Top Reasons Your Pressure Washer Pump Is Destroyed & Has No Pressure!
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Top Reasons Your Pressure Washer Pump Is Destroyed & Has No Pressure!
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Watch my video on how to winterize a pressure washer here;
ua-cam.com/video/8FlPuR0r0co/v-deo.html
Do you have a link to the inline filter you showed? All the ones on Amazon just have a screen. Thx
I have used the B & S for years. It does actually help the seals in the pump.
@@mauricelackey5324 Yes, it is also supposed to have a lubricant quality for coating the pump inside for storage to prevent corrosion.
this is the model for a video. No wasted time. No packing on useless exposition. Straight to the point. Thank you for appreciating people’s time. Excellent video.
The most damaging thing I ever did to a pressure washer was to lend it out. Even when you educate them on how to run it, they always say they know how it works. Then it comes back busted. 4th one in 4 years. Not this one though, lesson learned. Great vid. Thanks
To keep a friend never borrow never lend.
Don't lend anything you can't afford to replace. They can rent one.
Totally agree. I used to borrow my neighbors unit and in exchange I serviced it every year. It was always in top shape. Then she lent it to her sisters spouse and it was ruined in one go. I also never, ever, lend a chain saw. I did it once years ago and the bar was ruined through ploughing into the dirt and letting bar oil run out.
This reminds me! I borrowed my neighbor’s chain saw! I’m servicing it tomorrow and putting a new chain on it.
I borrowed my 10,000 wat generator to a friend and the electrical components were melted in it when he brought it back. He never said anything about it till I needed to use it and it didn't work. The dickhead is a millionaire 😊❤
I have really abused my Home Depot/ Honda equip Pressure Washer and need to maintain it now that I have watched this video.
Thank You for making this video.
I have a cup of coffee and look through MY owners manual. The problem is lending and borrowing tools and equipment.
Amen, had mine for years never had an issue, lent it family explained to them to put RV antifreeze in it when done, gave them the antifreeze and they couldn't be bothered to use it. Guess what nobody borrows it anymore under an6 circumstances!
Whenever a customer brought a crashed Waverunner to my Yamaha shop, I would ask him to fill out the work order with, Name, address, phone and “who did you lend it to?”
Invariably they’d freeze and say, “How did you know?”
@@backcountyrpilot why do you care who someone lends their things too?
100% don't lend your power washer no matter who it is they might know how to use it but there buddy that shows up has no idea and here's your sine !!!
@@TingTingalingy Because I’d they come in the shop than they know that that person is stupid
This has been the best info I have ever got from a UA-cam video. Been using pressure washers for 30 years and never knew I should shut it off when it is not spraying. Thanks
Thank you , I’m one that doesn’t read manuals but after watching this video I will start reading them . I’m glad you mentioned all including electric ones because I just got one.
Thanks for you videos.
You don’t have to worry about electric ones burning out.
Recently found out that leaving the washer in idle for periods over a minute can destroy the pump. Lucky me that I have my wahser for 12 years and still starts on the first or second pull. Lucky, Lucky, Lucky me! I will not let it idel that long any more. Thanks donyboy!!! Oh Yeah! I keep it in my garage.
Everything you mentioned is good advice. I have gone through a couple machines and pumps and I've discovered that whenever you finish using the machine, take all the hoses o
Great tips! That's why I don't let people borrow my machines.
I purchased a pressure washer from Sherwin Williams in 2000, MiTm with a 9 horsepower Honda engine. To this day it starts on the second pull and the pump has never been replaced. Live in the Atlanta area and have kept it in a work shed with no heat. Never added any agents to keep it from freezing. However, it now has to run for some time before the pump can come up to full pressure.
Great information. For winterizing, in the fall I always remove the thermocoupler and tilt the pump sideways to remove any residual water. I realise that's not the case for all units. I have a Karcher.
Great point great point on keeping the pressure pump running! Your one of the FIRST to ever mention this! Thank you!
I should of added, keep pressure washer running by squeezing the trigger
I tell customers to "keep water flower through wand"
@@donyboy73 That's a good point to add "through the wand". I'm reading my instruction manual and figured it meant water running to the pump and not necessarily pulling the trigger. I only used it once last year for the first time brand new. Hopefully everything starts up ok this year.
Yeah. Initially I thought as long as you have water running through your hose, it would be fine, but I saw another vid to say turn off the engine if you don’t plan to spray immediately
When you release the trigger the water now circulates through the unloader valve back into the pump. When the water runs in this circle fresh incoming water is not cooling the pump. The small amount of water circulating through the pump and unloader quickly overheats to the point it damages the seals in the pump.
Thanks for the tips, I knew some but not all.
Appreciate its.
PS, it's the first time I am sending money to someone for a tip o watched.
You were not screening like you are the best, nor you had an annoying constant music on the background, you were genuine & I learned something that I know will help my pressure washers last longer.
It's not much, but it my small way of saying thank you 🙏
Thank you for your support!
I think you just solved my problem. At the end of last season I left my pressure washer running to run all of the gas out of it for the winter. I just tried to use it today only to find the pump leaking and very low pressure. I guess I'll be replacing the pump now.
Thanks again!
Same here. Now it's leaking, the pump oil is grey. Stored in house, always turned on with waterflow. Comet pump. What could have happened to her? 😡
Very good info here as always. Another reason to put pump saver into your pump after every use, especially if you let it sit for a few weeks between uses, it flushes out the water left behind in in the pump. If you let the water sit it will evaporate and leave behind mineral deposits that will clog the passages and valves eventually. Also along the lines of not leaving the pump running when your not spraying, it is a very good idea to turn on the water before you start the pump and squeeze the wand trigger until water comes out. That way you won't be running the pump dry and causing any undue wear. Pump saver also helps in that regard as it is a lubricant as well as a antifreeze.
@@keithmarlowe5569 The problem with pumps that continue to run when not spraying (All Gasoline Powered Washers) is that the moving water dissipates the Heat that is naturally generated while the pump is running. Most Electric Washers have a pressure switch that shuts off the pump while not in use.
Richard, is there a brand name product that you use? I have a Karcher 3000 . I live in the Dominican Republic so freezing temps won’t occur. Automotive additives that so abundant in Wisconsin are so hard to find here, like Marvel Mystery Oil, Sea foam, injector cleaners. Any recommendations are welcome. The water here comes from a river, not drinkable but ok for for showers and washing clothes. It looks realy clean and clear, no smell but I know some dirt and minerals are in the water. Thanks
I'm not sure you're correct on mineral deposits occurring as you claim. That usually takes lots of water if the area even has a high mineral content in their water
Where do you get pump saver?
People with well water injest a LOT of minerals and salts into the pump. They look all white and crusty when you remove the strainer! Thanks Don!
Had no idea about 30 seconds , Day one with my 1500 dollar new pressure washer , glad I found your info . Watched from Vancouver island canada . 🇨🇦👏👏 Thank You and OK I will read my manual lol.
I use velcro to keep the pump flowing so I can do things for a short while without turning off the machine. I also keep sprayer open with velcro. Makes it much easier to start very helpful. Good job.
What happens if the spray gun is dropped? It will whip around and possibly cause injury.
There's only one more tip to add: NEVER run a pump dry! Connect the hose first, turn it on, trigger the wand until all the air is out of it, then start the engine. I have had to hold the wand trigger, with no nozzle tip, because the build up of pressure can sometimes make it hard to start the engine.
When I'm ready to store it for the winter, I will turn off the fuel, rather than the ignition, and let the carburetor float bowl drain out. I then remove the hose and the wand, and put on the choke and give it one final pull. That drains the last bit of gasoline out of the idle circuit and emulsion tube of the carburetor, so no fuel is left to leave gum or varnish behind. That final few seconds of run is enough to purge out residual water from the pump, so there's no water left behind to cause corrosion, or freeze, I've been doing that, rather than adding antifreeze, and it works well. (My pressure washer is a Generac)
And when you want to start it after you get the water running smoothly through the pump squeezing the trigger while you pull the cord is much easier.
So….as you let it run to pump remaining water out…the machine will run “dry” until you turn it off.
The emulsion tube pickup isn't actually at the very bottom. It can still corrode if the bowl isn't fully drained. Old gas in the tank needs to be removed before storing for longer than 3 months.
@Vincent Robinette I am sure what you do works for you, I would just use anti freeze rather than run the pump dry which can potentially dry rot the rubber seals inside. It's dirt cheap.
I also like to throw in a small amount of fuel stabilizer (Sta-Bil) into the gas tank.
I also saw a tip about the o rings or seals can crack inside the pump if you blow out the pump and then leave it dry but that’s when you should pump in the antifreeze and leave it in there for the winter if the washer is left outside. I did that today. Also straighten out the hose and drain the water out so it doesn’t freeze and burst
Your informative video will save my new PW. It is too late for the old one now since the pump has failed. My garden hose now has more pressure than my Greenworks unit. My next machine will be gas.
Another great video.
My pressure washer is the one tool that vexes me in so many ways.
Proper oil level is difficult to maintain, oil coming out the gasket from overfilling and loosened gasket cover bolts etc. Would love to start over fresh and drain it all out, clean all the oil off the machine etc.
Well, I'm glad I stayed to the end -- "-this applies to electric pressure washers too". We dont have petrol ones in Europe but I stayed to watch because it was so informative, and I was going to ask, 'Does this apply to pressure washers too?'
Thanks, muchos.
That's very helpful. But two years to late for me. Learning the hard way is a bad habit of mine. Thanks for sharing this with us.
As always EXCELLENT information. I do all the things you advised. And yes ...my manual mentions no more than 30 seconds .
Valuable knowledge from years of experience. Thank you for your video.
had quite a few ryobi pressure washers come in with honda gcv160 over the years. all never had an oil change. the output shaft square key partially sheered. output shaft reduced in size from the damage and the input collar of the pump broke. i recall these engine if not pre-broken in from honda, an oil change is required at the initial 40 hours and 100 hours. thank you again for these videos.
if i might also add. these gcv160-190 engines like to leak around the o-ring at the cam gear shaft from overheating as a result from lack of lubrication. oil changes are not definitely not optional.
These are a lot of great answers and I have lost several pressure washers. IF you have a good ratchet drive allen key you can remove the Karcher pump and winter store
your pump in the basement taking minimum space. For me it is a struggle to take the entire unit inside up and down stairs. getting the right allen key is everything.
The pressure washer i bought from tractor supply has a valve that opens when the water in the pump gets too hot. Stays open until enough cool water circulates through and out then closes again. I've had it for years and no issues yet. I can easily leave it many many minutes without any concern. But yes, everything you said is very correct.
Trying to figure out why my pump finally died after 10 years of use. I would let it idle for minutes at a time with no water going thru. Thanks for posting this!
no matter what I always hook up a water hose before starting my pressure washer. very informative thank you brother. 👍
Thank you for helping me troubleshoot my pressure washer. I have a question though, why does my pressure washer backfires when I pull the starter rope on occasions?
Thanks for these tips! I'm definitely in need of the pump saver spray- my 14 year old craftsman which still works perfectly fine will now be stored in a shed in winter time.
I have an electric 1 hp motor on a German pump washer. It has a bypass circuit and it will constantly circulate water while it’s running at “idle”. In an oil bath. Excellent unit. Great video.
I store mine in the basement but good tip on the antifreeze.
I always put Stabil in all my gas cans before I fill them and have had good luck with engines starting up easily after being stored with basin the tank.
Great tips - I’ve done all of these recommendations and my gas power washer is 15 years old .
Wow! No wonder my washers never work! I think I did everything you mentioned wrong. And no I don’t read the manual… thank you for the tips and please keep them coming.
Good point about keeping the water flowing so as not to burn out the pump. Fish tank filters are the same way, when you start them up (after cleaning them every week) you have to add water immediately so as not to burn out the pump motor. Another great video Don!
Just a tip to keep the flow going....Put a zip-tie around the grip and squeeze-lever and tighten it just enough to hold the lever in the engaged position. (You'll see what I mean when you do this.) Then you can slide it (the zip-tie) up and/or down to engage/dis-engage the water flow. In that way, you can keep it engaged when you want to lay it down to move something or whatever without having to rush. Works quite well.........
Thanks for all your videos! I’ve found out the hard way that you should also store your hose and wand above freezing. My wand blew apart when a small bit of water left in it froze.
I bought a garden hose thread to 3/4" PVC adapter at Ace hardware (only place I have found these adapters at) glued it onto 8" of 3/4 PVC pipe with a 90 degree fitting and 3" piece of PVC glued onto the other end. Thread it into your pump and pour some anti-freeze into it and pull starter rope till some anti-freeze comes out the hgih pressure outlet. That short PVC adapter when filled up usually is enough anti freeze to go all the way thru pump and you don't have to turn the pressure washer on its side and dripple it in. You could also use and old garden hose cut off to do the same thing, although you have to secure the cut end of the hose to something to keep it full of anti-freeze while pulling the starter rope.
As someone who also works on small engines this is why I went electric on my pressure washer. If you don't need more than 2000 psi electric are normally more than enough for the job. Also you don't have to worry about burning out the pump, because it will stop running (provided you have it set up correctly, and I you easily store it in my basement in the winter as they are light weight.
That was very concise and spot on. Do it all and it will run a very long time.
I Always Read Directions And Knew About Turning It Off So I Don't Burn The Pump Out If I Have To Do Something Else. I Had A Teacher Many Years Ago That Taught Me To Always Read The Directions. It Has Never Failed Me .
Is the pump on that unit something that you can rebuild?
Some pump brands sell reuild kits. Cat brand pumps have kits available.
Thanks so much Don for all the helpful tips with care for a pressure washer. Great summary. Thanks again and have a great upcoming weekend.
Thanks, you too!
Hey bud I am a certified Hotsy technician and u nailed it on the ways to keep your pump alive, only one thing I would also mention is rapid triggering of the gun on and off is very bad for the unloader valve on the outlet of the pump. This home owner washer has a built in unloader and def way cheaply made compared to a industrial external bypass loop unloader. So if you are constantly banging that trigger your unloader valve that traps that water every time you release the trigger will wear out fast and or fail. And with it being built in if your unloader fails but your pump is good, you pump won’t do what it should.
Good video man
thanks for the tips buddy!
From what I have read you need the water going in around 60psi so if you are using lake water you need a booster pump and filter between the pump and water source.
Genius as always. I'm going to check to see if my unit is missing the screen!!
Good advice. My owners manual says "don't run more than 2 minutes without spraying "
I would advise no more than 1 minute. signed; retired pressure washer repair tech.
I have had a pressure washer in the extreme north for over 30 years with no problems. My pump specific fall prep is to flush the whole system with air. I have soldered up a little male water hose/ air compressor quick connect together. (I also use it to clear the lawn/garden irrigation system). This assures the wand, hoses and pump system are completely dry. They sit out the winter at minus 40 and worse with no sequelae. Then the usual winter storage management for the engine.
WOW saved myself some repair money. Did everything you said except the last issue about letting the machine run. Whoops my bad I'm 100% guilty of that. So I guess I need to replace the pump. Thanks a bunch for the Video and keep up the good work.
I think one issue for some people is there water volume to the pump. Most people dont measure the gpm at the hose end to make sure the pump is getting what is called for. Some people use a really long hose to hookup and starts to diminish that number required. Great video btw
makes sense, never thought about that
My old house was like that only gave like 2 home which was not enough for my big power washer. Had a 3/4 feed line probably half filled with sediment. Now most water feed lines are at least 1 inch.
Holy shit!!! You are a GOD. not spraying for more than 30 seconds?????? Who ticking knew??? I just bought a B.E 8m so glad I saw this. You are a king. Thank you. I'm also drunk. So I hope that hi is makes sense.
Great points, i have a question i have heard from other youtubers that in order to downstream chemicals in a pressure washer the spot on this particular pressure washer with the clear hose coming out must be capped off and an attachment be placed with a male and female quick release to add chemical after the pump looking at this design that is after the pump correct? So that would be a waste right?
Great synopsis of the main reasons why pressure washer pumps fail and what to guard against. Thanks!
Nice video on pump use . My Simpson has a relef vavle on the pump and I still try and shut it down when just needing to move items around.
One of the best videos I've seen I'm one of those guys who does everything right with my washer "except" I had no idea about leaving it running without water going through that was a wow! For me looks like I'll have to buy a new pump the Honda works and starts great so it should be worth the $100 can
I also came across info that indicated these pumps only have about 100 hour life I certainly have more
This video exemplifies why I follow you! Thank you!!
Question. Why does the pump surge?? Sprays then gets weak? Then sprays then weak? Thx
I use Tru fuel in all my small engines.
It's pricey but it's the best.
Eliminates mixing for 2 strokes and on my 4 stroke engines I put in Tru fuel the last time I use it before winter.
Been doing it that way for years and my stuff always works and I even think the specialty fuel extends the life of the engines.
Didn't know about the 30 second deal until recently. My sister-in-law borrowed my washer then came over to visit my wife. I thought I heard the pressure washer still running but wasn't sure. I am now. New pressure washer just received. The old one had a burned up engine and the pump won't pass water when I got it back. No more loaning equipment either.
I use pink stuff like trailer and fill hose up and air thru it
Works great too
Have used old regular antifreeze also 😊😊
Thanks
Need to repost this in a month for several months
Doesn't the pump saver also condition the seals as well, not just prevent freezing?
As I have heard to connect water hose and turn on water , always before starting up the pressure washer , gas or electric . I has always thought to put the indented / rounded side of filter , inward , not facing out . Using some small ? to gently seat it all the way without deforming it .
Great video. Is it ok to leave water in the pump if it is kept inside, or should it be blown out with low pressure air when finished?
Merci Canada M.T.L Québec wow love 😅😊
I have the same pressure washer and pump, and last week the cord wouldn't pull. I tried to pull the pump but couldn't get it off, so I took off the end cap and milky oil came out. I inspected the parts and excessive wear on the guides / pins / orings.
Although I do keep in a garage attached to the house, we had a very cold winter. I should carefully inspect for housing cracks that could have allowed water to permeate into the oil chamber.
Don’t have winter storage problems here …only thing I found was the screen disintegrated….good point on the oil… 👍🏼
Good video as usual but no help for this problem and you tube has no repair videos for it anywhere I can find. My homelite pressure washer will not unload keeps high pressure all the time. Replaced unloader swapped out the wand for surface cleaner no difference. My pump is the vertical one under the engine any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Very good video, well I have did all u said for years with my washer. This year I power washed my
rental house it worked just fine , I got it out 2 days later to wash my house, looked the water hose
Up turned the water on started the engine it didn’t have only pressure, SO help
Thanks
I just fixed my 2500 psi gas powered pump after it stopped pumping. Changed the oil, pumps like new. Stays in a heated garage all winter so I don't use antifreeze. Was surprised to see it would bold onto my push mower engine and thought about running the pump off of that. Pressure washer /lawnmower combo
Great video as usual Don. I got in the Habit of using the anti freeze/ pump lube after every use. Also, change the pump oil regularly. Cheers my fellow Canadian. I love your channel; best of it’s kind on UA-cam. (10⭐️)
You just changing oil after a few hours of use?
Can run the pressure washer without water hose connected e.g. just to check the engine?
Good tips. Additionally some start up the engine BEFORE they turn on the hose. This will turn the pump to toast very quickly.
How do you decide whether to buy an expensive rebuild kit versus a new pump? Should you by a newer model pump? How do you cross reference it?
Another thing I always check before starting, make sure the water source will supply the GPM needed. I have a 4 GPM pressure washer. I use a 5 gallon bucket, if the hose will fill it up within 1 minute, then I should have enough flow, but even that may not always work, as I have run into wells that could not keep up with the flow over a few minutes.
Dony, were you servicing that Ego chainsaw or just sharpening it? I wouldn't know where to start to service a battery powered saw.
Great video. One other thing that destroys the pump is not purging the air from the pressure line, cavitating because of air destroys it internally.
Good video. Its a shame that so many buy new units and after one season, boom half the PSI is lost. If everyone just open the booklet to the page of STORING THE PRESSURE PUMP for LONG TERM, many will have no issues at all, for many years. Number one killer is running it dry even for a very short time.
What about engine surge, any suggestions?
I have an older landa steam cleaner, I used antifreeze for RVs. Thinking regular engine antifreeze would damage the seals? Also run it through my coils. Hope this isn't harming anything. Let me know when you can. Great video!
best instructional video I have seen to date 100%
Great advice, once again.
Dony, Have you already of could you go over the steps in cleaning and replacing the dispenser ball check valve? Thanks.
Can a t f fluid be used in the pump . I know it has anti rust and corrosion added . Bless ya'll from hooterville .
top stuff Donny mate cheers from Australia 🐨🐑🦘🌏 to Canada and yep i use my Ryobi 4 stroke 163cc OHV (OverHeadValve) Pressure washer and i use it by the instructions and hardly any problems with mine engine and water pump wise that is and as long as i keep mine clean and tidy and check things over regularly to insure it,s working we are laughing etc.
Thank you for more great tips here. My procedure is this: I turn the hose on and flush it first, then spray the intake connector that I'll be attaching it to, turn off the hose, then I connect that hose to the machine and turn the water back on. Next I take the wand and bleed the air out and let it burp up to a minute or two sometimes. Next I'll start the machine and again burp it. I don't let it run without spraying that wand and when Im all done, I turn the machine off and once again bleed the pressure off. Be careful not to knock that pump when going up curbs and or up/down stairs. That can crack or bust the pump too. Those pressure washers are a fickle bunch of machines. But do they ever clean some stuff back to life. Thank you Don!
I always winterize my pressure washer last year however there must have been some water left in the wand, and it froze and cracked something inside causing a huge leak and need to replace it. I normally blow it out with air, but I guess I didn't last year. not a major expense to replace like a pump more of a frustration getting it out and set up only to stop and run to a big box store for a replacement. something to think about when putting one away ever a tiny amount of water can cause a problem when freezing temps hit.
Don,
That's a damn fine explanation! Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video.
Hey Dony, I have a 1900psi electric unit that seems to run out of pressure randomly when I first get it out and working. If i keep running water through it if fixes itself.
I took the pump apart and found the oil in there to be pretty metallic. I also found rust on some of the springs inside the pump.
I cleaned it out as much as I could, can I just use the non detergent sae 30 oil in it and about how much would I need?
When I took it apart it leaked out on my floor but I figure it's 1/3 of a quart of oil.
A useful video, I wish I had watched it before operating my power washer. Any advice on the following? If one has frazzled the water pump due to not using the wand as mentioned, would you recommend trying to replace the water pump or just buying a new machine? I am not sure which route to go and I want to make an informed decision based on actual user experiences. Thanks in advance for any input.
Thanks for the video. I have an electric pressure washer and when you release the trigger on the wand the pump automatically shuts off and comes back on again when you squeeze the trigger.
Is there any ideas or tips you have to help test if your water pump is bad ? Clogged or bad ? Would make a get vid if not
Great video. Thank you. I wish you would have covered one more cause of failure and that is when you put diesel fuel instead of regular fuel. I had my washer on a job side and a sub contractor poured diesel in my pressure machine and I have never been able to start it again even thought I dumped the fuel and wash it a couple times with gasoline. Is this machine repairable?
Also drain carburetor and it will be good to go.
Yes, the pump saver is necessary for storage but I go even further then that. Before I add pump saver I rigged up a quick connect hose connection I attach to the pump inlet. Blow a bit of compressed air through the pump while you pull the starter rope two or three times. That way you evacuate ALL the water thats in the pump before adding pump saver. The mineral deposits remaining in the pump after water dries damages the pump seals over time, so get it out EVERY time after each use. Then disconnect your quick connect fitting and connect your pump saver and pull starter rope two or three times while you are squirting the pump saver in. Make sure the pump saver is actually running out the outlet side of your pump. Now you are good.
As other posters have stated have water circulating through your pressure washer when you are starting it. Simply hold the trigger back on your wand while you pull the starter rope with other hand.
When I am finished using my pressure washer and it is shut off I still keep water connected and pull the trigger back on the wand and run cold water through the pump for a couple of minutes to cool down the pump. It gets very hot during use and this also in my opinion adds extra life to your pump. Cold good, hot bad.
Also keep your pump oil level within the sight glass and change it frequently. The CAT pump on my pressure washer is still running like new after years of use using these procedures.
I have been told that IF you leave the machine running just one minute without spraying water - the water cooled pump starts to over heat !
another tip is to be sure and turn the water on and squeeze the trigger to allow water to flow through the pump and the hose BEFORE you start the engine !
Question I bought a new one and let my workers set it up but 1 of them didn't know how to do I had left the job but he put more oil then he should of and the motor smells burnt but the power washer still works was only used for 1 hr what could I do to check if there's any damage done to it
Would you use antifreeze on an electric pressure washer
yes
Hey that’s my pressure washer. I use a valcro strap on mine so constant flow thru my wand!