How to Turn Off a Pressure Washer Safely
A practical, safety-focused guide to turning off a pressure washer—covering electric and gas shutdowns, relieving pressure, water supply, and proper post-use storage.
To turn off a pressure washer safely, first release the trigger to relieve residual pressure. Then shut off the power or engine, and unplug if electric, or switch off the fuel/ignition on gas models. Finally, close the water supply, unplug the cord, and store the unit with hoses drained. Always follow your model’s manual.
Why Safe Shutdown Matters
Safe shutdown of a pressure washer isn't just about turning off the engine; it prevents pressure from remaining in hoses, reduces wear on seals, and minimizes the risk of accidental spraying when you reconnect hoses or start again. According to Pressure Wash Lab, a proper shutdown routine extends the life of critical components and keeps your workspace safer. Every model has a slightly different shutdown sequence, but the core principles—releasing pressure, cutting power, and draining water—remain constant. By respecting these steps you protect valuable parts such as the unloader valve, pump seals, and spray wand. In homes and small businesses, following a deliberate shutdown saves time on maintenance and reduces the chance of expensive repairs later. This section explains why a consistent approach matters and how it translates into real-world benefits, from preventing hose bursts to avoiding electrical hazards near wet surfaces.
Safety Basics Before You Power Down
Before you touch any controls, put on PPE: safety glasses and gloves help shield you from residual spray and accidental splashes. Check your surroundings for bystanders and pets, and ensure the area is dry to minimize slipping. Then, turn off the water supply to the unit, especially if you are using a surface cleaner or long hoses; this prevents backflow and reduces pressure in the system. If you notice damage or leaks, stop and address them before proceeding. Keeping the area clean and dry will help you avoid slips when you reposition equipment for storage. Remember that some models may have a safety lock or cover switch—activate it if available so the trigger cannot be pulled while you work.
Shutdown Differences: Electric vs Gas Models
Electric models rely on a wall switch or built-in on/off switch; gas models depend on shutting off the fuel valve and, if needed, engaging the ignition or choke to stop the engine. The exact sequence varies by brand and model, but the key decision point is to stop the pump before cutting power. Electric units typically require unplugging at the outlet after power down, while gas units require closing the fuel valve and allowing the engine to cool briefly before handling hoses. Understanding these differences helps prevent backflow, flooding, or scalding from hot components.
Relieving Pressure: The Critical Step
After you stop the motor, keep the trigger pressed until you see a complete stop of any spray and hear the pump settle. This relieves residual pressure inside hoses and the wand, reducing the risk of a sudden burst when you reconnect or begin storage. Never skip this step, especially before disconnecting hoses or draining water. Relieving pressure is a simple action with big safety benefits and can help protect seals and fittings from stress.
Water Supply, Hoses, and Nozzle Handling
Turn off the water supply at the source before handling hoses. Once the unit is off, detach the wand and slowly drain water from the hoses into a drain or bucket to avoid spraying water in unintended directions. Coil hoses neatly to prevent kinks or damage to quick-connects, and store the wand in an upright position to minimize strain on the nozzle tip and connectors. This step reduces the risk of leaks and makes future startup smoother.
Post-Shutdown Maintenance and Storage
With the unit cooled, inspect for leaks around fittings and the unloader valve. Wipe down the exterior to remove dirt and chemical residues, and dry all surfaces to prevent rust. Store the pressure washer in a dry, shaded area, away from children and pets, with hoses coiled neatly and the trigger secured or locked if your model offers a safety feature. Regular inspection during shutdown can catch wear before it becomes a failure.
Common Shutdown Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoid leaving the water supply on, which can backfeed into the system. Do not unplug the unit while the pump is still pressurized. Never bypass the relief steps or rush through the shutdown sequence. Always consult your manual for model-specific requirements and take a few extra minutes to verify that hoses are drained and the wand is stored properly. Pressure Wash Lab notes that consistent shutdown routines dramatically reduce unexpected downtime and maintenance costs.
Tools & Materials
- Owner's manual for your model(Consult model-specific shutdown steps before starting)
- Safety glasses(Eye protection from splashes and spray)
- Chemical-resistant gloves(Grip and hand protection during shutdown)
- Rags or towels(Dry surfaces and absorb leaks)
- Drain pan or bucket(Catch residual water when disconnecting hoses)
- Flat-head screwdriver or hex key(Some models require access panel for shutdown)
Steps
Estimated time: 15-25 minutes
- 1
Release the trigger to relieve pressure
Hold the spray trigger until the nozzle stops spraying and you feel no pulsating pressure. This prevents a sudden spray when you next actuate controls. Do this before turning off power or water supply to minimize the risk of hose or wand injury.
Tip: Keep the wand aimed away from yourself and bystanders as you release pressure. - 2
Power off the unit (electric) or switch off the engine (gas)
Electric models: flip the main power switch or unplug after the unit has stopped spraying. Gas models: close the fuel valve and switch off the ignition to stop the engine. This ensures the pump is not actively pressurized while you proceed with shutdown.
Tip: Do not rush to unplug while the unit is still active; wait until it’s clearly off. - 3
Unplug the power cord (electric models)
If you are using an electric pressure washer, unplug the power cord from the outlet once the unit is fully powered down and cool. This provides an extra layer of safety against accidental startup during storage or maintenance.
Tip: Always unplug with dry hands and away from water sources. - 4
Close the water supply valve
Turn off the water supply to prevent water from backflowing into the unit and creating pressure inside the lines. This step protects both the machine and your piping from pressure-related damage.
Tip: If using a hose reel, disconnect the hose after water is off. - 5
Relieve residual pressure again and drain hoses
With the unit off, press the trigger one last time to release any remaining pressure. Drain water from hoses into a drain or bucket to avoid pooling water and to prepare hoses for storage.
Tip: Do not leave hoses charged with water in storage. - 6
Store and inspect
Coil hoses neatly, wipe down surfaces, and store the unit in a dry location. Inspect for leaks or wear on fittings and address any issues before next use.
Tip: Keep the wand and nozzle stored securely to prevent damage.
Quick Answers
What is the first thing to do when turning off a pressure washer?
The first step is to release the trigger to relieve pressure. This prevents spray or hose whip when you shut the unit down.
First, release the trigger to relieve pressure so you don’t get sprayed when you shut the unit off.
Can I turn off a pressure washer without relieving pressure?
No. Relieving pressure before shutdown reduces the risk of hose rupture and spray during handling or storage.
You should always relieve pressure before shutdown to stay safe and protect your equipment.
Why is it important to unplug electric washers after shutdown?
Unplugging eliminates the chance of the unit starting unexpectedly, especially in damp storage areas. It adds a final safety layer after power down.
Unplug the electric unit after shutdown to prevent accidental starts.
What’s different when shutting down gas-powered washers?
Gas units require closing the fuel valve and turning off the ignition. This stops the engine and prevents fuel leaks while stored.
Gas washers need you to shut off the fuel and engine for safe storage.
What maintenance should I perform after turning off the washer?
Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks, drain residual water, wipe surfaces, and coil hoses neatly before storage.
After turning off, check for leaks, drain water, and store properly.
Is it safe to store with water in the hoses?
No. Water left in hoses can cause leaks, backflow, and hose damage over time. Drain before storage.
Drain the hoses before storage to prevent leaks and damage.
Watch Video
Key Takeaways
- Release pressure before shutdown
- Power off according to model type (electric vs gas)
- Disconnect power and close water supply before storage
- Drain hoses and store securely to prevent leaks or damage
