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How to winterize an electric pressure washer
Updated
Get every drop of water out of the pump, add pump saver if you store it for a month or more, and keep the machine somewhere that does not freeze. Water left inside expands as it freezes and can crack the pump, which is the most common winter damage. Sun Joe and Greenworks both give short versions of these steps.
Step by step
- Unplug it. Then disconnect the garden hose, the high pressure hose and the spray gun.
- Drain the hoses and gun. Hold them up and let the water run out. Squeeze the trigger to empty the gun. Greenworks points out that even a small amount of water can do damage if it freezes.
- Clear the pump. With no hoses attached, plug in and run the machine for a few seconds until water stops coming out, then turn it off right away. Sun Joe's steps say the same. Do not run it dry for longer than that.
- Add pump saver. Greenworks says to use a pump saver product or RV type antifreeze. Connect the bottle to the water inlet and squeeze until it comes out of the outlet. Greenworks says to do this whenever the machine will sit more than 30 days.
- Flush the soap line. Run clean water through the detergent tank before you drain, so soap does not dry in the siphon.
- Store it indoors. Pick a spot that stays above freezing. Sun Joe also warns against storing it near a furnace or other strong heat, which can dry out the pump seals.
- Coil the hose loosely and store the tips in a bag so you do not lose them.
If it already froze
Do not start it. Let it thaw fully indoors at room temperature, then connect the water and check the pump housing and fittings for cracks or drips before you turn it on. A cracked pump usually shows as a leak under the machine.
Spring start up
- Connect the garden hose and turn the water on.
- Squeeze the trigger with the motor off until water runs steady. This pushes out air and pump saver.
- Only then turn the motor on, with the widest tip fitted.
Which of our picks are easiest to store
- Westinghouse ePX3100v: 17.6 pounds with a built-in carry handle, small enough for a shelf in a heated room. The catch is it is made to be carried, with no wheels listed.
- Westinghouse ePX3500: 19 pounds and 16.5 inches tall on four swivel wheels. The catch is the short 17.5 inch wand.
The Greenworks 3000 PSI is the hardest to move indoors at 51.7 pounds, so plan a warm spot for it before you buy.
Check any listing's numbers with the cleaning units calculator, or see all five machines on our picks page.