Pressure Washing in Cold Weather: 5 Tips from Professionals

As the temperatures drop in the Fall season, pressure washing can present unique challenges and considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of pressure washing, understanding how cold weather impacts the process is essential to achieving the best pressure washing results and avoiding potential pitfalls.

Crown Cleaning Systems tells you about a few expert tips from professionals to help you navigate the colder months successfully.

      1.   Pressure Wash on a Warmer Day

To protect your pipes and surfaces from freezing, it’s best to pressure wash in the sunlight. Avoid shaded areas and opt for bright sunlight when cleaning your house or other outdoor surfaces. Afternoons, when it’s hottest, work well as they speed up the drying process. This quick drying helps prevent the formation of ice, keeping everything safe and frost-free.

      2.   De-ice Your Surfaces

Regardless of the season, it’s essential to think about water runoff while pressure washing. If the runoff flows onto a driveway or sidewalk, it can freeze, creating hazardous conditions. To ensure safety, take a moment before pressure washing to de-ice the area. You can use substances like salt, sand, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride to prevent ice formation. This proactive step will keep your surroundings safe and minimize any risks associated with pressure washing.

      3.   Consider Chemical Imbalances

In colder weather, pressure washing chemicals may not work as effectively as they do in warmer months. You should plan ahead and be prepared to use a bit more chemicals than usual. Also, safeguard your cleaning supplies from the cold. Liquid chemicals can separate if they freeze, so store them in a warm, dry area to prevent this issue. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your cleaning process goes smoothly and that your chemicals remain effective throughout the colder seasons.

      4.   Remember to Have Your Fittings Checked

In winter, outdoor water sources are at risk of freezing due to the cold weather. Therefore, it’s essential to turn them off during maintenance to prevent damage. Since pressure washing relies on water for cleaning, you must have access to indoor fittings where water won’t freeze. This way, you can ensure a smooth and effective pressure washing process without worrying about freezing pipes or water sources.

Get Advice on the Best Pressure Washing Chemicals at Crown Cleaning Systems

Are you thinking of tackling a pressure washing project this Fall or Winter? Visit Crown Cleaning Systems, where our industry specialists will guide you through the best products and chemicals to ensure a seamless pressure washing job. Come see us in Cleveland, OH, or contact us today.

How Does a Pressure Washer Work?

You probably know that a pressure washer is a mechanical tool that produces high-pressure water. You can use it for cleaning dust, mold, and algae, from your driveway, roof, outside walls, and other areas. However, before you search for a pressure washer repair company near you, learning more about how a pressure and power washer works can help make choosing a repair company much easier.

That’s why the team from Crown Cleaning Systems has collected some important insight for you!

What Are the Key Components of a Pressure Washer?

A pressure washer has two main components: a water pump and a power source. The power source can be electric or fuel-based, depending on the size of the pressure washer. It’s important to understand that pressure washers that run on electricity are usually smaller and of less capacity, whereas fuel-based pressure washers can generate more force. In addition, the pressure washer also has an axial or a triplex pump that regulates the water.

How Does a Pressure Washer Work?

Once you turn on the pressure washer, the drive cup on the flywheel begins to rotate the crankshaft, which then engages the piston resulting in vertical movements. The intake stroke for the engine is created as the piston travels down the cylinder. This allows the intake valve to open, and a vacuum drawing air and fuel from the carburetor is thus formed.

As the intake valve closes, the piston moves to the top of the cylinder resulting in a compression stroke. This stroke allows the spark plug to ignite the compressed air and fuel as a power stroke is produced. The exhaust valve then opens up, allowing the combustion of gases to escape. The pressure washer generates power through the repetitive occurrence of these cycles.

As the power is being generated, the water pump draws water from the faucet. The water is then combined with the detergent. It’s important to know that a pressure washer can be used with or without detergent. After that, water is mixed with the added detergent, and it then travels through the hose into a high-pressure stream. The exact pressure of the stream is determined by the nozzle attachments you use.

Pressure Washers vs. Power Washers

Power washer and pressure washer are terms that are often used synonymously by those looking for a quality cleaning system. Although both washers generate a powerful stream of water used for cleaning, a power washer can also heat the water.

Although this difference is very subtle, hot, pressurized water can be effective when cleaning a severe buildup of substances such as grease, dirt, and other debris. So it’s important to understand that power washing is a solution that is only required for cleaning areas with extreme buildups.

Additionally, using hot water for cleaning painted surfaces or wood can lead to an added risk of damage. Therefore, a pressure washer is better suited for lighter cleaning requirements.

 Looking For Power Washer Repair Near You? Contact Us!

At Crown Cleaning Systems, we have trained professionals that repair power washers in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Our technicians are highly competent when handling commercial, industrial, and trailer pressure washers.

Contact us now and learn more about the best pressure washer rental options available in Ohio.