1. Home
  2. Support Center
  3. Product Tips
  4. Winterization & Storage Tips

Winterization and Storage Tips

Pressure Washers

Winterizing

For storage and transportation purposes in subfreezing ambient temperatures it will be necessary to winterize your pressure washer. This unit must be protected to the lowest incurred temperature for the following reasons:

  1. If any part of the pumping system becomes frozen; excessive pressure may build up in the unit which could cause the unit to burst resulting in possible serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
  2. The pumping system in this unit may be permanently damaged if frozen. FREEZE DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. If you must store your unit in an area where the temperature may fall below 32°F, you can protect your unit by following the procedure outlined below.

Detailed Winterizing Instructions

1. Gather the following items:

  • Two 5 gallon containers.
  • One gallon of antifreeze. (Mi-T-M recommends environmentally safe antifreeze.)
  • Water supply.
  • Three foot hose, 1/2-3/4 I.D. with a 3/4 inch male garden hose fitting.

2. Procedure:

  • To start winterizing, unit must be ran and primed.
  • Shut off the unit and water supply.
  • Relieve system pressure by pointing the trigger gun in a safe direction and squeezing the trigger until water flow ceases to exit the nozzle.
  • Lock the trigger gun in an OFF position and remove the nozzle.
  • Remove the water supply hose from the unit and attach the 3 foot hose securely to the inlet connection.
  • Shut off the detergent injector if applicable.
  • Fill one 5 gallon bucket with water.
  • Holding the 3 foot hose in an upright position, completely fill the hose with water. Then plug the hose outlet with your thumb or finger. Place the plugged end into the 5 gallon bucket of water.
  • Start the unit. Trigger the gun several times until all the air is worked out of the system (unit is primed). It may be necessary to adjust the engine RPM down to an idle to aid in priming.
  • With the trigger gun held open, siphon enough water out of the 5 gallon bucket until there is just enough water left to mix with the antifreeze. NOTE: Proper winterizing is based on the recommended manufacturer's instructions listed on the "Protection Chart" shown on the back label of most antifreeze containers.
  • Point the wand into the empty container.
  • Trigger the gun until the antifreeze begins to exit the wand. Release the trigger for 3 seconds, and then trigger the gun for 3 seconds. Continue cycling the gun several times until all the antifreeze mixture is siphoned from the container.
  • Detach the 3 foot hose from the unit and drain any excess antifreeze back into the 5 gallon container.
  • Disconnect the hose/gun/wand assembly from the unit and drain any excess antifreeze back into the 5 gallon container.
  • Store the hose, gun and wand with the unit in a safe area.
  • Store antifreeze solution for the next use or dispose of according to state EPA laws.

3. Optional Procedure:

  • Shut the unit and water supply off.
  • Relieve system pressure by pointing the trigger gun in a safe direction and squeezing the trigger until water flow ceases to exit the nozzle.
  • Disconnect and drain the hose, gun and wand.
  • Start the unit and allow it to run until all the water exits the unit. Once the water has stopped flowing from the unit, turn off. NOTE: When using this procedure, caution should be used as ice chips can form from drops of water which could cause the unit to burst if starting before completely thawed.

Storage - Cold Water Pressure Washer

ENGINE: The engine instructions that accompany your unit detail specific procedures for maintenance of the engine. Following the engine manufacturer's recommendations will extend engine work life.

PUMP: The pump oil must be changed after the first 25 hours of operation. Once the initial oil change has been completed, it is recommended the oil be changed every 3 months or 250 hour intervals. If oil appears dirty or milky, changes may be required at a greater frequency. Use Mi-T-M pump oil #AW-4085-0016 (insert link to product page) and fill only to the center of the oil sight glass. DO NOT OVERFILL!

NOZZLES: Water flow through the spray nozzle will erode the orifice, making it larger, resulting in a pressure loss. Nozzles should be replaced whenever pressure is less than 85% of the maximum. The frequency of replacement will depend upon such variables as mineral content in the water and number of hours the nozzle is used.

QUICK COUPLERS: There is an o-ring seal inside the female quick coupler. This o-ring will deteriorate or, if the unit is allowed to pump without the high pressure hose or nozzle attached, the o-ring may be blown out occasionally. Simply insert a replacement o-ring to correct the leak. (Additional o-rings can be purchased from your dealer.)

Storage - Hot Water Pressure Washer

ENGINE: The engine instruction manual accompanying your unit lists specific procedures for maintenance of the engine. Following the engine manufacturer's recommendations will extend engine life.

PUMP: Change the pump oil after the first 50 hours of operation. After initial change, every 3 months or 250 hour intervals are recommended. If oil appears dirty or milky, changes may be required in greater frequency. Use Mi-T-M pump oil #AW-4085-0016 (insert link to product page) and fill only to the center of the oil sight glass. DO NOT overfill.

COUPLERS: There are o-ring seals inside the couplers which will deteriorate. To replace, simply install a replacement o-ring to correct the leak. (Additional o-rings can be purchased from your dealer.)

NOZZLE: Water flow through the spray nozzle will erode the orifice, making it larger, resulting in a pressure loss. Nozzles should be replaced whenever pressure is less than 85% of the maximum. The frequency of replacement will depend upon such variables as mineral content in the water and number of hours the nozzle is used.

FUEL WATER SEPARATOR: The fuel filter has a built in water separator. Occasionally the water has to be drained from the separator. Follow the procedures listed below:

  1. Check the collection bowl daily.
  2. Ensure the unit is off and place an oil catch basin under the fuel cartridge.
  3. Loosen the drain plug to allow the fuel/water contaminants to flow into the catch basin.
  4. Retighten the drain plug when completed.
  5. Dispose of drainage according to environmental regulations in your area.

Mi-T-M Wet/Dry Vacuums

Storage

  1. When cleaning application is completed, turn the On/Off Switch to the "OFF" position.
  2. Disconnect the power cord from the receptacle.
  3. Roll up the disconnected power cord and place it on the designated area of the wet/dry vacuum.
  4. Remove the canister lid and empty the canister.
  5. Rinse the canister and allow to air dry.
  6. Pull the wet/dry filter off of the canister lid.

    Wet-filter cleaning: Rinse with warm water and shake clean. Allow to air dry completely.
    Dry-filter cleaning: Shake filter clean. Occasionally rinse with warm water. Allow to air dry completely.

  7. Place the dry filter back onto the canister lid.
  8. Wipe down the exterior of the wet/dry vacuum and store indoors.

Kerosene Portable Heaters

Storage

Drain Fuel Tank

  1. To remove the drain plug, pull the plug grip downward and remove seal head from drain hole in tank.
  2. Using a small amount of kerosene, rinse inside of the fuel tank. Empty the tank fully.
  3. To replace, push the drain head fully into the drain hole and secure by pushing the seal cap fully in into the head hold.

IMPORTANT: Never store leftover kerosene over the summer. Using old fuel can damage your heater.

Store space heater in a dry, well-ventilated area. Be sure that the storage area is free of dust and corrosive vapors. Repack the heater in the original shipping material. Keep the User Manual in an easily accessible place.

Propane/Natural Gas Heaters

Storage

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT HEATER FROM GAS SUPPLY

  1. Always store propane tanks in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Standard for storage and handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gasses, ANSI/NDPA 58. Follow all local codes.
  2. Replace the plastic caps over the fittings that were installed when you originally unpacked your heater.
  3. Store the heater in a safe, clean and dry location. Do not store the hose/regulator assembly inside the combustion chamber of the heater.
  4. When removing the heater from storage, always check inside of the heater for any foreign objects left by spiders or small animals. Keep the inside of the heater clean from foreign objects and combustibles.

Gasoline/Electric Air Compressors

Storage

  1. To stop the air compressor, move the engine or motor/pressure switch to the "off" position.
  2. Drain air from the air tanks by releasing air with an attached air tool or by pulling on the safety relief valve.
  3. Once the air tank pressure gauge registers under 10 lbs, open the drain valve under each air tank to drain any moisture.
  4. Allow the air compressor to cool down.
  5. Wipe the air compressor clean and store in a safe, non-freezing area.

Portable Generators (Gas)

Storage

  1. Add gasoline conditioner and stabilizer at the specified concentration.
  2. Run the unit to ensure the mixed fuel is in the entire fuel system.

    SHORT TERM (1-6 months): run for two minutes. Close the fuel valve and run the unit until it stops
    LONG TERM (more then 6 months): run until the fuel tank and carburetor are dry. As the engine is beginning to die, move the choke lever to the choke position. Turn off the idle control to decrease the run time.

  3. Remove the spark plug, pour 1-2 teaspoons (5-10cc) of engine oil into the cylinder, slowly pull the starter handle 2 or 3 times, reinstall the spark plug and tighten securely.
  4. Clean the exterior surface of the generator and apply a rush inhibitor.
  5. Store the generator in a dry, well ventilated place.

WARNING: FUEL SHOULD BE DRAINED IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AND STORED IN A CONTAINER APPROVED FOR GASOLINE.

Portable Generator (Diesel)

Storage

  1. Add diesel fuel conditioner and stabilizer at the specified concentration.
  2. Run the unit to ensure the mixed fuel is in the entire fuel system.

    3. SHORT TERM (1-6 months): run for two minutes. Close the fuel valve and run the unit until it stops
    LONG TERM (more then 6 months): run until the fuel tank and carburetor are dry.

  3. Slowly pull the recoil starter handle out to the point of resistance (the point in the compression stroke where the intake and exhaust valves are closed.) This helps to prevent rush while the engine is not in use.
  4. Clean the exterior surface of the generator and apply a rush inhibitor.
  5. Store the generator in a dry, well ventilated place.

WARNING: FUEL SHOULD BE DRAINED IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AND STORED IN A CONTAINER APPROVED FOR GASOLINE.

Inverters

Storage

  1. Drain fuel from fuel tank carefully by disconnecting the fuel line. Gasoline left in the fuel tank will eventually deteriorate making the engine-starting difficult.
  2. When draining fuel from the fuel tank, it is best to use a hand pump and set it into the refilling port. Do not tip unit over to empty fuel.
  3. Remove the drain screw off of the carburetor.
  4. Change engine oil.
  5. Check for loose bolts and screws, tighten them if necessary.
  6. Clean generator thoroughly with clean cloth. NEVER USE WATER TO CLEAN GENERATOR!
  7. Pull recoil starter handle until resistance is felt, leaving handle in that position.
  8. Store generator in a well ventilated, low humidity area.