How to Clean and Maintain Your Westinghouse Pressure Washer

What makes Westinghouse pressure washers different from other brands

Westinghouse pressure washers are built around a few consistent design choices that affect how you maintain them. Most Westinghouse models use either a triplex pump (the most common type) or an axial pump, both of which are durable but need different care routines. The brand tends to favor electric models for residential use, which means no oil changes in the engine itself—but the pump still has its own lubrication needs that many owners miss.

The control systems on Westinghouse units are straightforward: most have a single pressure dial and a trigger gun with a safety lock. This simplicity is intentional and makes troubleshooting easier than it sounds. If you know what to look for, you can diagnose most problems without calling a technician.

Key Takeaways

• Westinghouse pressure washers need the pump oil checked and topped off before each season, even though the motor itself requires no oil maintenance.
• The high-pressure hose should be drained and stored coiled loosely indoors during winter to prevent cracking and ice damage.
• Cleaning the intake filter and nozzle after every use prevents clogs that reduce pressure and force the pump to work harder than designed.
• Westinghouse models with electric motors last longer when stored in a dry location and run through a short cycle every few months to keep seals from drying out.

Checking and changing pump oil in your Westinghouse unit

The pump oil is separate from any engine oil and is critical to pressure washer longevity. On most Westinghouse models, the pump oil dipstick is located on the side of the pump housing itself—not on the motor. Before the first use of the season, unscrew the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to read the level. The oil should reach the full mark on the stick.

If the level is low, use only the pump oil recommended in your manual—typically ISO 32 or ISO 46 hydraulic oil, not motor oil. Motor oil is too thin and will not protect the pump's internal components. Add oil slowly through the dipstick hole until the level reaches full, then replace the dipstick and run the unit for 30 seconds to circulate the new oil through the pump.

Change the pump oil every 500 hours of use or once per year, whichever comes first. To drain it, locate the drain plug at the bottom of the pump (consult your manual for the exact location on your model), place a container underneath, unscrew the plug, and let the old oil drain completely. Wipe the plug clean, reinstall it, and refill with fresh pump oil to the full mark.

Cleaning the intake filter and preventing clogs

The intake filter sits between the water source and the pump and catches sediment, sand, and debris that would otherwise damage the pump's internal seals. After every use, disconnect the inlet hose and remove the filter cartridge (usually a simple twist-off or clip-release). Rinse it under clean running water, holding it up to the light to check for debris trapped in the pleats.

If the filter looks discolored or clogged even after rinsing, replace it rather than reuse it. A clogged filter forces the pump to work harder, reduces water pressure at the nozzle, and can cause the unit to shut down mid-job. Westinghouse sells replacement filters specific to each model—check your manual for the part number.

Before connecting the inlet hose each time you use the unit, run water through the hose for a few seconds to flush out any sediment that settled overnight. This small step prevents debris from entering the pump on the first trigger pull.

Storing the high-pressure hose correctly

The high-pressure hose is the most vulnerable part of a pressure washer during storage. After each use, disconnect the hose from both the pump outlet and the spray gun, then drain it completely by holding one end up and letting water run out. Coil the hose loosely—tight coils create kinks that weaken the inner layers and can cause ruptures when pressure is applied again.

Store the coiled hose indoors in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. UV light and temperature swings cause the rubber to become brittle and crack. In winter, never leave a hose outside where water inside it can freeze and expand, splitting the hose from the inside out. If you live in a freezing climate, drain the hose thoroughly and store it in an unheated garage or shed rather than outside.

Before connecting the hose for the next use, inspect it for cracks, leaks, or soft spots. A small leak in a high-pressure hose can spray water sideways at dangerous velocity. If you see damage, replace the hose rather than patch it—the patch will not hold under pressure.

Winterizing your Westinghouse pressure washer

If you live where temperatures drop below freezing, winterizing your pressure washer prevents ice from forming inside the pump and cracking it. Start by running the unit for 30 seconds with no water connected to flush out any water still in the system. Disconnect the inlet hose and spray gun, then run the unit for another 10 seconds to push remaining water out of the pump.

Next, add a pump protectant (a non-toxic antifreeze formulated for pressure washers) to the pump oil. Pour it through the dipstick hole according to the amount listed in your manual—usually 4 to 8 ounces. Run the unit for 30 seconds to circulate the protectant through all internal passages, then shut it down and let it sit. The protectant prevents water from freezing and keeps seals from drying out during months of storage.

Store the entire unit indoors if possible—a garage, shed, or basement. If indoor storage is not available, cover it with a waterproof tarp and keep it out of direct wind and rain. Do not store it in a location where it will be exposed to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as this stresses all the seals and connections.

Troubleshooting low pressure and weak spray

If your Westinghouse pressure washer suddenly produces weak spray or lower pressure than usual, the problem is almost always one of three things: a clogged nozzle, a clogged intake filter, or low pump oil. Start by checking the nozzle—disconnect the spray gun and look through the nozzle opening toward a light source. You should see a clear hole. If it looks blocked, soak the nozzle in white vinegar for 30 minutes, then use a thin wire or needle to clear the opening. Do not use a toothpick, which can break off inside.

Next, check the intake filter as described above. A clogged filter is the second most common cause of pressure loss. Finally, check the pump oil level using the dipstick method. Low oil reduces the pump's ability to build pressure and can damage internal components if ignored.

If pressure is still low after checking all three, the pump itself may have internal wear. This is not a field repair—contact a Westinghouse service center or authorized repair shop. Continuing to run the unit with a failing pump will cause more damage and make repair more expensive.

Storing your Westinghouse between seasons

Before storing your pressure washer for more than a few weeks, run it for one minute with the trigger pulled to circulate oil and protectant through the pump. Drain the high-pressure hose completely and coil it loosely. Remove the spray gun and nozzles and store them separately in a dry place.

If your model has a fuel tank (some Westinghouse units run on gasoline), drain the tank completely or add fuel stabilizer according to the manual. Electric models have no fuel concerns, but should still be stored in a dry location to prevent rust on metal parts and corrosion on electrical connections.

Every three months during storage, run the unit for 30 seconds without water connected. This keeps seals from drying out and prevents the pump from seizing. When you are ready to use the unit again, check the pump oil, clean the intake filter, and inspect the hose before connecting everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular motor oil in the pump instead of pump oil?

No. Motor oil is too thin and does not provide the protection the pump needs. Use only the pump oil specified in your Westinghouse manual, typically ISO 32 or ISO 46 hydraulic oil. Using the wrong oil will damage the pump's internal seals and void the warranty.

What should I do if water leaks from the pump housing?

A small drip from the pump shaft seal is normal, but steady water flow means the seal is failing. Stop using the unit and contact a Westinghouse service center. Running the pump with a failed seal will allow water to enter the pump oil, which destroys the pump.

How often should I replace the intake filter?

Replace it once per year or every 500 hours of use, whichever comes first. If you use the unit in very sandy or dusty conditions, replace it more often. A clogged filter reduces pressure and forces the pump to work harder than designed.

Is it safe to leave the pressure washer connected to the water source overnight?

No. Disconnect the inlet hose after every use. Leaving it connected allows pressure to build in the hose and pump even when the unit is off, which stresses seals and connections. It also allows sediment to settle in the hose, which clogs the intake filter on the next use.

Can I store my Westinghouse pressure washer outside in a shed during winter?

Yes, but only if the shed stays above freezing. If temperatures drop below 32°F, water inside the pump can freeze and crack it. Add pump protectant before storage and drain the hose completely. If your shed is unheated, store the unit indoors or use a heated storage space.