As the colder months approach, it's crucial to start thinking about protecting your pressure washer from freezing temperatures. From a heavy-duty industrial washer, proper maintenance and storage during the winter can prevent costly damage. Here, we provide helpful tips to safeguard your machine and avoid unwanted surprises when spring arrives.
Why Freezing Weather is Harmful to Pressure Washers
Freezing temperatures can be detrimental to pressure washers, here's why:
- Water Residue: Pressure washers retain water throughout their system. When temperatures drop below freezing, this water expands, potentially causing significant damage to pipes, pumps, and other internal components.
- Costly Repairs: Frost damage can lead to expensive repairs or even replacement, which can be particularly frustrating if you've only used your washer a few times.
How to Protect Your Pressure Washer During Winter
To prevent damage and keep your pressure washer in peak condition, follow these steps:
- Store in a Warm, Frost-Protected Area: The best option is to store your pressure washer where it won’t be exposed to freezing temperatures.
- Wrap-in Insulation: If indoor storage isn't available, wrap your machine in a warm covering to shield it from frost.
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Drain Water from the System: After your last use, ensure that you:
- Disconnect the water supply, high-pressure hose, trigger, and lance.
- Drain any excess water to prevent freezing inside the system.
- Use an Anti-Freeze Solution: If possible, run an anti-freeze solution through the machine to protect internal components during cold months.
- Consider Installing a Frost Protection System: For industrial or commercial pressure washers, ask about installing a frost protection system. This is a simple but effective measure, especially for static cabinet pressure washers and mobile industrial models.
- Schedule a Pre-Winter Service: Get your machine serviced before winter sets in. A professional service can identify and fix minor issues, ensuring your machine is in top condition when you need it again.
Year-round Industrial and Commercial Use in Winter
If you're a commercial or industrial customer who uses pressure washers year-round, winterising your equipment is even more critical. Dirty vehicles are more common during the winter, so having a reliable pressure washer is key to maintaining cleanliness.
- Routine Servicing: Consider scheduling regular servicing to avoid breakdowns during these busy, cold months. Nothing is worse than a machine malfunction when you need it most.
Service and Repairs at Ruck Engineering
At Ruck Engineering, we specialize in the repair, service, and maintenance of all heavy-duty industrial pressure washer models. If you're looking for help with a service or repair, please visit our service and repairs page and complete the contact form.
We serve Darlington, Teesside, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas in Tyne and Wear. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or assistance as winter approaches!