5 Things to Avoid When Pressure Washing

Pressure washers are powerful cleaning tools that use high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime, making quick work of even the dirtiest surfaces.

Pressure washers are powerful cleaning tools that use high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime, making quick work of even the dirtiest surfaces. With the ability to reach into hard-to-clean areas and remove built-up grime and stains, pressure washers are a valuable tool for anyone looking to keep their property clean and well-maintained. Even the best tools, though, come with some precautions. Using a pressure washer responsibly and safely is essential to avoid accidents and damage. In this article, we'll go over some things to avoid when using a pressure washer to help you get the best results and keep yourself and your machine safe.

Tipping the Machine Over

One thing to avoid when using a pressure washer is tipping the machine over. While this might seem like a no-brainer, it's important to be mindful of the risk of tipping, especially if you're using a machine with a high center of gravity. Some pressure washers are more upright than others, making them more prone to tipping over if not handled carefully. When a pressure washer tips over, oil can flood the carburetor or air filter, preventing the machine from running. This is because the carburetor and air filter are responsible for delivering fuel and air to the engine. If they become clogged with oil, the engine will not be able to function properly. To prevent this, set the pressure washer on a stable, level surface and handle it carefully. Avoid placing it on uneven ground or in areas where it might be knocked over, and be mindful of your movements when using it to avoid accidental spills.

In addition to being careful when handling the machine, be sure to pay attention to the ground where you're using the pressure washer. If the ground is uneven, the machine's vibration can cause it to "walk" or shift position, which can increase the risk of tipping over. To prevent this, choose a stable, level surface to use the pressure washer on, and be mindful of the machine's movement while it's in use. If you're using a pressure washer with a higher center of gravity, it might be helpful to position the machine closer to the ground to reduce the risk of tipping over.

Running the Machine Without a Water Filter

Another thing to avoid is using the pressure washer without a water filter. The water filter is an important component of the pressure washer, and its primary function is to remove impurities and debris from the water before it is used to clean surfaces. This is important because if the water contains debris such as dirt, rocks, or sand, it can clog the nozzle and reduce the pressure washer's performance. If you're using the pressure washer without a water filter, you may notice a decrease in performance as a result. The clogged nozzle will be less effective at generating high-pressure water, making it harder to remove dirt and stains from surfaces.

In addition to causing problems with the accessories, the debris can also damage the pump. Inside pressure pumps are delicate parts that can deteriorate faster than normal when coming into contact with debris. Foreign particles can also cause some internal parts to get stuck in a fixed position. This will undoubtedly cause performance issues and may require rebuilding the pump. Without a water filter, you may spend more time dealing with performance issues than cleaning surfaces.

Neglecting Pressure Washer Maintenance

Running your pressure washer without oil, using improper fuel, or neglecting other important maintenance tasks can cause irreversible damage to your unit. Oil is necessary for lubricating the engine. Without sufficient lubrication, the engine's moving parts will grind against each other, causing wear and tear and potentially leading to engine failure. Using improper fuel, such as a fuel blend with ethanol, can also cause problems. Ethanol can break down rubber seals and other components, leading to leaks and other issues.To avoid these problems, make sure to check the oil level regularly and refill as needed, use only the correct type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer, and follow the recommended maintenance schedule to keep your pressure washer running smoothly. As a general rule of thumb, small engines typically require oil changes every 25-50 hours of operation, while pumps may need oil changes every 100-200 hours of operation.

Using The Machine Without Proper Safety Equipment

Another thing to avoid when using a pressure washer is operating it without proper safety equipment. While it might be tempting to skip the safety glasses or earplugs to save a little time, it's important to use the proper safety equipment to protect yourself from injury. The high-pressure water produced by a pressure washer can be powerful enough to cause serious injury, so it's important to take precautions to protect yourself.

Operating the Machine in an Unsafe Area

Using the pressure washer in an unsafe area can be dangerous and should be avoided. Tight or enclosed spaces can pose a risk due to the potential for inhaling fumes from the chemicals being used. These fumes can be toxic and can cause serious health problems if inhaled. The air can also become saturated with chemicals, which can be dangerous to breathe in. To reduce the risk of inhaling harmful fumes, it's important to use the pressure washer in a well-ventilated area.

By following our guide and taking good care of your pressure washer, you can get excellent cleaning results, extend the life of your machine, and avoid unnecessary risk to you or your machine. Next time you're ready to tackle a big cleaning project with your pressure washer, make sure to keep these things in mind.