Pressure washers are used for cleaning different types of surfaces. But when they are not in use, and we have to store them in our houses. When such a situation arrives, people ask me if they can lay their pressure washer on its back.
Can you lay a pressure washer on its back:
In general, I recommended keeping your pressure washer in an upright position. Laying the pressure washer on its back can cause damage to your pressure washer. If you have a gas pressure washer, oil and gas can find their way to various harmful locations. For all pressure washer models, the inner and outer tubs can get damaged and lead to the loss of support pads. Or damage the suspension of your pressure washer. This also applies for short periods.
This blog article will give you a lot of information on what to do when your pressure washer tips. The methods shown in this article are tested and will help to solve your problem. I will also look into the risk of your pressure washer or parts exploding.
Contents
- 1 What if the Pressure Washer Tips Over? Some helpful tips
- 1.1 ● Step 1: Locate and Remove the Air Filter
- 1.2 ● Step 2: Disassemble the Air Filter Assembly and Inspect for Oil stains on the Filter
- 1.3 ● Step 3: Remove the Carburetor Drain Plug, and Clean the Carburetor Bowl
- 1.4 ● Step 4: Remove the Spark Plug and Remove the Oil by Pulling the Engine Recoil Rope
- 1.5 ● Step 5: Check the Engine Oil and Make Sure it is Full
- 1.6 ● Step 6: Connect the Pressure Washer with Water Source, Start the Engine and Check its Performance
- 1.7 ● Step 7: Reinstall the Air Filter and Check if the engine starts correctly
- 2 Can a pressure washer explode? What the pros say
What if the Pressure Washer Tips Over? Some helpful tips
There are several reasons why a pressure washer can tip over. It can be during shipping when it is new. Or during usage, transport to another location, or when storing it. One of the signs that something is not ok is when you pull the cord to start it. You notice that the coil only pulls for a short distance, and then you are unable to pull it any further. This sign is a clear indication that your pressure washer has tipped over.
When the pressure washer gets tipped over, the oil in the engine gets into the cylinder areas, and this won’t allow your pressure washer to start. It can be a serious situation if you don’t handle your pressure washer carefully, and to do that, you need to be informed so that you can properly follow the steps required to take out the oil from the cylinder and get your pressure washer working.
If you have diagnosed that your pressure washer has tipped over, you need the following tools to troubleshoot the problem. The required tools are a trap or cardboard, a 0.39 inch (10 mm) wrench, a ratchet, sparkplug, cloth for wiping the oil, a container to store excess oil, carburetor cleaner, and extra oil.
When your gas pressure washer has tipped over, there are seven steps you need to follow:
- Step 1: Locate and remove the air filter.
- Step 2: Disassemble it and inspect for oil stains on the air filter. If the filter has a lot of oil stains, replace it.
- Step 3: Remove the carburetor drain plug and clean the carburetor bowl.
- Step 4: After cleaning the bowl, remove the spark plug. Check and clean when needed.
- Step 5: Check the engine oil. Add when needed.
- Step 6: Connect the pressure washer with a water source. Start the engine and check if it is working correctly. You might notice some smoke coming out. This is perfectly fine and should stop within two minutes.
- Step 7: Reinstall the air filter assembly.
Let’s look at the steps in more detail:
● Step 1: Locate and Remove the Air Filter
Locate the air filter of your pressure washer, and remove the cover. Get the air filter out.
● Step 2: Disassemble the Air Filter Assembly and Inspect for Oil stains on the Filter
You will notice that the air filter assembly has two parts, a foam filter, and a pleated filter. Some machines use a paper filter instead of a foam one.
Separate them and inspect if the foam filter has oil on it. There shouldn’t be an excessive oil film on the foam. A little bit of oil is normal. Once done with the foam filter, inspect the pleated filter for any oil. There shouldn’t be any oil on the pleated filter. Inspect both the parts carefully and. Foam air filters can be cleaned, but this is hard with a lot of oil on them. When needed, replace them with a new filter.
Paper air filters can not be cleaned. They always have to be replaced.
● Step 3: Remove the Carburetor Drain Plug, and Clean the Carburetor Bowl
Remove the drain plug from the carburetor bowl with a wrench. Drain out any gas and oil present in the carburetor bowl into a container. Now it’s time to allow gas into the bowl so that it can be flushed. For this, you need to open the gas lever. Once you are done flushing the bowl, turn off the gas lever and reattach the carburetor drain plug.
● Step 4: Remove the Spark Plug and Remove the Oil by Pulling the Engine Recoil Rope
Once done with the carburetor, it’s time to check the spark plug. Remove the spark plug cap and remove the spark plug. Cover the port of the spark plug with a cloth and pull the engine recoil rope 2-3 times. You may notice some oil coming out of the port. If this is the case, continue pulling the rope 15-20 times as fast as possible to remove any remaining oil. Be aware that as you pull the engine recoil rope, a stream of oil may come out of the port of the spark plug. Continue pulling the rope until there’s no oil left.
Check the tip of the spark plug for any oil or residue. Clean the tip with carburetor cleaner and reinstall the spark plug. Attach the spark plug cap.
● Step 5: Check the Engine Oil and Make Sure it is Full
Now it’s time to work on the engine. First, check the level of oil in the engine. Ensure that it is full. The level of oil in the engine can be checked by using the dipstick. Add oil to the correct level.
● Step 6: Connect the Pressure Washer with Water Source, Start the Engine and Check its Performance
Connect the pressure washer with a water source. Turn the water on, pull the recoil rope and start the engine. This is still without the air filter.
If the engine starts or fires, you need to move the choke to the off position. If the engine doesn’t start, not even after 2-3 pulls, move the choke the off position, and pull the recoil rope until the engine starts. Once the engine starts, allow it to run for a minute. If smoke comes from the engine, there is nothing to worry about. It is normal and should stop after 1-2 minutes.
● Step 7: Reinstall the Air Filter and Check if the engine starts correctly
Turn the engine off and clean the air filter base. Reassemble the air filter, and put it back in its place. Place the cover on the air filter. Now start the engine again. It should now run correctly.
Suppose your pressure washer does not start or does not run well after you’ve reinstalled the air filter. It is an indication that your air filter needs to be replaced.
Can a pressure washer explode? What the pros say
Pressure washers exploding is not something that happens often. There are two main reasons why a pressure washer can explode. The first is an exploding pressure washer pump. The second is that a malfunctioning gas pressure washer can explode.
● Pressure washer exploding pump
The pump of the pressure washer can explode due to trapped air inside the pump. This process of air bubbles in the pressure washer pump and is also called cavitation. When they are in the pressure washer pump, it can lead to it exploding in some instances.
This is why you need to avoid cavitation in the pump of your pressure washer. Cavitation can occur when not enough water reaches the pressure washer pump. Check the pump inlet fittings for any leaks, clean the inlet filters. Increase the hose and fitting sizes if needed. If you use a suction hose, check it regularly.
Ensure that enough water is reaching the pump when you are using your machine. The faucet should be fully open. Minimize the hose bends. And use the shortest hose possible. These measures increase the water pressure and amount of water reaching the pump and minimize the cavitation risk.
● Gas pressure washer exploding
Gas pressure washers contain flammable gas. When a part is malfunctioning, this fuel can ignite by a spark from the electrical wiring or any other reason. The most dangerous situation is with gas fumes. This can result in part of the machine burning and in extremely rare cases, even an explosion. The chance of a real explosion, like in the movies, is really slim.
Always take care when working with gas. When it is hot, gas can evaporate quickly. When this happens in a closed environment, it is the most dangerous situation. When working with gas engines, ensure that the location is adequately ventilated.
As with any gas engine, maintenance is important to keep your pressure washer in good condition. Check the condition of fuel lines and the carburetor. Replace parts that are not in great shape. Rubber tubes or gaskets can crack due to wear and tear.
I appreciate the detailed explanation of each step in the process.
Thank you for your kind words, Peter. I’m glad you found the explanation helpful. Remember to always keep your pressure washer upright to avoid any damage.
Can a pressure washer pump explode?
It is not recommended to lay a pressure washer on its back as this can cause damage to the machine. Always store your pressure washer in an upright position.
Very informative article, thank you for sharing these tips.
Thank you for reading! It’s great to hear that you found the article helpful. I appreciate your feedback.
How do I know if my pressure washer has tipped over?
Thank you for your question, Ralph. It’s generally recommended to keep your pressure washer upright to avoid damage. Laying it on its back can lead to harmful oil and gas leaks.
Good to know how to prevent pressure washer explosions.
Thank you, Deanna! It’s important to handle pressure washers carefully to prevent explosions. Remember to keep your pressure washer in an upright position when not in use to avoid damage.
Do you recommend specific maintenance for gas pressure washers?
Maintain gas pressure washers upright to prevent damage. Laying them on their back can lead to oil and gas seepage, causing potential harm. Check blog for detailed steps if your pressure washer tips.
Should I be concerned about gas fumes in my gas pressure washer?
Make sure to keep your gas pressure washer upright to avoid potential damage. Gas and oil can lead to harmful locations if it tips over. Thanks for your question, Louis!
Why is it bad to lay the pressure washer on its back?
It’s not recommended to lay a pressure washer on its back, as it can cause damage to the unit. Keep it upright to prevent oil and gas leaks.
Is it normal for smoke to come out of the engine after following the steps?
Hi Rebecca, it is not normal for smoke to come out of the engine after following the steps. It could indicate a problem with your pressure washer. I recommend checking for any damage and ensuring everything is in proper working order.
Is it dangerous to work with a gas pressure washer?
Working with a gas pressure washer can be dangerous. Always store it upright to prevent damage and potential oil/gas leaks. Follow proper maintenance guidelines to avoid any safety hazards.
What tools do I need to troubleshoot if my pressure washer tips over?
Hi Charlotte, in general, it’s best to keep your pressure washer upright to avoid damage. Laying it on its back can lead to issues like oil and gas leaks. Thanks for reading!
What are the main reasons for a pressure washer to explode?
It’s recommended to keep your pressure washer upright to avoid damaging it. Laying it on its back can lead to oil and gas seeping into harmful areas, damaging parts, or causing suspension issues.
I feel more confident about handling my pressure washer after reading this.
Thank you, Jesse! I’m glad the information was helpful. Remember to always handle your pressure washer with care to prevent any damage. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.
Great guide on troubleshooting pressure washer issues!
Thank you for your positive feedback, Jenny! I’m glad you found the troubleshooting guide helpful. Always keep your pressure washer upright to prevent potential damage. Happy cleaning!
Can I lay my pressure washer on its back?
Keeping your pressure washer upright is recommended to prevent potential damage. Oil and gas leaks are more likely when the pressure washer is laid on its back, which can damage internal and external parts.
Can cavitiation cause a pressure washer pump to explode?
It is not recommended to lay a pressure washer on its back, as it can cause damage to various parts and lead to problems. It is best to keep it upright for safe storage.
What are the steps to follow if my gas pressure washer tips over?
It’s best to keep your pressure washer upright to avoid potential damage. If it tips over, follow the steps outlined in the blog post to ensure it continues to work properly.
What should I do if my pressure washer won’t start after tipping over?
In general, avoid laying your pressure washer on its back to prevent damage. Follow the steps in the article to troubleshoot and solve the issue. Hope this helps!
These steps are really helpful for fixing a tipped-over pressure washer.
Thank you, Aubree! I’m glad you found the steps helpful for fixing a tipped-over pressure washer. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out for assistance.
Is there a risk for a gas pressure washer to explode?
Laying a gas pressure washer on its back can cause damage. It’s best to store it upright to prevent oil and gas from reaching sensitive locations. It can lead to inner and outer tub damage and loss of support pads.