Pressure washers can help you keep your home looking great. Use this guide to learn how much it costs to rent a pressure washer based on factors like type and time.
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How to Winterize a Pressure Washer
Give your machine everything it needs to withstand freezing temperatures
Get quotes from pressure washers near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from pressure washers near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
30 minutes
COST
$25–$50
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Antifreeze and coolant
- Fuel stabilizer
- Synthetic motor oil
SUPPLIES
- Large funnel
- Oil funnel
- Two- to three-foot garden hose
- Two or three catching receptacles
- Siphon pump
Along with your house, your yard, and everything in between, your pressure washer also needs some TLC before winter sets in. Without proper preparation, a power tool like this can become damaged in more ways than one from extremely cold temperatures. The following guide will show you exactly how to winterize your pressure washer so you have even more knowledge about how to use a pressure washer under your belt.
Prepping to Winterize a Pressure Washer
Photo: Irina Shatilova / iStock / Getty Images
There isn’t a lot you need to do to prepare for a task like this other than gathering all the necessary tools and materials. Once you have them ready to go, set the machine up in a well-ventilated space (ideally outdoors) to protect yourself from the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that the necessary chemicals may release.
Along with how to prep your pressure washer for storage, knowing which things you should or shouldn’t pressure wash will also prevent unnecessary damage.
Empty and Stabilize Fuel Container
If your pressure washer is gas powered, start the winterization process by emptying and stabilizing the gas container. Skip this step if your machine is electric.
Locate and turn off the fuel shutoff valve. If your machine doesn’t have one, you’ll need to use a siphon to manually empty the fuel into a metal receptacle. Then start the machine and run it for several minutes to use up the remaining gas.
Next, remove the cap from the gas tank and add two capfuls of fuel stabilizer. Seal it back up and move on to the following step.
Drain and Refresh Oil
While it’s not always necessary to refill your pressure washer’s oil tank before winter (especially if you’ve already done it recently), doing so will ensure it’s ready to use and in great shape by the time warmer weather rolls around. And if your machine is in good working order, you can expect the cost to pressure wash your house to go down, too.
Find and open the oil drain plug using a socket wrench, then use a metal receptacle to catch the oil as it drains out. It can take upwards of 10 minutes for the oil to drain completely, so be prepared to wait a bit.
Once drained, seal the oil drain plug and place a gas funnel into the fill-up port. Pour synthetic motor oil into the funnel until the oil tank is completely filled, checking the levels periodically to avoid overspill.
Remove the Battery From Electrically-Powered Pressure Washers
There’s nothing worse than attempting to start up your electric pressure washer come spring only to discover that its battery is somehow drained. Avoid this problem entirely by simply removing or disconnecting the battery before storing it for winter.
Clean Filters, Nozzles, and Exterior
Washing up all the bits and bobs of your pressure washer before storing will also prevent it from deteriorating in the winter. Remove the filters and nozzles, and use a toothbrush and straw scrubber or fine needle to get rid of any dirt blockages. Store them separately from your machine, ideally in a closed container where they won’t attract any dust or pests.
Rinse the Pump With Antifreeze
Locate the inlet fitting on your machine’s water pump, remove the cap, and attach a two- to three-foot garden hose. Fit the large funnel onto the other end of the garden hose and pour in enough antifreeze to fill it up halfway.
Locate the water pump outlet fitting, open it, and place a metal or plastic receptacle near the opening to catch the pour-over. Pull the water pump cord to fully circulate the antifreeze and stop when the water leaving the outlet is no longer clear but pink. Seal both inlet and outlet, then remove and dry tools.
Store Somewhere Dry
Once you’ve taken all these steps, you can safely store your machine in both cold and warm conditions. Just make sure that it won’t be exposed to any moisture to prevent rust from forming.
DIY vs. Hire a Pro
It’s unlikely that a local pressure washer will come by just to put your machine away for the winter, but it’s possible that a pro will add this task to another service for an additional fee. In most cases, this is a great chance to DIY and learn more about caring for your pressure washer at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pressure washing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.9★ avg. • 16 total reviews
- Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kellie G.
Mary Cleaning Service is fantastic! The entire team is professional and pay a great deal of attention to detail. They do such a thorough job of cleaning my house. I would definitely recommend!
- Diane C.
The workmanship is perfect, I did not have any complaint with that. It was the brick I chose not matching the brick that want I to use. There was a problem with discoloration of the brick. I thought that the rain was gonna wash it off but it didn't. I call them. All communication was coming...
Bone Dry Roofing & Masonry - Cincinnati - Dana M.
I purchased the "Big Deal": $199.00 for exterior pressure-washing of one- or two-story home up to 2,000 square feet. They cleaned the siding only. I wasn't aware when I bought the Big Deal that they would not do any other surfaces other than the siding (i.e. sides of the gutters or stucco). I...
Complete Home Services - Laura R.
We noticed that there was a light brown residue in the drip tray of our stackable washer dryer. We have a Lowe's warranty so contacted them to arrange a service call. They arranged an appointment for 2 days out with Capital City. Capital city then called the next day saying they were not...
Capital City Appliance Service - Gary T.
From the initial sales presentation to the installers final clean up, this project was a total pleasure. Gary Coper, sales consultant, showed up exactly on time and provided an informative, no pressure description, of every material and step required to complete the remodel. We were always in...
Simple Bath & Simple Kitchen - Victoria R.
They were prompt, careful and thorough. I have also had them wash interior floor to ceiling windows which were perfect.
Technicare Carpet Cleaning - William B.
The work went great! Couldn't ask for better. Joel set a work start date. About the time of the storms that may have been associated with Sandy. He was half a day late. They set up on a Thursday. On Friday they had a full crew at work. By Monday they were finishing up. Now, the best...
NJW Construction
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