Perhaps this has been covered on another thread. If not, given the time of year, anyone care to share tips for fast and efficient winterizing?
Roof system:
For our roof cleaning gear - if we're still in go-mode, I don''t do a thing. I don't rinse the system out as the mix is a fairly good antifreeze due to the salt content. We abuse the hell out of our 12v pumps and burn them up left and right, but I'm ok with that. Once we're shutting down for longer periods of time, I'll rinse the system, then purge the water. Pumps will go in the garage where it stays above freezing.
Pressure Washers:
For our 8 GPM pressure washers, I take things more seriously as they cost a hell of a lot more
Step 1, dump the buffer tank(s).
Step 2, disconnect the 1' water intake hose.
Step 3, attach what looks like a giant beer bong (seriously) to the intake of the pw, friction fit against the hose barb is fine.
step 4, fill the funnel with windshield washer fluid until about 1`/3 of it is in the 'beer bong'.
step 5, hit the starter ( no choke) until blue fluid is seen coming from the whip line
The pressure washer is now safe to -20.
The next work day, reconnect the 1" fill line from the buffer tank to to the PW, fill the tank and off ya go.
Every year about this time, I tell myself that I should permanently affix a winterizing connection to the pw, but I have yet to make the time for it. I mean, it's cold outside LOL.
Today my fill hose was frozen and obstructed. i just bought another one. Problem solved
Anyone have some better ideas or tips to share? I hate winter.....
Art O said
Nov 19, 2014
I use this for dry blow outs. I have another one, but I have to find it. This picture is without the brass fitting to go from course thread to Garden Hose thread.
Does this work through the pw pump Art? Or lines and hoses only?
Art O said
Nov 19, 2014
It can go all the way threw pump and lines. I have another one that is longer with a T fitting and a cap on it. I blow out everything, then fill the tube with anti freeze and blow it threw again. I will get some pic's of it tomorrow
Art O said
Nov 19, 2014
Found it, again you need the brass adapter from HD, Lowes or I think Bob at PT has it.
Art - is there a particular CFM that is needed to blow out the lines? I've been considering getting a compressor for air tools in the garage - might as well ensure it can winterize like you're doing as well. Thanks!
Art O said
Nov 25, 2014
Roof Cleaning Virginia wrote:
Art - is there a particular CFM that is needed to blow out the lines? I've been considering getting a compressor for air tools in the garage - might as well ensure it can winterize like you're doing as well. Thanks!
I like to turn the roof pump on and blow out the line. Then I fill the tube with antifreeze and blow it threw. You don't need a lot, the juice is already blown out of the pump and line. The PW I blow it out and shoot some anti freeze threw. I do it this way every year never a problem.
Dave O said
Nov 26, 2014
I winterize my rig this past weekend. I pumped the remaining cleaning solution out of the chemical tank and the remaining rinse water out of the rinse tank. I then dumped some antifreeze in the tank and ran the pump recirculating the antifreeze through the system. I then blew the water out of the garden hoses using the AC and the quick connect fitting shown in the attached image.
Great thread, I have to do final winterizing this week
Chesapeake said
Dec 3, 2014
Art's setup is perfect. The only change I would make is to put an air hose quick connect on the end instead of the valve stem. My hands always got cold holding an air chuck on there. I like to connect the airline and walk away. Come back once everything is blown out.
Dave O said
Dec 4, 2014
Chesapeake wrote:
Art's setup is perfect. The only change I would make is to put an air hose quick connect on the end instead of the valve stem. My hands always got cold holding an air chuck on there. I like to connect the airline and walk away. Come back once everything is blown out.
That's why I included a quick-connect in my set-up. I just plug it in and let it rip.
Art O said
Dec 4, 2014
Clip it on and walk away. Its all in the design of the build!
Perhaps this has been covered on another thread. If not, given the time of year, anyone care to share tips for fast and efficient winterizing?
Roof system:
For our roof cleaning gear - if we're still in go-mode, I don''t do a thing. I don't rinse the system out as the mix is a fairly good antifreeze due to the salt content. We abuse the hell out of our 12v pumps and burn them up left and right, but I'm ok with that. Once we're shutting down for longer periods of time, I'll rinse the system, then purge the water. Pumps will go in the garage where it stays above freezing.
Pressure Washers:
For our 8 GPM pressure washers, I take things more seriously as they cost a hell of a lot more
Step 1, dump the buffer tank(s).
Step 2, disconnect the 1' water intake hose.
Step 3, attach what looks like a giant beer bong (seriously) to the intake of the pw, friction fit against the hose barb is fine.
step 4, fill the funnel with windshield washer fluid until about 1`/3 of it is in the 'beer bong'.
step 5, hit the starter ( no choke) until blue fluid is seen coming from the whip line
The pressure washer is now safe to -20.
The next work day, reconnect the 1" fill line from the buffer tank to to the PW, fill the tank and off ya go.
Every year about this time, I tell myself that I should permanently affix a winterizing connection to the pw, but I have yet to make the time for it. I mean, it's cold outside LOL.
Today my fill hose was frozen and obstructed. i just bought another one. Problem solved
Anyone have some better ideas or tips to share? I hate winter.....
I use this for dry blow outs. I have another one, but I have to find it. This picture is without the brass fitting to go from course thread to Garden Hose thread.
Does this work through the pw pump Art? Or lines and hoses only?
Found it, again you need the brass adapter from HD, Lowes or I think Bob at PT has it.
I winterize my rig this past weekend. I pumped the remaining cleaning solution out of the chemical tank and the remaining rinse water out of the rinse tank. I then dumped some antifreeze in the tank and ran the pump recirculating the antifreeze through the system. I then blew the water out of the garden hoses using the AC and the quick connect fitting shown in the attached image.
That's why I included a quick-connect in my set-up. I just plug it in and let it rip.
Clip it on and walk away. Its all in the design of the build!
Hank