So, you want to make sure that your yard or your house are really cleaned and the rain that’s currently coming down from the sky isn’t quite enough for you. What does that mean? Can you get out your pressure washer and help the water along a little? Well, if you’re wondering can you pressure wash in the rain, we’re going to take a look at just what you need to know.
The General Rule
In general, you can use a pressure washer in the rain. Your unit should be well protected from water getting into it, which means you can still take it outside if there’s rain coming down and you can clean off whatever you might need. But you’ll want to be careful with this process and try to keep your pressure washer from getting as wet as you can.
Protecting Your System
If you can keep the main portion of the pressure washer out of the rain you’re going to protect the internal components even better. This will allow you to keep the unit safer and will reduce the risk of damage to the pressure washer. It also helps protect against electrocution. But it’s not the only part of the system you want to be concerned about.
Make sure you’re watching the power cord for any electric pressure washers. You want to keep the cord out of any standing water and keep it from areas where water could easily pool, especially around the outlet. This is going to keep your risk of electrocution as low as possible, but it’s still best to avoid using these units as much as possible in the rain.
Finally, make sure that you do not use the pressure washer if the rain gets too intense. The stronger the rain coming down the more dangerous it will be for you to use your pressure washer outdoors. This isn’t just about the pressure washer itself, but also the risk of lightning is also higher as the rain gets more intense, so make sure you avoid it if possible.
If You’re Caught in the Rain
If you do use your pressure washer in the rain, either intentionally or unintentionally, make sure that you get it to a clean, dry place as soon as possible. You don’t want your pressure washer to stay wet as this increases the risk of rust on the outside or internal components. Instead, take a little extra time after you unplug the unit to wipe it down and remove all the water you can.
The more water you can get off the better it’s going to be for the pressure washer. And it will give you a bit of time to dry off while it’s still raining as well, so it’s going to be a win-win for you as well.
If you’re thinking about using a pressure washer in the rain, make sure you evaluate just how hard the rain is, and whether it’s a safe decision for you to get out there.
Walt moonlights as a handyman after getting off his busy job as a commodities trader. He enjoys writing about all things related to DIY, home improvement, etc.
