How to Extend the Life of Your Propane Pressure Washer

Published:

4/20/2021

Your propane pressure washer is a vital business tool that helps you ensure regular and timely cleaning of equipment, property, vehicles, and any other item that requires deep cleaning. Unfortunately, like any other piece of equipment, propane pressure washers break down over time. It's incredibly frustrating when you are ready to fire up your equipment, only to find that there's a problem. A failing propane pressure washer could mean losing a job, failing to meet a critical deadline, paying for repairs, or replacing the entire equipment.


Note: It's important to maintain your propane pressure washer according to manufacturer instructions.

How to extend the life of your propane pressure washer

A broken propane washer is a significant problem for a contract cleaner or a maintenance cleaner. It's crucial to take all measures to protect your investment and make sure it lasts for several years. Regular and timely maintenance is an excellent way to extend the life of your liquid propane-heated pressure washer. Read on to discover how you can ensure that your machine is always ready to serve you.

Why Propane Pressure Washer Maintenance Matters

1. Ensuring Business Continuity

Propane pressure washers are a significant investment, and as such, regular maintenance ensures the equipment operates optimally. Timely maintenance also reduces high replacement and maintenance costs that may accrue from poor maintenance. As a contract cleaner, a properly maintained propane pressure washer ensures you remain prepared for jobs and perform jobs on time. If you work in a maintenance crew or manage one, your propane pressure washer needs to stay operational to help you conduct the necessary cleaning of equipment in your facility.

2. Prevent Breakdowns

A breakdown during work leaves you without an operational machine for extended periods. During this time, you experience downtime, which affects your overall business operations. Without an operations propane pressure washer, you cannot respond to client calls or ensure timely maintenance cleaning. Regular maintenance helps identify faulty equipment on time and find a replacement to fulfill your duties.

3. Avoid Costly Repairs

Small maintenance costs can quickly balloon into huge expenses. Ignoring regular repairs increases the risk of paying for more expensive repairs in time. What's worse, the small problems could cause total equipment failure, which ultimately means purchasing a new propane pressure washer.

4. Maximize Performance

A poorly maintained machine performs sub optimally. The pressure may be inadequate, and the equipment may consume gas without yielding suitable results. You may also notice that the washer stops multiple times during operation. Regular maintenance eliminates performance issues and ensures that your propane pressure washer serves you for a long time.

Propane Pressure Washer Maintenance Schedule

Before Each Use

It's essential to perform general maintenance before using your propane pressure washer.

  • Check your oil and gas levels to make sure you didn't overfill. Find the engine oil dipstick, dip it into the oil pump, and remove it for observation. If the oil mark is below half of the dipstick, fill up the oil to the correct level.
  • Confirm that oil, gas, and water aren't leaking. Check all hoses and connections for leaks before starting the equipment.
  • Check your water inlet for dirt. If the screen is dirty, clean it, and if damaged, replace it immediately.
  • Inspect your detergent siphoning tube and if it's clogged, wash it out. 
  • Check the spray nozzle for dirt and flush it away with water.

After First 5 Hours

  • Change your oil after five hours of use to minimize friction in the moving components. To change the oil, remove the oil spigot and open the drain bolt. Use a container to catch the draining oil. Then refill the engine with manufacturer-approved oil. It's best to change the engine oil just after running your power washer because the oil flows better when it's warm.
  • Remove the detergent siphoning tube and rinse out the detergent.
  • Remove any water inside the washer pump before storage. 
  • If you're done using the machine, turn it off and let it cool off before storage.

Every 25 Hours or Yearly

It's important to clean your air filter regularly, especially if you're working in dusty conditions. The air filter traps small debris and prevents it from reaching the carburetor or engine and causing damage.


First, remove the air filter from its case and hit it hard against a surface such as a wall to remove debris. Then, take a wet rug and use it to wipe the air filter. Wipe carefully to avoid damaging the air filter. If your air filter is broken, replace it immediately.

Every 50 Hours or Yearly

It's advisable to change your engine oil every fifty hours or as recommended by the manufacturer. Unscrew the drain bolt and let the oil drain completely after using the pressure washer. Then, use a funnel to replace the oil up to the correct level.

Every 75 Hours or Yearly

Inspect your spark arrestor for holes in the screen. If your spark arrestor has damage, replace it immediately. You can locate the spark arrestor under the muffler protector. Unscrew the protector bolts and remove the screws holding the spark arrestor. Once you remove the spark arrestor, brush the carbon deposits away and inspect in for damage.

Every 100 Hours or Yearly

After 100 hours of use, check your spark plug. Remove the spark plug cap and brush the dirt away. Using a wrench, remove the spark plug from the pressure washer and check for damage. Remember to inspect the electrode on the spark plug and replace it or adjust the position by hand. Once done with the maintenance, put your speak plug back and secure its position with your wrench.

Every 200 Hours or Every 2 Years

After two years of use, replace your air filter to ensure that it protects your engine and carburetor from debris. Also, inspect your fuel line for cracks that cause leaks. You should also confirm that the fuel line connects firmly on both ends. Lastly, check if your fuel tank is damaged.


If you neglect any of the items in your maintenance schedule, you could end up with less effective equipment, costly repairs, and a disturbance in your business operations.

Conclusion

Maximizing your propane pressure washer's service, reducing repair costs, and ensuring business continuity are all possible through regular maintenance. With NorTex Sales & Service, you can ensure scheduled maintenance for your propane pressure washers and that your equipment is always ready for use. We are also available for quick repairs and rental equipment in Dallas, Kilgore, and Odessa. Contact us today for more information.

Share this Article ↓

The Complete Pressure Washer Maintenance Handbook
Published: 9/1/2021 When it comes to pressure washing, there's nothing more important than reliability and longevity. Having a pressure washer...
The All-in-One Guide to Hot Water Pressure Washers
Published: 8/23/2021 Hot water pressure washers — an essential part of any general contractor's cleaning tools, but arguably one of...
A Simple Guide to Cleaning Calcium Buildup in Your Pressure Washer
Published: 7/21/2021 As a general contractor, your business growth is highly dependent on the effectiveness of your pressure washer. Keep...
What To Do If Your Pressure Washer Pump Oil Is Milky
Published: 6/16/2021 After a long day in the field, professionals in transport, waste management, or agricultural industries endeavor to service...