How to Winterize Your Pressure Washing Equipment: Essential Guide for Professionals and Homeowners

Cold weather can wreak havoc on pressure washing equipment. If water freezes inside pumps, hoses, guns, or fittings, it expands, and that pressure can crack internal components, burst seals, and lead to expensive repairs or full system replacement.

Proper winterization ensures your equipment stays protected during storage and is ready to run again in the spring without issues. Whether you're a contractor shutting down for the season or a homeowner preparing for freezing temps, this guide covers everything you need to know step-by-step. 

Why Winterization Matters

Even small amounts of water left behind can freeze, expand, and cause:

• Cracked pumps or manifolds
• Damaged unloader valves
• Split hoses and fittings
• Corroded components from trapped moisture

Replacing a pump can cost hundreds of dollars, far more than the minimal time and investment it takes to winterize properly.

Step 1: Flush and Remove All Water

Start by disconnecting your water supply and pulling the trigger on your spray gun for several seconds to relieve pressure and remove standing water from the system.

Recommended Products:

• SGS35 Spray Gun (Acqualine Series) – Stainless internals and comfort grip make these durable, especially during pre-storage flushing.
• KobraJet 3/8" Hose – High-flexibility and abrasion resistance reduce cracking risks, but it still must be drained before freezing temperatures.

To fully clear the lines, you can use an air compressor to blow low-pressure air through the inlet to push out any remaining water. 

Step 2: Pump Winterization with Antifreeze

This is the most critical part. Run RV/marine antifreeze through your pump to protect internal seals, valves, and pistons from freezing damage.

How To Do It:

1. Place your suction hose or inlet line into a bucket of RV antifreeze.
2. Start the machine (electric or gas).
3. Run until pink antifreeze exits the spray gun.
4. Shut off the machine. Your pump is now protected.

Veloci Product Support:

• Udor Pump Systems & ZETA Series – Known for durability, but still susceptible to freeze damage without antifreeze protection.
• Mezzo Valve – If installed, ensure antifreeze flows through both chemical and rinse pathways.
• Filter & Strainer Kits – Remove and clean debris before antifreeze application to avoid trapping contaminants inside the pump.

Step 3: Protect Hoses, Guns, and Foam Cannons

Your hoses and foam cannons can be damaged by trapped water too, especially if they are stored in an unheated garage or trailer.

Pro Tips:

• Coil hoses loosely, sharp bends can stress hose walls in freezing temps.
• Store them indoors or insulated if possible.
• For foam cannons like the PF22 Foam Cannon, run warm water through them to flush soap, then add a small amount of RV antifreeze to protect internal components.
• The PF22 is fully rebuildable, so even if freezing does occur, you can replace the internal filter, O-rings, and injector, unlike cheaper throwaway foam cannons.

Step 4: Care for Quick Connects and Fittings

Quick connects and couplers often hold moisture, especially if chemicals or hard water were used.

Recommended Maintenance:

• Wipe down all fittings.
• Apply a thin layer of silicone-safe grease to O-rings.
• Swap worn O-rings using Veloci’s O-Ring Rebuild Kits.
• Upgrade to Prima Stainless Steel Quick Connects (manufactured at Veloci HQ in the USA) for better corrosion resistance during off-season storage.

Step 5: Fuel & Engine Care (Gas Machines)

If you're using a gas pressure washer:

• Add fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol breakdown.
• Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate stabilized fuel.
• Change your engine oil. Dirty oil can corrode internal components if left all winter.
• Remove the spark plug, add a drop of oil to the cylinder, pull the recoil slowly to distribute oil, and reinstall.

Step 6: Store Your Equipment Properly

Store your equipment:

• In a dry, enclosed space
• Away from freezing temperatures
• Off bare concrete (use pallets or shelving)
• With hoses disconnected and coiled loosely

If indoor storage isn’t possible, cover units with a waterproof tarp and use insulated wraps on pumps or pressure washer trailers.

Best Veloci Products for Winterization Kit

Winterizing your pressure washer doesn’t have to be complicated, but skipping it can be expensive. By flushing water, treating pumps with antifreeze, maintaining fittings, and storing equipment properly, you protect your investment and guarantee a hassle-free spring startup.

With premium components like Prima Stainless QCs, PF22 Foam Cannons, KobraJet hoses, and Udor Pumps, Veloci Performance Products offers professional solutions that make winter prep simple, reliable, and efficient.