Protect Your Crew. Protect Your Equipment. Protect Your Business.
When the summer sun blazes, pressure washing jobs donโt stopโbut the heat brings a whole new set of risks and challenges. Whether youโre cleaning commercial concrete, soft washing rooftops, or managing a fleet of rigs, summer safety isn’t optionalโitโs essential.
At PowerWash.com, weโre committed to helping contractors and businesses not only grow but stay safe and efficient in all conditions. Below, weโll walk you through the best practices to keep your team healthy and your equipment running strong throughout the hottest months of the year.
Section 1: Personal Safety in Extreme Heat
1. Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Heat-related illness can sneak up fast. Dehydration leads to fatigue, dizziness, and poor decision-making. Encourage techs to hydrate constantlyโwater every 15 to 30 minutes is a must, even if they donโt feel thirsty.
2. Dress for Success (and Safety)
Outfit your team with:
- Light-colored, moisture-wicking shirtsย
- Cooling neck towels or bandanasย
- Wide-brimmed hats or neck shieldsย
- UV-rated safety glassesย
- Non-slip, breathable work bootsย
3. Shift Your Schedule
Where possible, structure your workday around the sun. Start early, break mid-day, and resume later. Jobs from 10 AM to 3 PM are at highest risk for heatstrokeโespecially on rooftops or unshaded concrete.
4. Watch for Heat Illness Symptoms
Educate your team to look for:
- Muscle cramps, headachesย
- Dizziness or confusionย
- Excessive sweatingโor, worse, no sweatingย
- Nausea or vomitingย
If these occur, get them in shade, provide water, and seek medical help as needed.
5. Provide Shaded Rest Areas
Portable canopies, umbrellas, or shaded truck setups give your team a place to cool off and recover. OSHA recommends a 5-minute break every hour in high heat conditions.
Section 2: Equipment Health in High Heat
1. Don’t Let Pumps Overheat
Power washers shouldnโt idle in bypass more than 2 minutes. Excessive heat buildup can damage plunger seals and O-rings. Make sure thermal relief valves are installed and functioning, or shut down between sprays.
2. Keep Bleach and Chemicals Cool
Sodium hypochlorite breaks down rapidly in heat and sunlight. Store SH in dark containers, inside a shaded area or covered trailer. Always rotate stock, and avoid using solutions older than 30 days.
3. Monitor Oil and Filters
Heat accelerates oil breakdown. Check engine and pump oil more frequently in summer. Replace dirty air filters to prevent engines from running rich, which causes power loss and fuel waste.
4. Protect Your Hoses and Seals
High ambient temps can soften hoses and expand fittings. Inspect your pressure lines and fittings for leaks or fatigue. Store hoses in shaded areas and never leave them coiled in direct sun.
5. Use UV-Resistant Equipment
PowerWash.com carries rigs, tanks, and components with UV protection. Upgrade your setup with Rhino-lined skids, ventilated hose reels, and sealed storage to extend gear lifespan in direct sun exposure.
Section 3: Suggested Summer Gear & Tools
- Thermal Relief Valves โ Prevents pump overheating during idle time.ย
- Deluxยฎ Proportioners with UV-Stabilized Tanks โ Keeps SH potent longer.ย
- Max Flow Hose Reels (with Ventilated Drums) โ Reduces internal heat buildup.ย
- Cooling Workwear & PPE Kits โ Keep your crew safe and OSHA compliant.ย
Explore these products on PowerWash.com or call our experts at 1-800-433-2113 for help configuring your summer rig setup.
Section 4: Washaholic Training for Summer Success
Want to dig deeper into summer jobsite strategy? PowerWash Academyโs LMS platform includes safety modules like:
- Working in High Heat Conditionsย
- Proper Use of Thermal Relief and Bypass Systemsย
- Safe Chemical Storage and Handlingย
- Hydration and First Aid for Field Crewsย
Franchise operators and large fleet managers can white-label this training for their teams. Visit PowerWash Academy or ask about Business Support Services (BSS) to access these resources.
Stay Cool, Stay Profitable
Summer is peak season for the power washing industryโbut it also tests your limits. Heat doesnโt just affect comfort, it affects safety, performance, and profit. By following these personal and equipment care strategies, youโll protect your crew, extend the life of your gear, and stay ahead of unexpected downtime.
For tailored summer solutions, rig upgrades, or on-site safety consultations, PowerWash.com is your trusted partner.
Letโs keep your business safe, clean, and cool all summer long.