How to Use a Hot Water Gas Pressure Washer

Hot water pressure washers are ideal for cleaning heavily soiled surfaces. They help you get the job done quicker and more efficiently than a cold water pressure washer. This guide will show you the proper startup, operation, and shut down procedure for a gas powered, hot water pressure washer.

Before You Begin → Safety & Preparation

1. Always operate your gas pressure washer in a well-ventilated area.
2. Be sure to wear safety goggles and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from direct spray.
3. Do not come in contact with the engine, muffler, or heat exchanger.
4. Make sure the pressure washer is on a flat surface, and the brake is locked.
5. Check the pump oil and engine oil before each use.
6. Use 85 octane gas for the engine, and either #1 or #2 diesel fuel or kerosene for the burner supply tank.
7. Connect the garden hose to the pressure washer and water supply. A 20-40 PSI inlet pressure supply is required.
8. Now connect the male end of the high pressure hose into the coil outlet on the pressure washer.
9. Be sure the trigger gun is in the locked “off” position.
10. Turn on the water, and move the trigger gun lock to the “on” position.
11. Squeeze the trigger on the gun to purge the system of excess air before starting the unit.

Starting the Pressure Washer

1. Turn the engine switch on, then turn the gas lever on.
   
2. Slide the choke lever to the open position and the throttle lever to the left, or full-throttle position.
3. Double check the burner switch is in the “off” position.
4. Holding the gun assembly firmly in your hand, point it in a safe direction, and squeeze the trigger to release the pressure. Failure to release the pressure will make it impossible to start the engine.
5. Pull the recoil on the engine. The engine should start on the first or second pull.
6. Once the engine starts, release the trigger gun and close the choke. At this point, the unit is operating as a cold water pressure washer.
7. It is important that you make sure the pressure washer never runs in the bypass mode for more than two minutes. To operate as a hot water pressure washer, move the burner switch to the “on” position.
8. The water will begin heating in ~20 seconds and will reach maximum temperature in ~2.5 minutes. Hot water pressure washers have the advantage of removing oil, grease, tar and other sticky substances.

Enhance Your Clean → Using Detergent

1. For even greater cleaning power, use detergent specifically developed for use with your hot water pressure washer.
2. Put the detergent hose into the detergent container, and open the detergent valve on the pressure washer.
3. Open the handle on the dual lance wand by turning it clockwise to begin drawing detergent.
4. Mi-T-M detergent is environmentally friendly and is specifically designed to break down dirt, grease, and oils.
5. When you are done applying detergent, turn the dual lance wand counterclockwise until closed. Close the detergent valve and rinse the surface thoroughly.

Shutting the Unit Down

1. Be sure to cool down the coil of your pressure washer by turning the burner off and squeezing the trigger for approximately one minute.
2. Turn the engine switch to the “off” position, then turn the gas lever off.
3. Turn off the water supply and pull the trigger gun to release pressure.
4. Disconnect the high pressure hose from the unit and disconnect the garden hose.

Need Help?

Contact Mi-T-M today for more assistance on using your hot water gas pressure washer.