Why a Gas-Powered Pressure Washer Won’t Start

A pressure washer can be a great tool for improving the appearance of your home. It’s a terrific time- and back-saving piece of power equipment for cleaning a patio, garage floor, deck, driveway, walkway, fence, vinyl siding or even a boat. And let’s be honest: Using a pressure washer makes a day of mundane and exhausting cleaning almost fun!

What’s not fun, however, is discovering your pressure washer refuses to start. If this happens to you, all is not lost. Here’s a list of possible causes and how to get your gas-powered pressure washer running again.

Pressure Washer Won’t Start: Stale Fuel

Gasoline that sits in your pressure washer for more than six months becomes oxidized and contaminated. Degraded gasoline loses volatility and octane, causing lack of combustion, poor engine performance or a failure to start.

Drain dirty or contaminated fuel, then clean and flush the fuel tank with carburetor cleaner. Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and turn the fuel valve to the “on” or “open” position before starting. Also, add fuel stabilizer to help keep fuel fresh.

Safety notes: Work in a well-ventilated area. Make sure there are no open flames or sparks nearby. Don’t smoke. And be sure to keep an A-B-C fire extinguisher nearby. And contact your local recycler or fire department to learn how to properly dispose of old gasoline in your area.

Pressure Washer Won’t Start: Dirty or Clogged Carburetor

Degraded gasoline can turn into varnish, which gums up and corrodes the carburetor, restricting gas from entering the combustion chamber. A clogged air filter can also keep your pressure washer from starting.

Remove the air filter and flush the carburetor with carburetor cleaner to remove any built-up dirt or carbon residue. Use a toothbrush to get into tight corners. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to rebuild or replace the carburetor.

Pressure washer carburetors are simple devices, and making repairs is usually a DIY undertaking. Depending on the year, make and model, plan to spend $25 to $100 to rebuild your carburetor. Replace the carburetor with a new one if it shows any signs of spalling (spalls are small metallic fragments) due to corrosion.

A new carburetor will cost $30 to $200. A small engine repair shop will charge between $50 and $150 for labor to install one.

Pressure Washer Won’t Start: Fouled or Defective Spark Plug

The spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture. A dirty, cracked or defective spark plug will keep your pressure washer from firing up. Replace the spark plug, don’t clean it. Replacing the spark plug should be part of your annual maintenance routine.

Pressure Washer Won’t Start: Bad Ignition Coil

Similar to a car, the ignition coil (AKA magneto or armature) sends high voltage to the spark plug to ignite the air/fuel mixture. A spark plug saturated with gasoline usually means little or no spark to the spark plug.

Use an inexpensive spark tester to check the plug for spark. No spark means you’ll need to replace the ignition coil, which you can do yourself.

Remove the coil wire from the spark plug, then remove the engine cover. Disconnect the wires to the coil, then unbolt and remove the coil assembly. Reverse these steps to install the new coil.

After installing the new coil, set the air gap between the coil and flywheel. You can find air gap specifications (usually between .010 and .014 of an inch) under the engine cover or in the owner’s manual. Use a feeler gauge to set the air gap. In a pinch, you can use a business card or strips cut from a plastic milk jug.

Pressure Washer Won’t Start: Broken Flywheel Key

The soft metal flywheel key connects the crankshaft to the flywheel. It can wear out from use, or, like a shear bolt on a snowblower auger, it can break if your pressure washer hits a hard object. Replacing a flywheel key is a job for your local small engine repair shop.

Pressure Washer Won’t Start: Excessive Pump Pressure

Excessive water pressure built up in the pump assembly will make the starter pull cord difficult to pull. Pointing the spray gun away from you, gently pull the trigger to release the pressure. You may want to try holding the trigger down while pulling the starter cord to release pressure.

The Final Word

Never start or run your pressure washer without water flowing through the pump. Running a pump when dry can destroy it in a few seconds. Annual preventive maintenance and proper storage, including draining all the water out of the pump and flushing with pump anti-freeze/lubricant, will keep your pressure washer operating at peak condition.

Article source here: Why a Gas-Powered Pressure Washer Won’t Start

Don’t Miss the Chewy National Dog Day Sale!

Woof woof! Thursday, August 26, is National Dog Day! To honor the occasion, the online pet supply store Chewy is holding a mega sale on all the things dogs love and need.

Check out our favorite Chewy picks below that are sure to get tails wagging. Whether you need a pet ramp, waterproof car seat cover or an adorable Halloween costume for your pooch, now is the time to shop!

But remember, the sale ends on Friday, August 27 — so don’t wait! Plus, spend $100 on select items and get a free $30 gift card for future pet purchases.

Why do we love Chewy?

Chewy stocks all your pet supply needs in one convenient, easy-to-shop website, so you can find and compare products without leaving your home. Chewy’s huge inventory runs from apparel to food to toys and treats — even a pet pharmacy for all your pets’ health needs! They offer your favorite vet-approved brands including Blue Buffalo, Nutro, Natural Balance and more.

The pricing can’t be beat, with a “Today’s Deals” section for discounts and savings. Plus, if you buy something you (or Rover) don’t love, you can return it up to a year after purchase! You’ll receive a full refund credited back to your original method of payment.

We also love Chewy’s shipping policy. All orders more than $49 ship free! Other orders ship for the low, flat rate of $4.95.

What’s the Chewy sale?

Through August 27, Chewy offers multiple discounts on dog food, collars, leashes, toys and more. If you have more than one dog, or like to buy in bulk, grab a Chewy bundle (popular products grouped together) for 20 percent off.

Probably the most exciting part of the sale is the chance to earn a free gift card. Just spend $100 spoiling your cute doggie (and we know he or she deserves it) to earn the $30 e-gift card. Chewy is also offering 10 percent off e-gift cards at checkout, so make sure to pick one up for a fellow pet owner.

And just because it’s National Dog Day doesn’t mean cat lovers should miss out on deals! You’ll earn a $15 gift card when you spend $75 on select cat products.

Our favorite Chewy finds

PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp

Help your older pup or one suffering from arthritis get safely in and out of the car with the PetSafe’s Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp. The adjustable length lets you custom fit it to any car or truck, and the high-traction surface ensures your dog won’t slip. When not in use, it easily slides into a size small enough to fit in the trunk.

Original price: $179.99.

Sale price: $149.95.

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Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar

Help your dog look their best with a sophisticated Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar. Genuine full-grain leather, hand stitched details and five chic color options make this beautiful collar look more expensive than it is. It wears comfortably thanks to a soft, padded sheepskin that prevents irritation. Choose from small to extra large for the perfect fit.

Original price: $45.99.

Sale price: $25.95.

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Quilted Water Resistant Hammock Car Seat Cover

As much as you love your dog, you probably don’t love the mess he or she makes in the car. The Frisco Water Resistant Hammock Car Seat Cover protects your seats from shedding fur, muddy paws and water spills. It’s sized to fit most back seats with easy installation. The best part? It’s machine washable, so it’s clean and ready for the next trip to the dog park.

Original price: $43.99.

Sale price: $35.99.

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Pet Gear Easy Step

The Pet Gear Easy Pet Step means your dog will never need to put added stress on his or her joints. This inclined helps your dog reach the sofa or bed without jumping.

The top is lined with machine-washable carpet to reduce slipping, and the bottom has rubber grippers to keep it in place. It works great for small- and medium-sized dogs with a weight capacity of 175 pounds.

Original price: $54.76.

Sale price: $44.26.

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Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Leash

If you’re in the market for a sturdy, reliable dog leash, look no further. The Frisco Nylon Dog Leash, made from high-quality nylon, includes a strong bolt snap that securely attaches to his collar or harness. It comes in several lengths and widths as well as four fun color options, so you can get the right size and style for your dog.

Price: $6.99.

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Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy

Your dog has probably had fun chasing balls and sticks, but what about a flying squirrel? Now they can (without injuring a real squirrel) with the Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy! Fling it like you would a flying disc, and watch your dog bolt out to catch it. It even has glow-in-the-dark paws for nighttime fun.

Original price: $12.99.

Sale price: $6.57.

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Frisco Red Lobster Dog Costume

We can’t promise your dog will love wearing this Frisco Red Lobster Dog Costume, but we can promise he’ll look adorable in it! The two-piece costume features hook and loop fasteners on the neck and belly, ear holes for comfort and a built-in leash hole.

Even if you only get it on long enough for a few photos, with a costume this fun and cute, it’s worth it.

Price: $16.99.

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PetSafe Eatwell Five-Meal Automatic Dog Feeder

You won’t have to monitor your dog’s eating schedule or worry when they’re home alone with the PetSafe Eatwell Five-Meal Timed Pet Feeder. Its five sections hold five perfectly portioned meals. Just set the timer, and the feeder will turn and open when it’s time for their next helping of food. Easy!

Original price: $64.99.

Sale price: $49.95.

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Article source here: Don’t Miss the Chewy National Dog Day Sale!

How to Pressure Wash Your Car

Pre-wash

• Park your vehicle on a concrete or blacktop surface. Avoid gravel — you could kick up stones, damage your paint or crack a window.
• Roll up all your windows.
• Set your pressure washer to “water output” and use a 40-degree nozzle tip.
• Pre-wash by starting at the top and spraying downward, removing debris from the roof, hood and trunk. Continue spraying downward on the side panels, wheels and hubcaps, removing any stuck-on mud. You can even clean the wheel wells. However, don’t spray directly into the front grill; you could damage the radiator. Instead, spray downward at a 45-degree angle.

Article source here: How to Pressure Wash Your Car

The Best Bed Frames of 2021

Porch and Den McAlpin Metal Platform Bed

A bed frame is more than just a set of metal rails to plop a mattress onto. It’s the defining feature of the entire bedroom, a place where you’ll spend a good seven or eight hours a night. So when you pick out a bed frame, choose one that not only fits the look you’re going for, but is sturdy enough to serve as the foundation of your sleeping spot.

There are plenty of options available, from industrial-looking iron frames to sleek, low-profile platforms. Here are a few of our top picks.

The champagne silver platform bed frame from Porch and Den McAlpin perfectly complements the modern look of the Family Handyman Getaway retreat.

The durable steel frame and slats eliminate the need for box springs; all you need is a good mattress. Better yet, there’s no creaking bed frame, so you can fall asleep to the sounds of a summer night outside. It’s available in twin, full, queen and king.

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Article source here: The Best Bed Frames of 2021

10 Best Home Bar Carts for 2021

Getaway Bar Cart

The Family Handyman Getaway, the beautiful second home we built in northern Wisconsin, was furnished with modern style and functionality in mind, and this bar cart was an obvious choice. The top provides ample space to mix up beverages and multiple shelves hold ingredients and bartending gear. This beauty can stay put in a favorite spot — it has two locking casters — but can also be wheeled around to guests or to n different location. And, if something spills, it’s easy to wipe down with a cloth and glass cleaner.

Shop Now

Article source here: 10 Best Home Bar Carts for 2021

If Your Hummingbird Feeder Looks Cloudy, This Is What It Means

A clean bird feeder is essential, and it’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re buying or building a new one. In addition to how attractive the feeder looks, how sturdy it feels, and how much seed it holds, consider how to clean bird feeders.

When birds eating at feeders come in close proximity, the spread of bird disease is more likely. Summer heat and rains can cause seed and suet to spoil or mold much quicker, especially if your feeders are in the sun. Accumulated bird droppings also create an unhealthy environment.

How to Clean Bird Feeders

It’s important to keep feeders and the surrounding area clean to avoid spreading illness. Clean your seed and suet feeders thoroughly every few weeks (and even more often in hot and humid weather). Remove and discard any leftover seed. Spray and wipe feeders with a 10 percent bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) and a stiff brush. Rinse well with clean water. Allow feeders to dry completely before filling and putting them back up.

Mild days in early spring are the perfect time to assess the condition of feeders that have been outside all winter. Check for cracks, broken perches or damaged baffles. Repair or replace them if necessary. It’s also the perfect time to give feeders a deep cleaning. Once or twice a season, take them down and give them a full wash with hot water and soap. Or run them through the dishwasher. Many birds feed on the ground, so be sure to sweep up the husks and dropped seeds under and around feeders.

Article source here: If Your Hummingbird Feeder Looks Cloudy, This Is What It Means

This Is What the Numbers on a Toaster Really Mean

Toasters are one of the kitchen appliances on my countertop that I have confidence in, most of the time at least. I always seem to have problems with my blender not crushing ice or my coffee pot not starting, but I can pretty much guarantee that my bread or bagel will pop out of the toaster exactly the way I like it.

But cut to a hotel breakfast, where I toast my bread on the same number setting I do at home, and it comes out charred and inedible. This has happened more than once and always has me wondering, what do the numbers on a toaster mean, anyway? So, I did some research.

What Do the Numbers on a Toaster Mean?

The first thought that most of us have is that the numbers on a toaster dial refer to minutes, or the amount of time your bread is in the toaster heating up before it springs up. Though this is true for some toaster models, it’s not always the case.

There are actually three types of toasters!

Timer toasters

In a timer toaster, a mechanical timer controls the toasting process. Most timer toasters tend to be pretty expensive, like this one from SMEG that guarantees your toast or bagel will pop up automatically after the toasting time is finished. Still, you have peace of mind knowing that the numbers on your device actually do refer to minutes.

Capacitor toasters

Capacitor toasters—the kind of toasters most of us own—run on a circuit that cuts off once the capacitor (a device inside your toaster that stores energy) is charged to a specific voltage. So, the numbers on these toasters refer to a resistance rate, or the time it takes for the capacitor to charge, in turn changing how long the toast actually stays in your toaster.

Bimetallic strip toasters

Bimetallic strip toasters are usually older models, and run on a circuit system connected by a bent strip. When the heat gets too high, the bimetallic strip will bend to a point where it no longer connects to the circuit, and out pops your toast. The numbers on these models control the level of electricity you’re using; a lower number means a higher electric current, which will heat up and cut off the circuit quicker and toast your bread only briefly.

Why Can’t I Make Perfect Toast?

Though you’re now educated on the variety of toasters and dial functions, it’s still going to be impossible for you to toast a piece of bread perfectly every time.

The perfect toast depends on the kind of bread you’re using just as much as it depends on your toaster. The moisture in the bread plays a huge factor in the final toasted product, and this varies from white to wheat, as well as how old your loaf is.

Residual heat from constant usage is also a factor to consider. If you’re popping in piece after piece of bread for family brunch, heat might build up and brown your bread increasingly with each toast.

Toasters are a more complex than they look, so we recommend that users take a good look at the manual.

Article source here: This Is What the Numbers on a Toaster Really Mean