Are you looking to keep your pressure washer in top shape? Pressure washers are a great way to clean your home and outdoor surfaces, but if you don’t properly maintain them, they can become less effective.
Cleaning the pump is an important part of the maintenance process, and this article will show you exactly how to do it the right way.
We’ll go over why cleaning the pump is important, how to disconnect and drain the pump, removing the pump housing, cleaning the inside of the pump, what specialized cleaners are available, alternatives to specialized cleaners, and reassembling the pump.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To clean a pressure washer pump, first turn off the water supply and unplug the power.
Then, remove the pump from the pressure washer and take apart the pump by unscrewing the screws.
After that, use a soft cloth and mild detergent to clean the parts of the pump.
Finally, reassemble the pump and put it back in the pressure washer.
Why Cleaning a Pressure Washer Pump is Important
Cleaning a pressure washer pump is essential for maintaining its performance and efficiency.
Without regular cleaning, the pump can become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to poor performance and even damage to the pump itself.
By taking a few simple steps to regularly clean the pump, you can ensure that it will remain in good working condition and provide the best possible performance for your pressure washer.
Aside from the performance benefits, regularly cleaning a pressure washer pump is important for safety reasons.
Keeping the inside of the pump clean helps to reduce the risk of accidental fires and can help prevent the buildup of hazardous materials, such as oil.
In addition, it is important to clean the pump in order to maintain its warranty, as most manufacturers require that the pump be regularly maintained in order for the warranty to remain valid.
Finally, regularly cleaning a pressure washer pump can help to extend its life.
By removing dirt and debris that can clog the pump, you can help to ensure that the pump will last for many years and provide reliable performance.
Regular cleaning also helps to reduce wear and tear on the pump, which can help to keep it running at peak efficiency for longer.
How to Disconnect and Drain the Pump
When it comes to cleaning the pressure washer pump, the first step is to disconnect it from the power source and water supply.
This is important to avoid any electric shocks or damage to the pump.
After you have disconnected the power and water source, it is time to drain the pump of all remaining water.
This can be done by using a wrench or other tool to loosen the drain valve on the pressure washer.
Once the valve is open, the remaining water will drain out and the pump can be safely disconnected from the power source.
After the pump is completely drained, it is now safe to begin the cleaning process.
Removing the Pump Housing
Removing the pump housing is a key step in cleaning a pressure washer pump.
Before starting, make sure the pump is disconnected from the power source and water supply, and is completely drained.
Once that is done, you can begin to remove the pump housing.
To start, loosen the bolts that hold the housing in place, and remove them one by one.
It is important to do this slowly, as the bolts may be very tight.
Once all of the bolts are removed, you should be able to lift the housing off of the pump.
Once the housing is removed, you should be able to see inside the pump.
At this point, it is important to take a look at the condition of the pump.
If it looks like there is a lot of dirt or debris built up inside, you may want to use a brush to clean it out before proceeding.
This will help ensure the pump is as clean as possible before you put it back together.
Once the pump is free of debris, you can begin to clean it.
You can use a special pump cleaner or white vinegar to thoroughly clean the inside of the pump housing.
Make sure to rinse out the cleaner or vinegar once complete, and give the housing a final wipe down to ensure all dirt and debris is removed.
Once the pump is clean, you can reassemble the housing and reconnect it to the power source and water supply.
Following these steps will help ensure your pressure washer pump is in good working condition.
Cleaning the Inside of the Pump
Once youve disconnected the pump from the power source and water supply, and have drained it completely, it is time to clean the inside of the pump.
The first step is to remove the pump housing.
There are typically two screws which can be removed with a Phillips-head screwdriver, or a socket wrench, if necessary.
Once the screws are removed, you can carefully lift off the housing and set it aside.
Take a stiff brush and use it to remove any dirt or debris that has built up in the pump.
If there is any stubborn dirt or debris, you can use a degreasing cleaner or a solvent to loosen it up.
Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any chemicals or fumes.
Once the dirt and debris have been removed, you can use a special pump cleaner or white vinegar to thoroughly clean the inside of the pump housing.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner or vinegar bottle to ensure you are using it correctly.
After the cleaner or vinegar has been applied, you can use a damp cloth to wipe everything down.
Finally, allow the cleaning solution to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Once the pump is clean, you can reassemble the pump housing and reconnect it to the power source and water supply.
Make sure the screws are tightened securely to prevent any leaks.
Following these steps will help ensure your pressure washer pump is in good working condition.
Specialized Cleaners for Pressure Washer Pumps
When it comes to keeping a pressure washer pump in good working condition, it is important to use the right cleaning products.
Specialized cleaners designed specifically for pressure washer pumps can be found in most hardware stores.
These cleaners are formulated to dissolve grease and oil buildup, as well as remove any dirt or debris that may have built up inside the pump.
Specialized pump cleaners are designed to be safe for the pump and will not damage the internal components.
In addition, they are often biodegradable, making them safe for the environment.
For best results, follow the instructions on the package for the amount of cleaner to use and how long to leave it in the pump.
After cleaning with a specialized cleaner, it is important to thoroughly rinse out the pump with fresh water before reassembling the housing and reconnecting it to the power source and water supply.
Alternatives to Specialized Cleaners
Keeping your pressure washer pump clean is essential to maintain its performance and efficiency.
Cleaning a pressure washer pump can be done with a few simple steps, but specialized cleaners are not always necessary.
There are a few alternatives that can be used to clean the pump housing, such as white vinegar or a solution of warm water and baking soda.
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that is effective in removing dirt and grime, and baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can be used to scrub away any stubborn residue.
When using these alternatives, make sure to rinse the pump housing thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
If you choose to use a specialized pump cleaner, make sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Reassembling the Pump
Once youve thoroughly cleaned the pressure washer pump, its time to reassemble it.
This step is important to ensure that your pump is in good working order and will perform efficiently.
Start by making sure the pump housing is completely dry and free of any residue.
Then, begin reassembling the pump by replacing the gaskets, seals, and any other components you may have removed.
Make sure you use the right tools and apply the right torque when tightening the bolts, as this will help to ensure a good seal.
Once the pump is reassembled, reconnect it to the power source and water supply, and you are ready to use it.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a pressure washer pump is essential for maintaining its performance and efficiency.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily clean your pressure washer pump in no time.
With a few simple steps, you can keep your pressure washer pump in good working order.
Put your newfound knowledge to the test and take the time to properly clean your pressure washer pump today!