Most pressure washing contractors think summer is the hardest season on equipment. Long days. High heat. Nonstop jobs.

But in reality, winter is what silently destroys more pressure washer pumps than any other time of year.

The damage doesn’t usually happen on the job.
It happens in storage.

At WashTek Pro Gear & Supply, we see this every spring. A contractor walks in and says:

“It ran fine last season. I just parked it for the winter.”

What actually happened is simple:
Water froze inside the pump, coil, or lines. That freeze caused internal cracks, warped seals, or damaged valves. The machine may still start in March—but the failure is already baked in.

Winter damage is quiet.
Summer damage is obvious.

In summer, pumps fail from wear.
In winter, they fail from neglect.

What Freezing Temperatures Do to a Pressure Washer Pump

When water freezes, it expands. Inside a pump, that expansion can cause:

• Cracked pump manifolds
• Warped seals and O-rings
• Damaged check valves
• Micro-fractures in brass or aluminum
• Internal corrosion from trapped moisture

These failures often don’t show up immediately. The machine may:

• Start normally
• Build pressure
• Run for a few weeks

Then one day—right when your schedule is full—it surges, loses pressure, or dies.

That “spring failure” usually started in January.

How to Protect a Pressure Washer During Winter

Winter care is not optional. It’s preventative maintenance.

To protect your pump and system:

• Fully drain all water from the machine
• Run pump saver or RV antifreeze through the pump
• Remove hoses, guns, and tips that trap moisture
• Store equipment in a temperature-controlled space
• Protect soft wash systems and chemical lines

A single freeze can turn a $50 maintenance step into a $900 repair.

At WashTek, we’d rather help you prevent failure than sell you a replacement pump in March.

The pros who win in spring are the ones who prepared in winter.

Pressure Washing Winter Care – Quick Answers

Can a pressure washer freeze in a garage?
Yes. Most garages in Georgia still drop below freezing. If water remains in the pump, coil, or lines, damage can occur.

What is pump saver and why does it matter?
Pump saver displaces water and coats internal seals, preventing freeze damage and dry rot during storage.

Is one freeze enough to ruin a pump?
Yes. Even a single freeze can crack internal components and shorten pump life dramatically.

When should I winterize my pressure washer?
Any time overnight temperatures drop near freezing—especially if the machine is stored in a trailer or garage.