A pressure washer is a machine that uses water to clean the surface of a building. It can be used in various other ways as well. However, there are some risks associated with using this machine.
The risk of fire in pressure washers is largely because they use high water pressure to wash surfaces. This high pressure creates a large amount of friction, which means there is more likelihood of the machine igniting something on the surface or nearby objects. In addition, some machines have been known to leak fuel into their tanks which could also lead to a fire hazard if not handled properly by the user.
Pressure washer fires are a common occurrence. In fact, they happen more often than you might think. That’s why its important to use quality machines such as those having a Retractable System. This is useful in emergencies as the hose can get pulled back immediately once the user loosens their grip.
It is estimated that pressure washer fires occur once every 10 minutes in the U.S. This is also true for other parts of the world. While most of these fires are small and easily put out, some cause a lot of damage and can be fatal for those involved.
If you’re using a pressure washer, it is important to know how to avoid these fires to keep yourself and your family safe from harm.
Pressure Washer Safety Tips to Prevent a Fire
Pressure washer safety is a serious concern because of the potential to cause fires. Some of the most important pressure washer fire prevention tips are:
- Always use a power source that is approved for pressure washing
- Don’t use your pressure washer if it has been dropped or damaged
- Make sure you have adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
- Make sure there are no combustible materials near your pressure washer
- Always turn off the power at the end of the day
- Never use gasoline or petroleum products on a pressure washer engine or pump
- Always make sure the pressure washer is off when you are fueling it.
- Use only high-quality fuel for your pressure washer, and never mix different types of fuel.
- Make sure you have a water hose connected to the faucet before using the pressure washer.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids with your pressure washer.
What are Indicators to Warn You About a Risk of Fire in Pressure Washers?
Pressure washer fires are not common, but they can cause serious damage when they do happen. You should watch out for some indicators to prevent these fires from happening.
Pressure washers have a high risk of starting a fire because the machine is full of combustible materials like gasoline and oil. When you notice any of these signs, it is best to take your pressure washer to a professional for inspection and repair.
Here are some of the signs that you should look out for:
- If your pressure washer is making a loud noise or knocking sounds, it could mean something wrong with the pump.
- If your pressure washer starts to vibrate, it could mean something wrong with the engine.
- If your pressure washer starts to smoke or smell like burning rubber, it could mean that there is something wrong with the engine.
- If you start to see sparks or flames coming from your machine, stop using it immediately and call for help.
You can, however, reduce these fire risks by:
- Use a hose and water sprayer instead of a pressure washer.
- Make sure that the machine is not on when gasoline or other flammable liquids are in the tank.
- Check the machine’s filter regularly for clogging and replace it if necessary.
