The short answer:DETRAILERS pressure washing systems generally don't require a large amount of routine maintenance. Service intervals tend to be relatively long, and normal preventative maintenance is generally inexpensive. The most important maintenance risk to plan for is freezing weather — water left inside pumps, hoses, or hot-water heating components can cause serious damage if the system isn't properly winterized. DETRAILERS shows every customer how to winterize the particular system built for them.
What needs routine attention?
What actually needs maintenance depends on the equipment installed on your pressure washing system. Depending on your configuration, that can include the pressure-washer engine, the pressure-washer pump, hoses, fittings, filters, water tanks, and — on hot-water systems — burner-related components. These components don't all share the same maintenance interval; an engine, a pump, and a burner are different pieces of equipment with different service needs.
Follow the schedule for your equipment
DETRAILERS doesn't publish one universal maintenance schedule for every system, because different builds use different engines, pumps, burners, and related components. Rather than applying one generic schedule to every system, we recommend following the service requirements for the actual engine, pump, burner, and other equipment installed on your build — that's the schedule that's actually correct for your machine.
Why freezing temperatures matter
Freezing temperatures are one of the most important things to plan for with a mobile pressure washing system. Water left inside system components can freeze and expand, and that can cause serious damage. This matters whenever freezing conditions are possible — overnight, during storage, or through an off-season — not just during the coldest stretch of winter.
What can freeze damage?
The components most vulnerable to freeze damage are:
- Pressure-washer pump— water trapped inside the pump can freeze and damage it.
- Hoses— water left inside a hose can freeze and damage it.
- Burner and heating coils on hot-water systems— these components carry water as well, and are vulnerable to the same freeze risk.
How DETRAILERS helps customers winterize
DETRAILERS shows every customer how to properly winterize the particular system built for them. The correct process depends on your actual equipment and configuration, so we don't publish one generic winterization checklist here — you aren't simply handed the equipment and expected to figure this out yourself. That guidance is part of how we support the system after it's built.
Freeze damage and warranty coverage
Freeze damage is not covered by the DETRAILERS warranty, which is one reason we make winterization part of the customer handoff and training process. See our Total Protection Warranty page for the full details on what is covered.
Hot-water system maintenance
Hot-water systems carry additional equipment that needs normal attention, particularly the burner and related heating components. As with the rest of the system, the right maintenance schedule for that equipment is the one set by its manufacturer, not a generic rule of thumb. See our hot water vs. cold water guide for more on how hot-water systems are built.
Simple checks between service intervals
Between formal service intervals, it's reasonable to keep an eye on the obvious wear items — hoses, fittings, and filters — and address anything that looks worn or damaged before it becomes a bigger problem. This is common-sense equipment awareness, not a fixed inspection schedule.
Common questions
How much maintenance does a mobile pressure washing system require?
DETRAILERS pressure washing systems generally don't require a large amount of routine maintenance. Service intervals tend to be relatively long, and normal preventative maintenance is generally inexpensive.
How do you winterize a pressure washing system?
The correct winterization process depends on the specific equipment and configuration on your system, so DETRAILERS doesn't publish one universal procedure. DETRAILERS shows every customer how to properly winterize the particular system built for them.
What happens if a pressure washing system freezes?
Water left inside components like the pressure-washer pump, hoses, or — on hot-water systems — the burner and heating coils can freeze and cause serious damage if the system isn't properly winterized.
Is freeze damage covered by the DETRAILERS warranty?
No. Freeze damage is not covered by the DETRAILERS warranty. DETRAILERS shows customers how to properly winterize their system to help protect it when freezing conditions are possible.