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[ Home > Shop by Manufacturer > Mosmatic > Products > Product Information Center > Product Information Center: Pressure Washers > Pressure Washer Operation and Maintenance ]
| Pressure Washer Operation and Maintenance |
| To ensure proper operation of your pressure washer and maintenance of the engine, pump and other components its good to go over maintaining you pressure washer. This will ensure a long life and reliable service from your machine.
Disclaimer The following are simply suggestions as to the basic maintenance and operation of pressure washing equipment. Please read and follow closely all manufacturer's instructions on the operation, safety precautions and maintenance of your pressure washer. Apex Unlimited, LLC is not responsible for any injury, damage to property or pressure washer, or any other circumstances that result from your use of any pressure washers or equipment you use. A Pressure washer is a powerful tool that can quickly cause damage to person and property and must be used with as much care as you would with any other potentially dangerous power tool. PRESSURE WASHER MAINTENANCE How Do I Maintain My Pressure Washer’s Engine? Engine maintenance is the same as on any other gasoline powered equipment. Start by checking your oil level daily. Some models have automatic low oil shutdown switches that protect the engines. If you’re going to be storing your pressure washer over the winter you should drain gasoline (or adding a fuel stabilizer). Also, you should also prime your water pump with anti-freeze. (Follow the manufacturer instructions from the manual). If you’ve been using detergents, flush the water pump with clean water after each use. Finally, on gas models slowly pull the start rope five times to purge water from the pump. How often should I change my pumps oil? It’s good to be conscious that all pressure washers need a certain degree of maintenance and care. Just think- when the pumps that create the high pressure are operating, they get very hot. The water moving through the pump helps cool the pump parts. With these things in mind, pump maintenance is very important. Most manufacturers recommend changing the pumps oil within the first 30-50 hours of operation. After that you should change the pump’s oil every 200 hours after depending on your pump model. Of course, please refer to your pressure washer owners manual for their exact recommendations. By maintaining your pump by changing its oil on a regular basis, it will greatly lengthen the life of you pressure washer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct pump oil. Operation Before you begin using you pressure washer, please read & follow all safety instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. A pressure washer presents some unique dangers to the operator. The high pressure water stream can easily cut through skin or force toxic material into the bloodstream. In addition, if you are using chemical, it may be necessary to protect yourself by using eye protection, respirator, gloves, chemical suit and so on. Only use chemical solutions recommended by the manufacture. Tips on Proper Spraying Techniques By knowing different techniques, you can avoid frustration in the use of your pressure washer. By following these three guiding principles of pressure washing, you can effectively control the cleaning power or your machine and get the most out of your purchase. 1. Adjust the throttle on the gas engine to control the engine’s speed Some units also may have a regulator knob on the pump that can adjust the pressure (if so equipped). 2. Adjust the spray pattern at the nozzle Choose the widest pattern possible for spraying when starting the job and adjust the pattern to a narrower angle until you find a suitable pattern. There is a balance between how much power you use and how much of the surface you can cover. 3. Last, but not least, the easiest way to regulate the cleaning power of your pressure washer is simply the distance from the surface you are cleaning Start by spraying a few feet away from the surface you’re going to clean and then slowly move closer. Hold the nozzle a uniform distance from the surface to ensure that no part of surface is cleaner that another. Nozzles and Tips Some models have with a variable spray pattern (0-60 degree angle), while others have individual quick connect tips with a pre-set spray angle. The size of the nozzle influences both pressure and flow rate. The spray angle of the nozzle also plays an important role. The wider the spray angle, the lower its ability to cut through dirt. A wider pattern (40-60 degrees) will distribute the impact of water over a large area, allows for excellent cleaning action and less of a chance for damaging the surface you’re cleaning. The one of the best angles for cleaning surfaces in this range is 45 degrees. A fan pattern (15-25 degrees) balances stripping power and washing. It is useful for moving dirt and is a good choice for cleaning large flat surfaces such as patios and driveways. At 0 degrees, a narrow stream pattern delivers a high impact force resulting in maximum deep cleaning in concentrated area. The narrow stream is most often used to clean concrete masonry or brick but it can also be used to even remove paint or really tough dirt. Detergents By using detergents you can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to clean things and you can often remove dirt and stains that water pressure itself cannot. You can apply them with a low-pressure spray. Give them enough dwell time (the time it takes for the cleaning detergent to do its job-please read all directions and cautions on detergent label before using). There detergents that are made just for pressure washers and for a specific cleaning task, such as home or deck cleaning. Only use detergents specially made for pressure washers. Why? Because other cleaning agents like dish soap will clog the chemical injection system and could damage your pressure washer. Laws vary by state, but be conscious of the fact that the EPA prohibits discharge of pollutants without a permit. This might not be a problem if you’re using only water. But if you clean using detergents on a regular basis in your shop, loading dock, garage service station or other places you might look into your local laws on what you need to do to conform to local and state laws. |
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