Hike these Atlanta Metro trails for the beauty and fresh air without the drive

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/cochran-shoals-trails-along-the-chattahoochee/" target="_self">Cochran Shoals Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/hiking-east-palisades-indian-trail-at-the-chattahoochee-river/" target="_self">East Palisades Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/roswell-mill-vickery-creek-trail/" target="_self">Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/a-getaway-close-to-home-sope-creek/" target="_self">Sopa Creek Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/sweetwater-creek-hiking-white-trail-loop/" target="_self">Sweetwater Creek White Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/hiking-the-indian-seats-trail-at-sawnee-mountain-preserve-near-atlanta/" target="_self">Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/sweetwater-creek-hiking-the-yellow-trail/" target="_self">Sweetwater Creek Yellow Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/trails-along-whitewater-and-ruins-hiking-sweetwater-creek/" target="_self">Sweetwater Creek State Park</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/sweetwater-creek-hiking-the-red-trail/" target="_self">Sweetwater Creek Red Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/red-top-mountain-homestead-trail/" target="_self">Red Top Mountain Homestead Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/sweetwater-creek-orange-trail/" target="_self">Sweetwater Creek Orange Trail to Atlanta skyline views</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/riverside-hiking-trails-island-ford-at-the-chattahoochee-river/" target="_self">Island Ford Park at the Chattahoochee River</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/arabia-mountain-mile-rock-trail-loop/" target="_self">Arabia Mountain Mile Rock Trail &amp; Forest Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/arabia-mountain-view-trail/" target="_self">Arabia Mountain View Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/arabia-mountain-cascade-trail-wilburn-farm/" target="_self">Arabia Mountain Cascade and Wilburn Farm Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/arabia-mountain-boardwalk-lake-summit-trail/" target="_self">Arabia Mountain Klondike Boardwalk Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/arabia-mountain-top-trail/" target="_self">Arabia Mountain Top Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/atlanta-running-walking-trails/little-mulberry-park/" target="_self">Little Mulberry Park</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/atlanta-hiking-trails/west-palisades-trails-chattahoochee-river-at-akers-drive/" target="_self">West Palisades Trail at Akers Drive</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/jones-bridge-park-trail/" target="_self">Jones Bridge Park Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/lullwater-walking-running-trails-emory-university-atlanta/" target="_self">Lullwater Preserve at Emory University</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/pine-mountain-trail-cartersville/" target="_self">Pine Mountain Trail in Cartersville</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/johnson-ferry-trail/" target="_self">Johnson Ferry Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/panola-mountain-state-park-guided-hikes/" target="_self">Panola Mountain State Park guided twilight hikes</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/sope-creek-trail/" target="_self">Sope Creek Park: hiking the Paper Mill &amp; Creek Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/stone-mountain-georgia-hiking/" target="_self">Stone Mountain: hiking the Walk-Up Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/hiking-henry-mill-falls-cochran-mill-park/" target="_self">Cochran Mill Park to Henry Mill Falls</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/murphey-candler-park-hiking-brookhaven-atlanta/" target="_self">Murphey Candler Park</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/gold-branch-trail-bull-sluice-lake/" target="_self">Gold Branch Trail at Bull Sluice Lake</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/morningside-nature-preserve-atlanta-walking-and-running-trails/" target="_self">Morningside Nature Preserve</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/paces-mill-park-west-palisades-trail/" target="_self">Paces Mill Park and West Palisades Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/cochran-shoals-to-sope-creek-hiking-the-chattahoochee-river/" target="_self">Cochran Shoals to Sope Creek</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/kennesaw-mountain-battlefield-trail/" target="_self">Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/cheatham-hill-kolb-farm-loop-trail/" target="_self">Cheatham Hill Loop Trail at Kennesaw Mountain</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/kennesaw-mountain-environmental-trail/" target="_self">Kennesaw Mountain Environmental Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/kennesaw-mountain-24-gun-trail/" target="_self">Kennesaw Mountain 24 Gun Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/dolls-head-trail-constitution-lakes-park/" target="_self">Constitution Lakes Park: Doll’s Head Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/powers-island-trail-chattahoochee/" target="_self">Powers Island Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/hiking-iron-hill-red-top-mountain-lake-allatoona/" target="_self">Iron Hill Loop Trail at Red Top Mountain</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/yellow-river-trail-hiking/" target="_self">Yellow River Park</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/kennesaw-mountain-hiking-the-2-mile-mountain-trail/" target="_self">Kennesaw Mountain Trail: Big Mountain Hike</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/cascade-springs-nature-preserve/" target="_self">Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Trail</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/hiking-stone-mountain-mountain-and-lakeside-trails-near-atlanta/" target="_self">Stone Mountain Trail: hiking the Walk-Up &amp; Cherokee Trails</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/atlanta-running-walking-trails/panola-mountain-path-trail-alexander-lake/" target="_self">Panola Mountain PATH Trail to Alexander Lake</a>

<a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/pine-log-creek-trail-and-quarry/" target="_self">Pine Log Creek Trail and Quarry</a>

Hiking Trails of Metro Atlanta

[Bronx heritage trees](https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=26) selected by the NYC Parks Dept. to best represent the scale and diversity of New York City's Urban Forest[](https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees#)

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=20" target="_self">American Elm at Wave Hill</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=14" target="_self">American Sycamore</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=22" target="_self">Common Horsechestnuts (3)</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=25" target="_self">European Cutleaf Beech</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=18" target="_self">Japanese Red Pine</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=21" target="_self">Lacebark Pine</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=31" target="_self">Littleleaf Linden</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=15" target="_self">Osage Orange</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=29" target="_self">River Birches</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=28" target="_self">Royal Paulownia</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=17" target="_self">Slippery Elm</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=19" target="_self">Sugar Maple</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=30" target="_self">Sweetgum</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=27" target="_self">Umbrella Pine</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=24" target="_self">Weeping Beech</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=23" target="_self">White Ash</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=16" target="_self">Along the Palisades Avenue hiking trail</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=32" target="_self">Woodlawn Cemetery</a>

<a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/great-trees?id=26" target="_self">White Pine</a>

Tree Spotter's Guide to the Great Trees of the Bronx

Monthly maintenance tasks to help save time and money

<a href="https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/green-living/eco-friendly/how-to-improve-your-indoor-air-quality/" target="_self">Clean the furnace filter</a>

<a href="https://homewater101.com/often-add-salt-water-softener#:~:text=Check%20inside%20the%20tank,the%20tank%20about%20half%20full." target="_self">Check the water softener </a>and replenish salt if necessary

<a href="https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-bathroom-fixtures/" target="_self">Clean faucets and aerators</a>

Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; <a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Unclog-a-Bathtub-Drain" target="_self">unclog</a> if necessary

<a href="https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/home-security/how-to-test-smoke-alarms-in-your-home/" target="_self">Test smoke alarms</a>

<a href="https://brinkshome.com/smartcenter/how-to-test-your-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors" target="_self">Test carbon monoxide detectors</a>

<a href="https://support.firstalert.com/s/article/Testing-Fire-Extinguishers" target="_self">Test fire extinguishers</a>

<a href="https://www.thespruce.com/test-ground-fault-interrupter-outlets-1152422" target="_self">Test all ground-fault circuit interrupters</a>

<a href="https://www.ofd.com/pdf/training/Inspecting%20Electrical%20Equipment.pdf" target="_self">Inspect electrical cords for wear</a>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIM4AzXCdM8" target="_self">Vacuum heat registers and heat vents</a>

<a href="https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/ventilation-buildings-breathe" target="_self">Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked</a>

<a href="https://www.landmarkhw.com/resources/plumbing/how-to-flush-sediment-out-of-a-water-heater/2/279" target="_self">Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment</a>

<a href="https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-kitchen-sinks-drains/" target="_self">Clean the garbage disposal</a>

Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks

Contents for a [portable but thorough](https://theprepared.com/bug-out-bags/guides/first-aid-kit-list/#livesaving) first aid kit suitable for situations in which professional medical care may not be available

Ultra Portable Kit: This will focus on the most basic needs: <a href="https://www.picmonic.com/pathways/nursing/courses/standard/professional-standards-of-nursing-8246/prioritizing-care-32342/airway-breathing-circulation-abcs_8453" target="_self">Airway, Breathing, Circulation</a>

<a href="https://www.epipen.com/en" target="_self">EpiPen</a>: if you or someone in your party has serious allergies, this is the single most important item in a go-bag

Irrigation syringe, 20cc with an 18 gauge tip

White petroleum jelly / Vaseline in small container

Needle &amp; thread stored in isopropyl alcohol (2x needle/thread, 1x small container)

Cravat / triangular bandage, 45” x 45” x 63”

Butterfly bandages, 0.5″ x 2.75″ (16x)

Elastic wrap / ACE bandage, standard 4” x 5 yards

For a complete disaster preparedness kit that is still small enough to fit in a a standard 8”x6”x4” <a href="https://www.madcityoutdoor.com/blogs/news/what-is-molle-gear" target="_self">MOLLE </a>pouch

<a href="https://www.wildmed.com/product/the-field-guide-of-wilderness-rescue-medicine/" target="_self">Wilderness Medical </a>Field Guide

Abdominal pad (sometimes “ab pad”), 5” x 9” (2x)

Nasopharyngeal airway, 28 French (a unit of size used for these devices)

<a href="https://theprepared.com/gear/reviews/portable-water-filters/" target="_self">Survival Water filter</a>

Individual First Aid Kit

[Increase efficiency and longevity of your heater with these basic steps](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21016402/how-to-maintain-a-water-heater)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMDTEjJUImw" target="_self">Test your Temperature Pressure Release Valve</a>

Place a bucket under the pipe connected to your temperature pressure release <a href="https://www.caleffi.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_photo/public/file/309_0.jpg?itok=m02oeCFv" target="_self">(TPR) valve</a>. This is usually found on the top or side of the heater and is the valve that opens if the pressure gets too high.

Lift the valve's tab to release some water, then release the tab.  If the water keeps flowing:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IUNIUZz4Os&t=8s" target="_self">Replace the Anode Rod</a>: The anode rod is made of more reactive metal than the steel-lined tank, and the water corrodes the sacrificial anode rod first.

Put a hose to the tank's <a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nGCejMsKNX4/maxresdefault.jpg" target="_self">drain cock</a> and release a few gallons of water.

Fit a 1 1/16-inch (27mm) socket onto the rod's hex head on top of the heater -- this is found on top of the heater or under its top plate.

Unscrew the hex head and remove the rod. One trick for loosening the bolt is by using leverage. You can use a small metal pipe section to fit over the impact socket to extend its length and gain more leverage. If you have limited room to maneuver, you may have to bend the rod to get it out. If this is the case, make sure you replace it with a <a href="https://static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/40XC58_AS01?hei=1072&wid=1072" target="_self">flexible/collapsible anode rod</a>.

Wrap Teflon plumber's tape around the joint threads of the new rod.

Use the socket wrench to tighten it a bit more, about 1/2 turn, 180 degrees. Do not tighten so hard that the water heater begins to move or twist.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIco8uZJq00" target="_self">Drain the Tank and Wash Out the Sediment</a>

Drain the remaining water in the tank into a bucket.

Stir up the sediment on the tank's bottom by briefly opening the cold-water supply valve

Repeat these steps until the hose water runs clean.

Close the drain cock, refill the tank, and turn its power back on.

<a href="https://removeandreplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/adjust-electric-water-heater-temperature.jpg" target="_self">Adjust the Temperature</a>

Locate the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/FkXhc0uSOIC27WiPZZb_Te5SlD4=/1200x630/2018/07/17/96c37878-73b6-4560-bf7b-c10d2c2973c4/water-heater-2.jpg" target="_self">temperature dial</a> on the side of the tank and unscrew its cover.

Adjust the dial to 120 degrees using a flathead screwdriver. (For every 10 degrees the temperature is lowered, you can expect to save up to 5 percent in energy costs.)

You should turn the water heater off or else turn the thermostat down to its lowest setting if you plan to be away from home for more than three days.

<a href="https://youtu.be/1Ydg55gFrfg" target="_self">Insulate Your Pipes</a>

Buy some self-sticking 3/8-inch-thick foam pipe insulation that matches the pipes' diameter.

Slide the foam over the hot-and cold-water pipes as far as you can reach. Insulating the cold-water pipe prevents condensation in summer.

If the pipe is <a href="https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Rheem-Water-Heater-192-DJF-Minneapoliss.jpg" target="_self">6 inches or less from the flue</a>, cover it with 1-inch-thick <a href="https://hw.menardc.com/main/items/media/KNAUF001/ProductLarge/524180_R25UnfacedRoll_CMYK.jpg" target="_self">unfaced fiberglass pipe i</a>nsulation.

<a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/services/do-it-yourself-energy-savings-projects/savings-project-insulate-your-water" target="_self">Insulate the Heater</a>

Cut an <a href="https://sandium.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Is-it-Worth-to-Install-a-Hot-Water-Heater-Blanket.jpg" target="_self">insulating blanket </a>to fit around pipes, the TPR valve, and the temperature control dial.

Wrap the side of the tank, and seal cuts with foil tape.

Cap an electric heater with an oversize circle of insulation, and tape its edge securely to the side of the tank.

But do not cover the top of and oil or gas heater

Tool List Before You Begin

Self-sticking 3/8 inch foam pipe insulation

1-inch thick unfaced fiberglass pipe insulation

Water Heater Maintenance

A basic weekly safety check of all the [main working parts of a bike](https://external-preview.redd.it/QSrUR0LJunoT8G8lTNQqm5P6K1ruXQ3W54ocN4H46oo.jpg?auto=webp&s=3f2287f1758bba460efb4bc5f9b9b4d854d04e1c)

Check that the wheels are safely attached

For Quick Release Levers:

turn the nut on the other side until it’s tight against the fork or frame

open the lever and give the nut another full turn or so

now test that you are able to tighten the quick-release firmly without forcing it

Bolt-thru axles will usually be threaded through the hub and screwed into the opposing fork leg or chainstay. Before riding, you need to make sure the closure system is secured.

&nbsp;rock the wheel side to side to check for play or sideways movement.

&nbsp;If you hear grinding, or if it sounds rough, it might be time for a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_axwV6sfaAs" target="_self">bearing replacement</a>

while the wheel is spinning, check that the disc or wheel rim is running cleanly through the brake caliper

if the rim is rubbing, you may need to <a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/workshop/how-to-adjust-road-bike-brakes-video/" target="_self">adjust the brakes</a> or <a href="https://techtalk.mpbrakes.com/how-to-series/rear-brake-caliper-adjustment" target="_self">caliper</a>

Squeeze the brake levers

if they feel spongy, they may need to be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKZ6FIH6yzc" target="_self">bled</a>

if they don't feel firm, you may need to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz58MA1Qe3Y" target="_self">adjust your cable tension</a> or to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqw0SaZl-jo" target="_self">replace your disc brake pads</a>

Examine the bead where the tire meets the rim. Make sure the bead looks uniform all the way around. If it doesn’t you may need to reinstall the tire.

Check sidewalls for excessive wear or damage

If you have a tubeless tire, pop open the bead and check that the sealant hasn’t dried out

Check Fork and Suspension

inspect your fork for hairline cracks or any other kind of damage

With front and rear air suspension, it’s also worth <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhnKTZu2AKs&t=91s" target="_self">checking that the sag </a>is set correctly

check for excessive suspension fluid near the bolts

rock the fork forward and back to see if there is any obvious play

If you notice the bike <a href="https://www.endurobearings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/BicyclenoiseV4.pdf" target="_self">knocking,</a> try to isolate where it’s coming from by placing your fingers on the joints

Lift the wheel and slowly turn the bar.&nbsp;

if you hear grinding or if you feel a lot of resistance, it may be time to <a href="https://youtu.be/8X3LbcjsESw" target="_self">replace your headset</a>

Hold the front wheel straight with your knees and push on the bar. You should be able to apply a reasonable amount of force without the stem turning on the steerer tube.

Stand over the bike and rotate the bar forward and back

If you have drop handle bars, push on those too

There should be no movement of the bars or the grips

If you have flat handlebars, check that the brake levers and shifters are securely fixed

Check that frame accessories are firmly attached

Visually inspect the entire frame for cracks around welds

<a href="https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/blogs/worldwide-cyclery-blog/how-to-measure-shock-hardware" target="_self">Check the shock mounting bolts</a>

Give the cranks a backward spin

if the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFgB3hIvpuM" target="_self">drivetrain </a>is running smoothly, the bottom bracket should also be running smoothly

Check the chainrings for <a href="https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/1142890-what-symptoms-chainrings-needing-replacement.html" target="_self">missing or damaged teeth</a>

Rock the cranks toward the frame

Check for check for any grinding, resistance or play.&nbsp;

If you feel any play, it may be time to <a href="https://youtu.be/BPX8Hv3Pjk0" target="_self">replace the bottom bracket</a>

Give them a spin.  The pedal should not spin freely because of friction from the grease

If the pedals are spinning too freely or if the pedal body is moving, you may need to <a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/workshop/how-to-change-bike-pedals/" target="_self">replace the pedals</a>

<a href="https://youtu.be/1cKdWWGGm7w" target="_self">remove</a> the post

<a href="https://youtu.be/Q7acUFC2goQ" target="_self">clean and grease the post</a>

If you have aluminum, titanium, or steel components, apply some grease before reinstalling

If you have a carbon seatpost, you’ll need to apply <a href="https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/1124671-carbon-assembly-paste-what-does-do.html" target="_self">carbon grip paste</a> instead to increase friction

reinstall the post, and c<a href="https://youtu.be/9Dq8WiRfgfQ" target="_self">heck that the saddle is securely mounted in the clamp</a>

Pedal by hand to check that the chain runs cleanly, with no stiff links

Shift the front and rear derailleurs through their range of gears

The chain should shift up or down one set of teeth for every click of the relevant shifter. If the chain doesn’t shift in this way, is hesitant, or drops off the teeth, you may need to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNqVOPVd_sY" target="_self">replace the drivetrain</a>

How to Perform an M-Safety Check on Your Bike

Basic how-to for keeping a [pressure-washer](https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/pressure-washer-maintenance) in good [working order](https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/stories/907-How-to-Take-Care-of-Your-Pressure-Washer.html) from the experts at Lowe's, Home Depot and This Old House.

Check the oil and fuel levels on gasoline-powered models; do not overfill.

Check the water inlet screen, located where you connect the garden hose. Clean dirty screens with water, or replace it if damaged.

If your pressure washer is equipped with an inline screen in the wand extension, make sure it's not clogged. Clean it with water, or replace if damaged.

Inspect the spray gun, wand extension and spray tip. Make sure the connections are secure, including the connection to the high-pressure hose.

Test the spray gun trigger and trigger lock. If they don't function correctly, replace the spray gun.

Examine the high-pressure hose for cuts, leaks, bulges or other damage, check the hose couplings. If the hose is damaged, read the manufacturer's replacement instructions.

Check the detergent siphoning tube and clean it out if it's clogged. If the detergent system has a filter, check it as well.

Flush out the garden hose you'll be connecting to the pressure washer.

Rinse detergent from the pressure washer. Remove the detergent siphoning tube from the detergent supply and set the spray to low pressure. Run water through the system for one or two minutes.

Relieve pressure in the machine. Turn off the pressure washer and the water supply. If you have an electric pressure washer, unplug it from the electrical outlet. Point the spray gun away from any people or animals and run it until the water stops flowing.

Engage the trigger lock and let the pressure washer cool down.

Disconnect the garden hose, spray gun, wand extension and high-pressure hose. Drain water from them.

Remove any remaining water from the pump. If you have gasoline-powered model, pull the recoil handle about six times. If you have an electric model, turn the unit on until the water exits the pump and then turn it off immediately.

Engine Maintenance for Gasoline-Powered Pressure Washers

Replace the engine oil. While the oil is warm, drain it into an oil drain pan. Refill the reservoir with the recommended oil. Do not overfill. Contact your local recycling center for disposal instructions.

Inspect the spark plug. Before removing the plug, clean the area around it to prevent debris from falling into the engine's combustion chamber. Remove the plug and replace it with a new one if you find cracks or if the electrodes look burned or pitted. Before reinstalling the plug or installing a new one, check the electrode gap with a gap tool or feeler gauge and adjust as recommended.

Check the air filter. Clean or replace it with a new one as needed. If you have a reusable foam filter, refer to your manual for cleaning instructions. Replace a dirty paper filter.

Take care of the fuel system. Follow the pressure washer manufacturer's recommendations for fuel and fuel additives. Use gasoline that's fewer than 30 days old. Gas you buy at the pump degrades over time and can lead to corrosion and the formation of varnish in the engine and fuel system. Your manual may recommend using a fuel stabilizer that prevents engine corrosion and keeps gasoline fresh. Ethanol-free, premixed fuel is an alternative to pump gasoline that stays fresh for longer periods.

Reconnect the spark plug wire before the next use.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPBmItUbieE" target="_self">Clear clogs in the spray tip or adjustable nozzle</a>

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