollars in repairs and a machine that lasts for years without issues?
If you don’t know how to store a pressure washer properly, you might leave your machine vulnerable to rust and other damage.
This guide teaches you everything about storing pressure washers. We’ll help you extend the life of your equipment and avoid costly downtime.
If you want to maximize peak performance for your industrial cleaning needs, you need a machine you can rely on. In the Garden State, nothing beats the performance of a pressure washer from RJP Hotsy New Jersey.
Our team has helped thousands of local businesses, like Penske, the NJ Transit Authority, and Stericycle, revolutionize their cleaning capabilities. Contact us with any questions you have about this article!
Why Pressure Washer Storage Can’t Be Taken Lightly
We know what you’re thinking.
“Learning how to store a pressure washer for the winter? Can’t I just…put it somewhere?”
If you’re treating pressure washer storage this casually, you’re in for a world of hurt.
Storing pressure washers incorrectly leads to a whole host of problems. We’re talking about damage to internal parts, issues with rust and corrosion, and constant trips to the repair shop.
With that much downtime, your competitors will laugh at you as you struggle to keep your commercial property clean.
Having a thorough list of pressure washer storage ideas in mind will help you avoid these cruel fates. You’ll be able to maximize the lifespan of your pressure washer, helping it last years rather than months.
When you bring back your machine after the winter months, you’ll be able to tackle stains immediately rather than trying to learn how to repair a pressure washer suddenly.
Trust us; learning how to store your machine is worth it for the savings on pressure washer repair costs and the cost of renting a power washer replacement alone.
Basic Advice on Storing a Pressure Washer
Storing pressure washers isn’t rocket science. Keeping up with the routine will be like second nature once you grasp the pressure washer storage ideas in this guide.
Cleaning the Pressure Washer
The first part of how to store a pressure washer is simple: clean your machine!
“Cleaning it right before pressure washer storage? Why is that necessary when no one will see the dirt?”
Cleaning your pressure washer for storage isn’t about looks. Wiping down the exterior of your machine is a reliable way to avoid dust and dirt buildup.
If you leave that debris there, your machine will likely rust and corrode while in storage.
Additionally, you must clear the internal part of your machine. Clear the nozzles and hoses of any clogs. If you leave them in there during storage, they will get impacted and become difficult–if not impossible, to remove.
Draining Water from the Unit
Just like leftover debris and clogged nozzles can damage your machine in storage, there’s another crucial area to focus on. Draining all the water (and soap) from your machine is necessary.
Disconnect all hoses from your machine, including the spray gun and pump. Flush all of the water. You’ll need to hold down the trigger on your nozzle to get every last drop out.
Tip over the pump and machine to let gravity remove the rest of the water.
A single drop of water can be a hotspot for rust, so be extremely thorough with this step in the process.
Fuel System Maintenance
This step will depend on your engine type–there’s a difference between storing electric vs gas pressure washers.
Electric models do not have a fuel system. Inspect the internal parts for any signs of damage and wrap up the power cord to avoid tangles.
Gas models are a different story.
If you’re just storing your machine for a week or two, you’ll want to fill up your tank and add a fuel stabilizer. It’ll ensure your fuel is ready to go when the time comes.
But what about if you’re learning how to store a pressure washer for the winter or similarly long duration?
In that case, you’re better off draining the tank entirely. Stale gas, over time, will become ineffective. The only thing it will do for you is damage your machine while in long-term storage.
Be sure to check your fuel lines and filters as well. If they are cracked or damaged, you may need to replace them for the upcoming season.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Storage locations might seem like a footnote on our pressure washer storage idea list.
But you would be surprised at some of the stories we hear. Employees leave machines in the cold winter, in direct sunlight, or hidden behind a mountain of old tools and equipment.
So here’s what you need to do.
Set aside a location that is dry and relatively neutral in temperature. Moisture will invite rust in, and extreme temperatures will damage your internal parts.
Then, make sure the location is accessible. Don’t store your machine behind old tables you haven’t used in the last three years.
Put it somewhere with some breathing room, so you aren’t going on a quest trying to dig it out when the time comes.
Ensure the machine is stored upright rather than lying on the ground. Otherwise, your machine will leak oil.
And cover the machine if you’re storing it for the long run. Failing to do so is just asking for more dust and dirt.
How to Store a Pressure Washer for the Winter
The pressure washer storage ideas we’ve covered are a great starting point.
But if you’re trying to learn how to store a pressure washer for the winter, there are more steps you need to take.
You’ll be dealing with extreme temperatures and extended periods of dormancy that can cause severe damage to your machine.
The Importance of Winterization
An essential term you’ll hear when learning how to store a pressure washer for the winter is ‘Winterization’.
As you begin to slow down production for the season and spend time enjoying the holidays with your family or employees, your pressure washer could be in danger without the proper storage procedures.
Failing to winterize your machine can cause cracked pumps, burst hoses, and machines that refuse to work come springtime.
Don’t try to tough it out and assume everything will be okay with your normal routine. That’s a one-way ticket to pulling out your machine and hearing nothing but sputters and rust damage.
How to Winterize Your Pressure Washer
The winterization process is relatively simple. It works for either hot vs cold water pressure washers, but you’ll need to check your heating system for the former.
As we did for short-term storage, you’ll need to purge the system of gunk and debris entirely. Run water through the entire machine until it’s clean. Then, make sure everything is completely dry.
You’ll want to run antifreeze through your pump to help stave off the worst of the winter months.
Disconnect every hose and nozzle on your machine. If there’s any water in them, it could freeze. And as water freezes, it expands to a size that will cause your hoses to burst.
So take those hoses, dry them, and place them somewhere warm.
For gas models, empty your fuel tank. Fuel stabilizers work for short-term storage, but if you’re going for 3 or more months, it’s better to let the engine run dry.
Finally, make sure you lubricate all of the internal parts with oil. This will help avoid the buildup of corrosion or rust while the machine is in storage.
Covering the Pressure Washer
Getting a proper cover for your machine is your next step. Don’t just throw a towel over it and call it a day.
Invest in a high-quality cover that is waterproof. Aim for a snug fit for your machine, as this will protect it from dust and dirt.
Even though your cover is waterproof, it’s still critical to ensure the storage area itself is dry. We’ve seen harsh winter storms that can sneak up on business owners and ruin all their hard work, so don’t take any chances.
Off-Season Maintenance
While your pressure washer hibernates for the winter, you’ll need to perform some upkeep tasks occasionally. But unlike waking up a hibernating bear, your machine will thank you for it.
Learning how to maintain a pressure washer is easy. Check on your machine once a month or so. Look for signs of rust, damage from animals, and buildup of dust. We also recommend adding some oil to ensure everything is lubricated smoothly.
You can also perform pressure washer troubleshooting here by looking over the internal parts.
If your electric model has a battery, periodically charge it. When not in use, the battery can slowly drain.
Preparing for Use After Long-Term Storage
The groundhog has finally declared winter over, and you’re ready to tackle those tough stains again. So, how do you wake up your machine from storage?
Start by removing the cover and bringing it out to an open space so you can work on it. Look over the machine for cracks, leaks, and any wear and tear accumulated over the winter.
Flush the system entirely with water, which will remove any antifreeze. You may also need to change the oil, depending on how your maintenance tasks went.
Gas models should be refilled with fuel, while battery-powered electric models should be recharged.
Then, we recommend powering your machine up. Let it run for a few minutes before you start firing away at stains, as this will let you listen for any damage.
Final Thoughts on Pressure Washer Storage
Overall, storing pressure washers is key to extending the lifespan of your equipment. But given how hard your machine works for you in the summer months, giving it proper TLC is the least you can do to protect your investment.
Whether buying or renting a pressure washer to start fresh after old storage mistakes or streamlining your cleaning for the first time, you need a reliable machine.
If you’re looking for industrial pressure washers in New Jersey, RJP Hotsy is the place to go!
As the #1 home for rentals, sales, and industrial pressure washer leasing in NJ, you’ll have access to our friendly and knowledgeable team. We’ll help you find the perfect industrial hot water pressure washers in New Jersey that are sturdy enough to survive the cold Garden State winters.
Our team will answer all your questions, like what size pressure washer do I need, what GPM means on a pressure washer, how to rent a pressure washer, how much pressure washer PSI you need, and how to pressure wash concrete.
You’ll also get set up with the best pressure washer chemicals from Hotsy’s line of biodegradable detergents and accessories that help you tackle every nook and cranny of your property.
You can rely on us if you notice winter wear and tear on your machine. We are the #1 center for industrial pressure washer repair in NJ, with a 24-point inspection process that works on both Hotsy and non-Hotsy models.
And you won’t have to worry about where to rent a pressure washer in the meantime. Our rental department supplements our speedy repair service. We’re the go-to resource for industrial pressure washer rental in NJ, offering drop-off and pick-up services to help you avoid downtime.
Beyond those services, we also offer custom industrial pressure washer trailers in NJ for those mobile jobs. No more trying to create a DIY pressure washer trailer. Our team will worry about mounting a pressure washer to a trailer and how to plumb a pressure washer trailer while you sit back and enjoy the immense cleaning power they bring.
So, if you’re ready to invest in an industrial cold water pressure washer in New Jersey, look no further than RJP Hotsy! Talk to us for more tips on storing a pressure washer for the winter, or stop by our New Egypt store to experience the unparalleled cleaning power yourself.
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