Get matched with top pressure washers in Viola, AR

Whether you need to winterize your pressure washer depends on where it will be stored. If it's kept in a location where temperatures could drop to freezing, any liquid left in the water pump can freeze, expand, and cause severe damage to the machine. To prevent this, you can add antifreeze to the pump. While emptying the machine with compressed air is an alternative, it can be a tedious process and may not remove all the liquid. If you can store the pressure washer in a relatively warm place with no risk of freezing, you won't need to add antifreeze. However, regardless of storage conditions, it is good practice to empty the gas chamber and refresh the oil before storing it for the winter.

Brick takes longer to dry than less porous materials like concrete. If you are waiting to spot clean, a full day of mild weather should do the trick. If you are waiting to paint or apply a finish or sealant, give it three to four days to ensure the brick is absolutely dry as a bone. You don’t want any residual moisture whatsoever before laying down paint or sealant. 

Experts typically recommend pressure washing your driveway at least once per year to keep it looking great while preventing stains, cracks, and unwanted vegetation. However, if your driveway gets a lot of use, you might want to pressure wash it more often to keep it looking like new. 

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.