Pressure washers are a blessing; they make work a lot easier and thus us happier. But this ease of use makes pressure washers a favorite tool among the do-it-yourself crowd. This means that few people know how to properly take care of their items, resulting in less than desirable results.
As a manufacturer of gas-powered pressure washers, we’ve had experiences on how to help maximize the life of a machine. Here are some factors that will affect pressure washer’s longevity: Visit now Giraffe tools pressure washer.
1. Pressure washer’s PSI
Low PSI (commonly rated at 2000PSI) can cause extra wear and tear on the pump and engine components. There’s a reason why there’s a max PSI listed for each machine, especially with electric pressure washers: so that they don’t burn out too quickly! Your device will have a longer life if it stays within the PSI range.
2. Water chemistry
Water that is too hard or has too much iron rust will cause one of the most common problems with pressure washers: premature pump failure. The reason why is because the pump impeller is made out of carbon steel, which rusts very quickly when brought into contact with water containing dissolved silica (sand) or excessive iron rust. One way to identify if you have “bad” water is by misting some drops on a white sheet of paper – if there are ugly black dots all over your writing after drying, then it’s time to consider changing your water source! If you’re sure that you don’t need to clean anything yet (no oil stains on the ground, etc.), you can opt for a mobile pressure washing service to save yourself time and trouble.
3. Pressure washer’s usage level
If your machine sits in storage for too long without being used – whether due to not needing it or just forgetfulness – then rust will build up inside its pump/engine components that are typically made out of carbon steel (which rusts very quickly). This is why all new machines should have regular engine maintenance performed to ensure that there are no internal/external leaks developing while the machine still has warranty coverage left. Keep your device stored indoors if possible!
4. Low-quality detergent added during usage / not enough cleaning solution mixed in with water before usage
Along with water chemistry, the cleaning agent added to the water is another critical factor affecting pressure washers’ longevity. Not all detergents are created equal. A good mixture will contain 5 gallons of detergent for every 100 gallons of water. The mistake here is using too little or too much detergent – both can cause engine/pump component failure, increased emissions, and less than desired cleaning performance (if anything at all).
5. Excessive usage such as leaving your pump on 24×7
If you go your machine running every day, even when not in use, this can put unnecessary stress on its pump and engine components. Keep it turned off unless you’re using it! It’s better to keep your pump lubricated regularly (so you still need to be using your machine) than to let it run non-stop.
6. Improper storage of gas or use of the wrong type of gasoline
If you put the wrong kind of gasoline into your machine, this can damage its engine components quickly due to additives that are not beneficial for longevity. Use only ethanol-free petrol with 10% – 20% oil content! If possible, avoid storing extra fuel inside your garage since extreme hot/cold temperature fluctuations will affect performance and stability. It’s best if you keep all unused powers in an approved safety container outside at least 50 feet away from your house/shed/garage, so it doesn’t pose any danger if there’s an explosion.
7. Lack of engine maintenance
Suppose you fail to perform any engine maintenance on your pressure washer. In that case, this will lead to clogged fuel filters/fuel lines, excessively worn out bearings or bushings, dirty air filters (causing diminished suction power), and possibly even can cause irreversible damage to your pump if left unattended for too long! If the machine is still under warranty coverage, then it should be performed by a local authorized service centre rather than attempting it yourself (unless you’re sure that you know what you’re doing).
8. Not having manual siphon break installed on gas tank’s filler tube
This serves as an emergency gas shutoff valve so that when gasoline levels are low during usage late at night, there’s no risk of leakage from the tank back into the machine. Without this added safety measure in place, any gas that gets spilt around your device will have to be cleaned up, or it can lead to a significant fire hazard!
9. Regularly using a garden hose as a source for the cleaning solution
Using a garden hose as a water source when running your pressure washer can severely shorten its pump life due to very poor water chemistry. While you’d probably know if you have bad water already (due to visible hard deposits), some people may not see the issue since it’s only slightly corrosive and, over time, will add up on your pump’s components, causing premature failure. Always keep an eye on your pressure washer’s manual and make sure to use a good source for cleaning solutions, such as from a bucket or from the machine itself. If you need to do some quick touch-ups after using your garden hose, it’s fine if you mix in tiny amounts of chemicals.
10. Running engine without engine cover on
Suppose an enclosed protective shield does not cover your engine. In that case, this allows debris and sediment to reach their rotating parts much more accessible, leading to a much shorter lifespan since they have a higher chance of being damaged quickly. Make sure that whenever your pressure washer is not under active usage/maintenance, you keep its cover securely attached!
Conclusion
Having your pressure washer’s pump support its engine’s lifespan is critical to getting the most value for your money! Try to avoid any of the items listed in this article, and you’ll enjoy using your pressure washer for years.
If you follow these instructions in this article, then you will ensure that your pressure washer has a lengthy lifespan for many years to come. As long as the machine is maintained correctly, it should give you great results without significant problems throughout its usable life!
