Equipment Maintenance Tips

Preventative Maintenance Tips From the Experts

Atomic Cleaning Systems wants you to examine and clean your pressure washer and accessories before and after each use. That will help you avoid performance problems and save money on parts and repairs. Here are our most popular tips.

Replacing O-Rings and Screens

O-rings keep the spray wand and hose connections tight and leak-free, and screens help prevent debris from clogging hoses and damaging the water pump. Through the normal operation of the pressure washer, these parts may become clogged, worn, or damaged and should be cleaned or replaced before the unit is operated.

Spray Wand Maintenance

Always test the spray gun to make sure it works properly. Make sure the hose connection to the spray gun is secure, then test the spray gun assembly by pressing and releasing the trigger. The trigger should spring back into place when it is released.

Next, engage the safety latch and test the trigger. You should not be able to depress it. If the trigger is loose or can be depressed while the safety latch is engaged or water is leaking around the gun handle, the spray gun should be replaced immediately.

Water Pump Maintenance

Pressure washer water pumps need relatively low maintenance. The two main concerns are keeping contaminants out of the pump and changing the pump oil on schedule. Some pumps do not need oil changes, so find out the specifications of your unit.

Purge the water pump to remove impurities and debris and change the pump oil after every 50 hours of use or once a year, whichever occurs first. Use only oil recommended by the manufacturer as specified in the owner’s manual.

Purchase pre-measured bottles of pump oil for water pumps without dipsticks. Never use special oil additives or detergents unless specified in the owner’s manual.

Also, when the temperature is below freezing, it is important to winterize your pump. We will be happy to provide instructions on how best to protect your pump from freezing.

Engine Maintenance

If performing your own tune-up of your engine, please refer to your engine owner’s manual for instructions on proper engine maintenance. It is recommended to use only manufacturer-approved parts and supplies.

We can supply the necessary parts for most small engines. We also offer engine maintenance services if you prefer to have your tune-up done by a professional.

The Difference Between Hot and Cold Water Washers

Pressure washers clean faster, better, and easier than any other method. They also conserve water, using only a fraction of the water that you would use in cleaning with a garden hose. Pressure washers work well because they combine these essential elements of cleaning: 

• Water volume, measured in gallons per minute (GPM)
• Agitation or pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI)
• Soaps or detergents, which are injected into the spray
• Heat or steam, which is especially effective in cutting grease and other oily surfaces

There are two main categories of pressure washers. You should pick your pressure washer based on its intended usage.

• Cold water for blasting dirt or debris, stripping paint, and washing most surfaces
• Hot water for even more effective cleaning of dirt along with grease and grime

To finalize your purchase, you'll want to consider other options for your pressure washer. If you have questions about these options, please call our expert team.

• Electric-powered units are typically used indoors because there are no fumes and they are quieter.
• Gasoline-powered or diesel-powered units are self-contained and portable so they can be used in the field. There are no electrical cords, and all you need is water.
• Portable units are mounted on wheels so the pressure washer can be moved to the cleaning action.
• Stationary units are used most often in fixed wash bays where portability is not needed.
• Belt-driven washers are indicative of industrial models. The belt connecting the engine or motor with the high-pressure pump dissipates the heat and vibration. This minimizes the wear on key components and extends the life of the pump by reducing the RPM demand and reducing the need for repairs.
• Direct-drive pressure washers have a pump that is directly coupled to the engine or motor. This causes the pump to spin twice as fast as the belt drive models. These models are not recommended for heavy-duty usage.

If you are choosing a hot water pressure washer, there are several more distinctions for your consideration.

• Fuel oil or diesel-heated models are ideal for use outdoors. They offer the most flexibility with portability and ready access to fuel.
• Electric-heated units are good for use indoors. There are no fumes, but there is also no portability.
• Natural gas models are used mostly indoors. Fumes can be vented, but these models offer no portability.

Get the help you need to find the right model at Atomic Cleaning Systems.

The Cleaning Team You Can Trust in Farmington Hills, MI

Atomic Cleaning Systems has been the top choice for power washers since 1957. We have the products you need at prices you can afford. We believe in providing you with quality products and exceptional customer service.

That's why all used products are backed with a 90-day warranty, and we offer other discounts to help you save. Special orders are available if you can't find what you want in stock, and delivery is available upon request.

Call now or stop by our showroom. We're ready to help you with your cleaning goals in southeastern Michigan.