Pressure washers are a great tool for cleaning outdoor surfaces quickly and efficiently, but it’s important to handle them correctly.
It’s common to wonder whether it’s OK to lay a pressure washer on its side, and the answer is a little more complicated than you might think.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of pressure washers and the risks associated with laying them on their side.
We’ll also provide advice on the proper way to transport a pressure washer, and what to do if you accidentally lay it on its side.
So, if you need to know more about safely handling your pressure washer, read on!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
It is generally not recommended to lay a pressure washer on its side as this could cause oil or fuel to leak out.
Additionally, the weight of the pressure washer can cause the pump to be damaged if it is laid on its side for an extended period of time.
If you need to transport your pressure washer, it is best to use a cart or dolly that is designed to safely transport the machine upright.
What is a Pressure Washer?
A pressure washer is a type of machine that uses a high-pressure jet of water to clean hard surfaces such as driveways, decks, and patios.
Pressure washers are typically powered by electricity or gas, and they range from small, consumer-grade units to industrial-strength models.
Pressure washers use a motor or pump to pressurize water and then expel it through a nozzle at a high velocity, creating a powerful stream of water that can easily remove dirt, grime, and other debris from surfaces.
Pressure washers are an efficient and effective way to clean outdoor surfaces, and they can save time and effort compared to traditional cleaning methods.
Why Should You Not Lay a Pressure Washer on Its Side?
Laying a pressure washer on its side is generally not recommended for a few reasons.
First, it can damage the seals and valves, which are essential for the operation of the machine.
If the seals and valves are damaged, it can cause water to leak out of the machine, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to more serious problems.
Additionally, the pump can be damaged if it is not properly aligned when the pressure washer is turned on.
This is because the pump needs to be aligned correctly in order to generate the necessary pressure to perform its job.
If the pump is not properly aligned, it can cause the machine to overheat and reduce its efficiency.
Finally, laying the pressure washer on its side can cause the motor to overheat.
This can lead to the motor burning out, which is an expensive and time-consuming repair.
To avoid any potential damage, it is best to turn off the pressure washer and allow it to cool down before laying it on its side.
This will help prevent any damage to the seals, valves, pump, and motor.
What Happens If You Lay a Pressure Washer on Its Side?
When you lay a pressure washer on its side, you run the risk of damaging the seals and valves, as well as the pump.
This is because the pressure washer needs to be in a vertical position in order to operate correctly.
When laid on its side, the seals and valves can become misaligned, and the pump can become damaged due to the incorrect angle of the pressure washer.
Additionally, water can leak out of the machine if it is not properly aligned.
In order to avoid these potential problems, it is best to avoid laying the pressure washer on its side.
However, if you must lay it down, make sure to turn the machine off and allow it to cool down before doing so.
This will help prevent any potential damage.
Additionally, make sure the machine is properly aligned before turning it back on.
This will help ensure that the seals and valves are properly aligned, and the pump is not damaged.
What Is the Proper Way to Transport a Pressure Washer?
When it comes to transporting a pressure washer, the best practice is to always keep it upright.
This is because pressure washers contain a pump, and this pump needs to remain properly aligned in order to work correctly.
If the pressure washer is laid on its side, it can cause the seals and valves to become damaged, and can even cause water to leak out.
Not only that, but the pump can also be damaged if it is not properly aligned when the pressure washer is turned on.
Therefore, it is always recommended to transport the pressure washer upright, and to avoid laying it on its side.
If, however, it is necessary to lay the machine on its side, make sure to turn it off and allow it to cool down before doing so.
This will help prevent any potential damage.
Additionally, it is important to keep the pressure washer away from extreme temperature changes, as this can also lead to damage.
Finally, it is best to store the pressure washer in a cool and dry environment when not in use.
This will help ensure that all components remain in good condition.
What Are the Risks of Laying a Pressure Washer on Its Side?
When you lay a pressure washer on its side, you risk damaging the seals and valves, causing them to leak water.
Additionally, the pump can be damaged if it is not properly aligned when the pressure washer is turned on.
This can be especially damaging if the machine has been in use for a long time, as the pump can become worn and more susceptible to damage.
In addition, the pressure washer can be prone to rusting if left on its side for an extended period of time.
This can lead to the machine becoming inoperable, or the pressure washer being unable to reach its full potential.
Furthermore, the pressure washer can become difficult to move if it is left on its side, as the weight of the machine can cause it to sink into the ground.
Lastly, if the pressure washer is left on its side for too long, the seals can become brittle and break, leading to leaks and the potential for water damage.
Tips for Safely Laying a Pressure Washer on Its Side
Laying a pressure washer on its side is not recommended, as it can damage the seals and valves, cause water to leak out, and potentially damage the pump.
However, if it is absolutely necessary to lay the machine on its side, there are a few tips to ensure it is done safely.
First, it is important to turn the pressure washer off and allow it to cool down before laying it on its side.
This will help prevent any potential damage from occurring while the machine is being moved.
Additionally, it is important to ensure the pump is properly aligned when the pressure washer is turned back on.
If the pump is not properly aligned, it can easily become damaged.
Another important tip is to check the pressure washer for any visible signs of damage before laying it on its side.
If there are any cracks, loose fittings, or other signs of damage, it is best to avoid laying the pressure washer on its side altogether.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the area where the pressure washer will be laid is clean, dry, and free of any potential hazards.
This will help ensure the pressure washer is not damaged while it is being laid down.
Finally, it is important to follow all of the manufacturers instructions when laying the pressure washer on its side.
This will help ensure the machine is not damaged and that it is used safely.
By following these tips, you can safely lay a pressure washer on its side without causing any damage or potential harm.
Always remember to turn off the machine, allow it to cool down, and check for any visible signs of damage before laying the pressure washer on its side.
Additionally, make sure the area is clean and free of any potential hazards, and always follow the manufacturers instructions for best results.
What to Do If You Accidentally Lay a Pressure Washer on Its Side
Accidentally laying a pressure washer on its side can be a costly mistake. The seals and valves can be damaged, resulting in water leaking out. Additionally, the pump can be damaged if it is not properly aligned when the pressure washer is turned on. If you have accidentally laid a pressure washer on its side, here are some steps you can take to minimize the damage:
1. Turn off the pressure washer immediately. This will help prevent any further damage from occurring.
2. Allow the pressure washer to cool down before attempting to move it. Heat can cause further damage to the seals and valves, and make them more prone to leaking.
3. Check all the seals and valves for any signs of damage. If any of them are damaged, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
4. Check the pump for any signs of damage. If there is evidence of damage, the pump should be replaced immediately.
5. If the pressure washer is still operational, make sure to align the pump correctly when turning it on. This will help prevent further damage to the pump.
Taking these steps can help minimize the damage caused by accidentally laying a pressure washer on its side.
However, it is still best to avoid doing this in the first place.
If it is necessary to lay the machine on its side, make sure to turn it off and allow it to cool down before doing so.
This will help prevent any potential damage.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it is not recommended to lay a pressure washer on its side.
Doing so can damage the seals and valves, and cause water to leak out.
Additionally, the pump can be damaged if it is not properly aligned.
If it is necessary to lay the machine on its side, make sure to turn it off and allow it to cool down before doing so.
This will help prevent any potential damage.
So take the time to properly transport your pressure washer and keep it upright to avoid any potential risks or damages.