Maintaining Your Pressure Washer
Keep Out Chemicals
If you are using your pressure washer to undertake a cleaning task, then you are probably going to introduce some chemicals, like soap or detergent, into its system. This is fine, as long as you remember to wash all chemicals out when you are done. If they are left in the pressure washer they can weaken the hose or cause blockages. By flushing your pressure washer after every use you can be sure that these problems won't occur.
Properly Turn Off the Machine
When turning off your pressure washer it is good practice to keep the nozzle open. This decreases pressure within the hose. If there is too much pressure, it is possible (yet unlikely) that the hose could burst. A more typical problem caused by too much pressure is the stretching of the hose. This means that later, the hose pressure will be decreased because it is pushing water through a wider hose.
Purge Water
By using a simply procedure when starting and turning off your pressure washer you can avoid a series of problems. If you have a gas powered pressure washer, pull the handle several times when starting the machine. This will purge any old water, getting rid of any chemicals that could harm your current job. If you have an electrical model, flip the switch on and off a few times for the same results.
Disconnect the Hoses
Each time you use the pressure washer, be sure to disconnect the hoses when you are through. Disconnecting and draining the hoses will prevent several problems. By disconnecting the hose you run less risk of ripping it or putting a hole in the hose when storing the pressure washer. By draining the hose you ensure that water will not freeze in the hose. When water freezes in hoses it often causes cracking which will result in the hose needing to be replaced.
Store Your Pressure Washer Properly!
You can avoid a lot of problems by simply storing your pressure washer safely in the proper place. Keep the pressure washer somewhere dry, like a garage or an outbuilding. This ensures that the machine will be kept out of the elements like snow and rain which can cause rust. Keep your hoses in a safe place where no rodents or bugs can get to them. This will lessen the possibility that the hoses will be gnawed through.
These are just a few tips to keep your pressure washer in great working order. For more detailed tips, check out ehow.com. They have great information on all sorts of do it yourself projects and repairs!