Diesel hot water pressure washers earn their keep in winter. Road salt, traffic film and mud need cleaning off vehicles and plant more often, and hot water shifts it far quicker than cold. But freezing weather is also when these machines are most likely to let you down if they haven’t been looked after.
Here’s how to keep a diesel pressure washer running through the cold months. If you want to know more about how they work in the first place, have a read of our guide on how a diesel pressure washer works.
Frost Is The Biggest Risk
Water left inside a pressure washer can freeze overnight. When it freezes it expands, which can crack pump heads, split hoses and damage the heating coil. It’s one of the most common winter repairs we see, and its almost always avoidable.
- Store the machine somewhere frost free if you can.
- If it has to live outside or in an unheated shed, drain the water out of the pump, hoses and gun after use.
- Some machines have an antifreeze or frost protection setting. Check the manual and use the antifreeze the manufacturer recommends.
- Never start a machine you think may be frozen. Let it thaw out first.
Look After The Fuel System
Diesel can thicken in very cold weather, which can block the fuel filter and stop the burner lighting. Using a good quality winter grade diesel and keeping the tank topped up to reduce condensation both help. If the burner struggles to light on cold mornings, a blocked fuel filter or nozzle is often the cause.
Check Hoses, Lances And Fittings
Cold makes rubber hoses stiffer and more likely to crack, especially where they’ve been kinked or dragged across rough ground. Check them for bulges and cuts before each use, and make sure fittings are tight. A burst hose at high pressure and high temperature is a real safety risk.
Watch For Scale
Hot water machines can build up limescale in the heating coil, particularly in hard water areas. Scale makes the burner work harder and use more fuel. If the water isn’t getting as hot as it used to, the coil may need descaling.
Get It Serviced Before The Worst Of The Weather
A service before winter is the easiest way to avoid a breakdown when you need the machine most. It covers the pump, burner, fuel system and safety devices, and catches small problems before they become big repairs. We cover what’s involved in our guide to servicing a hot water diesel pressure washer.
Need A Machine Or A Repair
We service and repair diesel hot water pressure washers from brands including MAC and Kärcher, and supply new and refurbished machines like the Mac Avent mobile hot water pressure washer. Haulage firms in particular rely on them in winter, as we explain in our post on hot water pressure washers for haulage companies.
Book a service or ask about a machine through our repairs and servicing page, or call us on 01325 371 439.
Contact Us
Columbus UK, based in Darlington, County Durham, is your total solution for all types of indoor and outdoor cleaning equipment. We supply high-quality industrial cleaning machines to all industries and commercial businesses across mainland Britain.
Our friendly, dedicated team provides expert purchasing advice, professional installation, servicing, and repair support to ensure you have the correct machine for your application at an affordable and cost-effective price.
We cover all areas from Scotland and the North East of England through the West Midlands and down to London, with mobile service and repair support available nationwide.
📧 Email: info@columbusuk.co.uk
📞 Tel: 01325 371 439
🌐 Web: columbusuk.co.uk
