Keep Your Pressure Washer Working Well With This Maintenance Checklist

It’s tough to decide whether it feels more satisfying to watch grime and mildew disappear in clean lines or to look out over your freshly pressure-washed deck, driveway, or fence once you're done. To get either sort of oh-so-good satisfaction, it’s important to avoid the common pressure washer mistake of not keeping it in good working shape.

We’ve compiled our best maintenance tips and created a step-by-step checklist for pressure washer maintenance. Keep reading to learn more.

Importance of Routine Maintenance

The average cost to pressure wash a house professionally is $300. But you can also buy a decent pressure washer for this much. Spending five to ten minutes on regular pressure washer maintenance can mean the difference between a machine you can use for years and a bad investment.

Meticulous maintenance helps avoid inconvenient breakdowns and expensive repairs and keeps your machine performing at its best for longer. Proper cleaning, fuel and oil refills and changes, and part care and replacement contribute to this.

If you have a gas model, you’ll need to set aside more time for maintenance as it requires a few extra steps than an electric power washer.

Prepping For Maintenance

It pays to take a few safety precautions before rolling up your sleeves to perform pressure washer maintenance. Not being prepared can result in expensive pressure washer repair bills or make operating your machine unsafe. 

Refer to manufacturer’s instructions as maintenance recommendations and processes, parts, and constructions vary by model. If in doubt, contact a professional pressure washing service near you for assistance.

Here are a few safety precautions to remember:

• Always unplug an electric pressure washer or switch off the gas engine first.

• Turn off the water supply and disconnect the hose.

• Disconnect the spark plug on gas pressure washers to eradicate the risk of accidental start-ups.

• Work in a well-ventilated space as gas pressure washers use flammable liquids.

• Ensure there is no trapped water in the spray gun.

What to Do After Each Use

After pressure washing your driveway or outdoor furniture, you’ll be ready to put your feet up and relax. But before you sit down, take ten minutes to complete these simple pressure washer maintenance tasks.

• Rinse and drain excess water and detergent: All sections of the pressure washer must be free of detergent and water before you store it. Run water through the machine until it’s clear. 

• Release the pressure: Turn off the machine, unplug it, and run it until there’s no water left to release any built-up pressure.

• Roll up the hose carefully: Coil the hose precisely to prevent kinks, as these can lead to leaks or other types of damage.

• Check for leaks: Check the machine and wand for leaks. If you spot water or oil seeping out where it shouldn’t, it’s probably time to call in a pro. If your wand is leaking, replace the sealing O-ring.

• Clean the nozzle: Clear any debris or clogs in the nozzle. If your machine comes with a nozzle cleaner, use that. Otherwise, use something like an unfolded paper clip. 

• Look over the machine: Give your machine a good once over to ensure no issues. Examine the water inlet filter, check all moveable parts, and tighten any loose bolts, nuts, or screws.

If you don’t use your machine often, consider adding pump protector after every use. This protector lubricates and seals your machine, prevents freeze damage, and removes any hard water mineral deposits that can affect the performance and longevity of your machine.

For Gas-Powered Models 

Gas models offer more power and portability but require more maintenance—which is one of the biggest considerations when comparing gas vs. electric pressure washers.

If you decide the power is worth the added work, add these steps to your pressure washing maintenance checklist after every use:

• Inspect air filter: Ensure the filter is damage- and debris-free and sealed properly. 

• Check engine oil levels: Top up (but don’t overfill) pump lubricants. Change the oil after the first 20 hours of use.

• Top off fuel levels: If you don't top up your fuel tank after each use, it can encourage problematic moisture buildup while in storage. However, don’t overfill, as fuel can expand.

• Add fuel stabilizer: Because fuel can go stale when left for longer than a month without use, adding this product helps to preserve it and prevent gumming between sessions. If you don’t plan on using the machine for at least three months, drain off the fuel completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Quarterly Pressure Washer Maintenance 

To keep your machine running smoothly for longer, it's important to perform a few extra maintenance tasks once every few months or after around 50 hours of use (whichever is sooner).

This timeframe is fairly negotiable, though. Depending on what you use your pressure washer for, you might need to perform these tasks a little more regularly. Or, if you use your washer very infrequently, you may be able to get by with completing these tasks twice a year.

• Lubricate connections: Oil the hose O-rings and the connections on the spray gun and wand extension to help keep things running smoothly. 

• Check plugs and cords: If they are damaged, only replace them with identical parts, including ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection. This is a crucial electrical safety precaution for devices in contact with water.

For Gas-Powered Models

• Check spark plug: Clean any buildup of deposits on and around the spark plug, check for wear, and ensure the electrode gap fits with manual guidance.

• Change engine oil: Drain existing oil and replace it with new lubricant.

• Check the fuel strainer: If your model has one, clean it out every few months.

Annual Pressure Washer Maintenance Checklist

Tackle these tasks every year or once your machine has seen 100 hours of action—whichever comes first.

• Winterize your pressure washer: This article provides tips on how to winterize your pressure washer every year.

• Add pump save before winter: Protect your pressure washer when hard freezes hit wit this antifreeze and lubricant.

• Replace water inlet screen: This screen is like a little filter on your pressure washer. Replace it annually for the best results.

For Gas-Powered Models

• Replace air filter: Change your filter once a year to help prevent a loss of power and keep the machine operating efficiently.

• Check spark plug: If worn, replace it.

• Check fuel lines: If worn, replace them.

• Clean spark arrestor: Rinse away any contaminant buildup on these small screens, which are designed to limit spark plug particles from escaping. 

How to Store Your Pressure Washer

In addition to performing regular maintenance, where and how you store your pressure washer is key to keeping repairs to a minimum. While this pressure washing tip may seem unimportant, it actually can play a big part in the overall quality and life span of your machine.

Store your pressure washer in a cool, dry area away from heat sources. If it’s within your budget, protect it with a cover.

For gas-powered pressure washers, treat your fuel with a stabilizer or drain the gasoline and run the engine until it’s out of fuel before storing it.