Top Tips for Protecting Your Petrol Pressure Washer from Frost Damage

Why Frost Protection Matters for Your Pressure Washer

If you're a mobile valeter, fleet operator, or facilities manager storing petrol pressure washers in vans, garages, sheds, or lock-ups overnight, winter poses a serious risk. When temperatures drop below freezing, water trapped inside your machine can freeze, expand, and cause catastrophic damage to pumps, hoses, and fittings.

While RealKleen can repair frost-damaged equipment, prevention is always better than cure. Downtime means lost revenue, and repair costs can quickly add up. Here are our professional tips for keeping your pressure washer frost-protected through the coldest months.

1. Run Antifreeze Through Your Machine

The most effective protection is to flush your pressure washer with pump antifreeze or RV antifreeze (propylene glycol-based, not automotive antifreeze) at the end of each working day during freezing conditions.

How to do it:

• Disconnect the water supply and release pressure from the system
• Remove the inlet filter and place the feed hose into a container of pump antifreeze
• Run the engine briefly until antifreeze flows through the pump and out of the spray gun
• This displaces any remaining water and protects internal components

This simple 5-minute routine can save you hundreds in repair costs and prevent days of downtime.

2. Use a Vehicle Heater Overnight

For mobile operators storing equipment in vans, a small 12V or mains-powered heater can maintain above-freezing temperatures overnight. Even keeping the temperature at 2-5°C is sufficient to prevent ice formation.

Options include:

• 12V ceramic heaters that run off your vehicle battery
• Mains-powered fan heaters if you have access to electricity
• Diesel parking heaters for professional installations

Always ensure proper ventilation and follow manufacturer safety guidelines when using heaters in enclosed spaces.

3. Drain All Water Completely

If you can't run antifreeze through your system, thorough draining is essential:

• Disconnect all hoses and drain them completely
• Tilt the machine to drain water from the pump
• Remove and drain the inlet filter
• Trigger the spray gun multiple times to release trapped water
• Store hoses coiled but not kinked to allow any remaining water to drain

Remember: even small amounts of trapped water can cause damage when frozen.

4. Store in Temperature-Controlled Locations

Whenever possible, bring your pressure washer indoors to a heated space overnight. If you have access to a heated workshop, office, or storage facility, this eliminates frost risk entirely.

For those without heated storage, insulated sheds or garages offer better protection than uninsulated spaces, though they may still require additional measures during severe cold snaps.

5. Use Insulated Covers and Blankets

Thermal blankets or insulated covers can provide several degrees of protection, especially when combined with other methods. While not a complete solution on their own, they help retain any ambient heat and slow temperature drops.

6. Monitor Weather Forecasts

Stay ahead of freezing conditions by checking weather forecasts regularly. When temperatures are predicted to drop below zero, take extra precautions with your equipment that evening rather than discovering damage the next morning.

What to Do If Frost Damage Occurs

If you suspect your pressure washer has been frozen:

• Do not start the engine until the machine has fully thawed
• Bring it into a warm space and allow it to thaw naturally
• Inspect for visible cracks in the pump, hoses, and fittings
• Check for leaks when you first run water through the system
• Contact RealKleen for professional inspection and repair if needed

Professional Support from RealKleen

At RealKleen, we understand the demands of professional cleaning operations. Our team can advise on the best frost protection methods for your specific equipment and operating conditions. We also offer rapid repair services to minimize downtime if frost damage does occur.

For expert advice on winterizing your pressure washing equipment or to book a service, visit our showroom or contact our technical team.

Prevention is always more cost-effective than repair. Invest a few minutes each evening in frost protection, and your pressure washer will deliver reliable performance all winter long.