Pressure Washing Tips

A pressure washer can have a lot of uses around your property for the do-it-yourselfer. Here are some tips to consider before cleaning up your property.

1. Always wear the proper protective equipment (eye wear, gloves, and ventilation mask).
2. Be sure to check the oil level in your unit’s engine and pump before operating.
3. Always hook up your garden hose and supply water to the unit before starting it.
4. Make sure all pressure hose connections and fittings are properly secured.
5. Check to make sure the unit’s exhaust pipe is free of debris, not too close to any surface that could melt, and that there is adequate ventilation.
6. After starting the power washer, don’t allow the unit to run for more than a minute without circulating water through the pump, this is achieved by pulling the trigger on the wand.
7. When changing wand nozzles be sure the nozzle is fully seated in the wand’s quick connect, you should be able to spin the nozzle if its properly seated.
8. Before pulling the trigger always point the wand in a safe direction.
9. Don’t get too close to surfaces that may be damaged by too much water pressure.
10. Keep the wand tip away from your skin or anybody else’s, even a couple hundred PSI can cause injury to you or others.
11. Change the pump and engine oil once a season.
12. Be sure to antifreeze the pump if being stored outdoors in freezing climates.
13. Don’t take on any projects you feel uncomfortable doing, you can always request a free power washing estimate from a professional.

Following these tips will help to insure your safety and to keep your pressure washing unit running trouble free for years to come.