Power washing equipment is a sizable investment, and it withstands a great deal of wear and tear each time you use it. Take care of your commercial power washer and save money on replacement parts and repairs by performing these five maintenance tasks every time you use it:
1. Clean it. If you’re using your power washer for dirty jobs, such as paint or mildew removal, some of that debris is going to end up on your machine. Scrub caked-on debris from the outside of your power washer with water and a soft-bristled brush, and use a damp cloth to polish the surfaces.
2. Check it. Survey your power washing equipment, and inspect the parts. Is anything missing, cracked, broken, worn or rusty? Does the spray gun or nozzle have any leaks? How tight is the hose connection? If anything about your power washer looks off, replace it.
3. Fuel it. Does your power washer use gasoline? Make sure the tank is filled with unleaded gas. Check the engine’s oil level with the dipstick, and add more if you’re low. If your power washer relies on an outlet or battery, be aware of nearby outlets or make sure you have both a charged battery and a spare.
4. Test it. With the power washer unplugged and turned off, test the trigger – first with the safety latch or trigger lock on. If you can still press the trigger, replace the spray gun right away. Next, release the safety or lock, press the trigger and let it go. If it doesn’t spring back into place, your power washer needs a new spray gun.
5. Connect it. Finally, your power washer is almost ready to use. All you need to do now is attach the hoses. Let water run through your water source for a minute or two before connecting in case it houses any dirt or debris. Make sure the hoses are connected to your power washer and the water supply is turned on before firing it up.
Perform these routine maintenance tasks on your commercial power washer before each use, and you’ll have the hang of it in no time. It only takes a few extra minutes, and it ensures your power washer will perform any task safely and effectively.
[ photo by: somjuan ]