How to Winterize a Pressure Washer

On this page (11 sections)

1. How do you winterize a pressure washer step by step?
2. Why does a pressure washer need winterizing?
3. How do you drain a pressure washer before storage?
4. Should you use pump saver or antifreeze?
5. Do electric pressure washers need winterizing?
6. What should you do differently with a gas pressure washer?
7. Where should you store a pressure washer in winter?
8. What mistakes can damage a pressure washer during winter storage?
9. How do you get a pressure washer ready for spring?
10. Which supplies help winterize a pressure washer?
11. What is the safest way to winterize a pressure washer?

To winterize a pressure washer, disconnect the water, drain the hoses and pump, then protect the pump with pressure washer pump saver before storing it in a dry, frost-free place. If yours is gas-powered, follow the engine manual for fuel and oil storage.

Water left inside can freeze and damage pump parts, fittings, or hoses. The steps below apply to many home washers, but your owner's manual takes priority because models differ.

How do you winterize a pressure washer step by step?

Turn off the washer, disconnect its supply, drain trapped water, and protect the pump before storage. Follow the manual's shutdown and pump-saver directions for your model.

1. Turn off the water supply and machine. For an electric washer, unplug it; for a gas washer, switch off the engine.
2. Release pressure by squeezing the trigger, then disconnect the garden hose and spray hose.
3. Drain water from the washer, hoses, gun, and accessories as the manual directs.
4. Apply pressure washer pump saver through the correct inlet or connection, following the product label.
5. Drain and coil hoses without tight bends, and store them with the washer in a dry, protected place.
6. For a gas model, follow the engine maker's fuel and oil storage instructions.

Don't run a pump dry unless the manual specifically tells you to. Avoid guessing how much pump saver to use or where to connect it.

Why does a pressure washer need winterizing?

Winterizing helps keep water from freezing inside the pump and hoses. Ice can expand in enclosed spaces and damage parts even if the washer looks dry from the outside.

Draining removes much of the water, but small amounts can remain in the pump or fittings. A pump saver made for pressure washers can help displace water and add lubrication, if your manual permits it.

Storage conditions matter too. A garage or shed that freezes isn't necessarily protected storage, so choose a location that stays dry and above freezing when possible.

How do you drain a pressure washer before storage?

Drain the washer and each connected hose separately, following the manual's sequence. Disconnecting a hose alone may not remove water trapped in the pump.

Shut off the water, stop the machine, and squeeze the trigger to release remaining pressure. Unplug an electric washer before handling its connections.

Disconnect the inlet hose and pressure hose, then drain each one. Remove attachments and drain them as well; keep parts together so setup is easier later.

If the manual permits, briefly run the washer without a water supply only as directed to clear water. Some pumps can be damaged by dry running, so don't use this step unless the manufacturer instructs you to.

Our guide to how to use a pressure washer covers the basic hose and connection setup. Review it before you disconnect anything if you're unfamiliar with the parts.

Should you use pump saver or antifreeze?

Use a pump saver made for pressure washers when your manual allows it. Don't substitute automotive antifreeze or household products unless the washer's instructions specifically say they are safe for its pump.

The Kärcher Pump Guard is formulated for pressure washer pumps and is described as compatible with gas and electric models across brands. Kärcher says it helps protect against freezing, corrosion, and wear, and adds lubrication to valves and seals.

Follow the label for connection and use. The stated freeze protection limit is not a guarantee that every washer is safe in every storage setup.

The JB Industries Pump Saver is another pump treatment, with a 4 oz bottle designed to connect to the pump inlet and squeeze to displace water. JB Industries says it is compatible with most gas and electric washers and protects down to -25°F.

Choose a product that fits your washer's connection and manual instructions. Don't mix treatments or leave liquid in a location where children or pets can reach it.

Do electric pressure washers need winterizing?

Yes, electric pressure washers need winterizing because their pumps and hoses can hold water. Unplug the machine before draining it, and keep electrical parts dry.

The Westinghouse ePX3500 is an electric model with an onboard soap tank, hose, wand, and quick-connect nozzles. If you own a similar electric washer, include each hose and accessory in your draining routine.

Don't assume a compact washer can be left in an unheated shed because it is easy to carry. The pump still needs the storage care stated in its manual.

For a gas model, the Westinghouse WPX3200 Gas is a reference point for a washer with a gas engine and pressure hose. Use the exact manual for your model when preparing the engine for storage.

What should you do differently with a gas pressure washer?

Protect the pump and prepare the engine separately. The correct fuel and oil steps depend on the engine maker's instructions and how long the washer will be stored.

After draining and treating the pump, check the engine manual for fuel guidance. Some engines may call for a specific fuel treatment or tank procedure, while others may have different storage directions.

Don't guess at fuel stabilizer amounts, oil changes, or spark plug steps. The guide to starting a gas pressure washer can help with startup later, and why a pressure washer won't start covers common problems if it doesn't fire up.

Where should you store a pressure washer in winter?

Store the washer and its accessories in a dry place that stays above freezing. Keep the machine upright if its manual requires it, and leave enough room around it to avoid crushing hoses or cords.

A utility room, basement, or insulated garage may work if the space stays dry and frost-free. A tarp or cover can keep dust off, but it won't stop freezing temperatures from affecting water that remains inside.

Keep pump treatments and fuel away from heat, sparks, and children. Follow the safety labels and local rules for any fuel you store.

If there's no indoor storage available, drain the washer carefully and follow the manufacturer's cold-weather storage guidance. A cover alone is not enough protection.

What mistakes can damage a pressure washer during winter storage?

The main mistakes are leaving water in the pump, running the pump dry, and skipping the gas engine's storage instructions. Each can create problems that draining only the hoses won't prevent.

Avoid these shortcuts:

• Don't leave water in the machine just because the outside feels dry.
• Don't use automotive antifreeze unless the manual permits it.
• Don't run the washer without water unless the manual directs you to.
• Don't store a gas washer with fuel care left to guesswork.
• Don't force fittings, plugs, or hoses while draining.
• Don't assume an unheated garage stays warm enough.

Check the owner's manual for model-specific steps, including any drain plugs, pump-saver connection, and storage limits. The electric vs. gas pressure washer guide explains why storage routines can differ between the two types.

How do you get a pressure washer ready for spring?

Reconnect the washer only after checking hoses, fittings, and the manual's startup instructions. Look for cracks, leaks, loose connections, or damaged cords before turning it on.

Reconnect the water supply and make sure water flows through the system before starting the motor. For a gas washer, follow the engine's startup steps; for an electric washer, keep the plug and outlet dry.

If it leaks or runs unevenly, stop and inspect the connections. Use the pressure washer buyer's guide if winter damage has you weighing repair against replacement.

Which supplies help winterize a pressure washer?

For winter storage, a pump saver and a dry, frost-free place are the main needs. A pump treatment helps protect the pump, while proper draining and storage reduce the chance of freeze damage.

Kärcher Pump Guard suits readers looking for a treatment formulated for pressure washer pumps and valves. JB Industries Pump Saver offers a smaller 4 oz bottle with pump-inlet application.

Choose based on your manual's instructions and the right connection for your washer. Neither treatment replaces draining hoses, storing the machine properly, or following separate engine guidance for a gas model.

What is the safest way to winterize a pressure washer?

The safest routine is to follow the washer manual, drain all water, apply an approved pump saver, and store the machine somewhere dry and frost-free. If it's gas-powered, use the engine manual for fuel and oil steps.

Pick the Kärcher option if you want its pump treatment for gas or electric washers, or JB Industries if its inlet connection suits your setup. When spring comes, reconnect carefully and use the startup directions for your model.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to winterize an electric pressure washer?

Yes, an electric pressure washer still has water in its pump and hoses, which can freeze and cause damage. Disconnect power and water, drain the machine as its manual directs, use a pressure washer pump saver if approved, and store it somewhere dry and protected from freezing.

Can I use regular antifreeze in a pressure washer?

Don't use automotive antifreeze unless your pressure washer manual specifically allows it. Choose pump saver made for pressure washers and follow its label and your washer's instructions; products designed for the pump can add lubrication as well as freeze protection.

How do I winterize a gas pressure washer?

Drain and protect the pump, then handle fuel and engine oil according to the engine manual. Fuel requirements vary by engine and storage length, so don't assume that draining the pump is enough or that a single fuel treatment suits every model.

Can I store a pressure washer outside in winter?

A dry, frost-free indoor location is the safer choice. A cover can keep dust off but won't reliably protect water left in the pump or hoses from freezing; drain and protect the machine first, and follow its manual for storage temperature and handling.