Nobody wants a pressure washer pump full of water.
Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also damage the pump, leading to costly repairs.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way.
With the right instructions and a few handy tools, you can easily get water out of your pressure washer pump.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of keeping your pump empty, provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it, and troubleshoot some common issues.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To get water out of a pressure washer pump, first turn off the power to the pressure washer.
Unscrew the pump outlet fittings and drain all of the water out of the pump.
Follow this by removing the pump inlet filter and draining any remaining water from the pump.
Finally, replace the filter and refill the pump with clean water before turning the power back on.
Benefits of Keeping Pressure Washer Pump Empty
Keeping your pressure washer pump empty can have numerous benefits, from saving you time and money to preserving your machines lifespan.
When water is allowed to accumulate in the pump, it can cause a number of problems, including damage to the pump seals and corrosion of the internal components.
In addition, water left in the pump can freeze during colder months, causing the pump to break and requiring costly repairs.
By taking the time to properly empty the pump, you can avoid such costly and inconvenient problems.
In addition to avoiding potential damage, an empty pump is also more efficient.
When the pump is full of water, the pressure is lessened, meaning the machine wont be able to deliver the same power.
An empty pump will be able to generate a much higher pressure, resulting in better cleaning performance.
Additionally, the machine will be able to start up much faster, saving you time and energy.
Finally, an empty pump is also safer to use.
If water is allowed to sit in the pump for extended periods of time, it can become contaminated with bacteria and other organisms.
When this water is forced out of the machine, it can be spread over the area you are cleaning, potentially leading to health issues.
An empty pump eliminates this risk, ensuring that the water you are using is clean and safe.
By taking a few simple steps to properly empty your pressure washer pump, you can save yourself time, money, and energy in the long run.
Not only will you be able to enjoy better performance and fewer problems, but youll also be able to do so with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your machine is safe and secure.
Step 1
The first step in getting water out of a pressure washer pump is to disconnect it from its power source and water source.
This is important, as it will ensure that the pump is no longer in use and no further water enters the pump.
If the pressure washer is plugged in, unplug it from the outlet, and if it is connected to a garden hose, unscrew the hose from the inlet.
Once the power and water sources are disconnected, the next step is to locate the pump’s drain plug.
This plug is located on the side of the pump, and it is typically a large threaded plug.
Unscrew the plug to release any stored water inside.
Allow the water to completely drain out before replacing the plug.
If there is still some water inside the pump, a wet/dry vacuum can be used to suck out the remaining water.
Make sure to use a vacuum specifically designed for wet surfaces, as regular vacuums will not be able to handle water.
The vacuum should be able to effectively remove any remaining water from the pump.
If the pump is still not completely empty, a plunger can be used to push out any remaining water.
Place the plunger directly over the drain plug and pump vigorously until all of the water has been removed.
Be sure to replace the drain plug once all of the water has been removed.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your pressure washer pump is empty and ready for use.
This will help to avoid any potential damage to the pump, as well as ensure that your pressure washer is working at its best.
Step 2
The second step in getting water out of a pressure washer pump is to locate the pump’s drain plug and remove it.
Depending on the model of your pressure washer, the drain plug may be located on the side of the pump, at the bottom, or even underneath it.
It is important to take note of the location of the drain plug before attempting to remove it to ensure that you can find it again easily.
Once the drain plug has been located, you will need to use a wrench or other suitable tool to remove it.
Take care to do this slowly and carefully, as you do not want to damage the plug or the pump itself.
When the drain plug has been removed, water should start to drain out of the pump.
Allow the water to completely drain out before replacing the drain plug.
Make sure to use the same tool that you used to remove it, and check that it is tightened securely.
If there is still some water remaining in the pump, you may need to use a wet/dry vacuum to suck it out.
This can be done by inserting the vacuum’s nozzle into the pump and running the vacuum until the water is completely gone.
Step 3
Once the pressure washer is disconnected from the power and water sources, the next step is to locate the pumps drain plug and remove it.
Different models of pressure washers may have their drain plug in different places, so its important to consult your manual to ensure youre removing the correct one.
Once the plug is removed, allow the water to completely drain out.
This may take a few moments, depending on how much water is inside.
Once all of the water has drained out, replace the plug and ensure that its securely in place.
If there is any remaining water inside the pump, a wet/dry vacuum can be used to suck it out.
Make sure the vacuum is designed for wet/dry use, as a regular household vacuum cleaner may not be able to handle the job.
Vacuums with higher power may be needed to completely remove the water, so its important to use a vacuum with enough wattage to get the job done.
If the pump is still not completely empty, a plunger can be used to push any remaining water out.
Place the plunger over the pumps drain hole and pump it several times, which should force any remaining water out.
Make sure to use a plunger that is designed for use with water, as a regular household plunger may not be strong enough to do the job.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your pressure washer pump is empty and ready for use.
Its important to remember that the pump should be emptied after each use, as leaving any water inside can cause the pump to become damaged or malfunction.
Taking a few extra moments to empty the pump can save time and money in the long run, so its a good practice to get into.
Step 4
The fourth step in getting water out of a pressure washer pump is to use a wet/dry vacuum.
This is a great tool for quickly and easily removing any remaining water from the pump.
The vacuum should be connected to the pump’s drain plug so that the suction can draw out any remaining water.
Be sure to keep the suction steady and be careful not to accidentally suck up any debris or dirt that could damage the pump.
Once the water has been completely removed, replace the drain plug and you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 5
Once you have completed the first four steps, there may still be some water remaining in the pump.
If this is the case, the fifth step is to use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any remaining water.
This is a great way to remove any last drops of water while also avoiding any messes.
It is important to use caution when using a wet/dry vacuum as they can be quite powerful and can cause damage to the pump if not used properly.
To use a wet/dry vacuum, simply attach the vacuum hose to the pumps drain plug and start vacuuming.
Be sure to keep the vacuums suction power at a low setting as to not damage any of the internal components of the pump.
After vacuuming, the pump should be completely empty.
If there is still some water remaining, you can try using a plunger to push out any remaining water.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When dealing with a pressure washer pump, it is important to know how to get water out of it correctly.
If the pump is not emptied properly, it can cause damage to the pump and prevent it from working correctly.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to make sure that your pressure washer pump stays in good condition.
The first step is to disconnect the pressure washer from its power source and water source.
This will ensure that the pump is not in use while you are attempting to drain it.
Once the power and water sources are disconnected, you will need to locate the pumps drain plug.
This is usually located at the bottom of the pump.
Carefully remove the plug and allow the water to drain out completely.
Once all of the water is drained out, replace the plug and move onto the next step.
If there is any remaining water inside the pump, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to suck it out.
Make sure that the vacuum is powerful enough to handle the amount of water that is left.
Once all of the water is removed, the pump is ready to be used.
If the pump is still not empty, you can use a plunger to push any remaining water out.
Carefully place the plunger over the opening and press firmly to force any remaining water out.
Once all of the water is drained out, the pump is ready to be used.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your pressure washer pump is empty and ready for use.
Doing so can help to prevent damage to the pump and keep it in good working condition.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to get water out of your pressure washer pump, you can make sure that your pump is empty and ready for use.
This is important because it helps extend the life of the pump and keeps it running efficiently.
So take the time to follow the steps outlined above and get that pump emptied out!