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“When flushing the unit, check for leaks around the ball valves and look to replace worn hoses and belts,” King adds. “Twenty minutes of preventive maintenance during the off season is better than spending a couple of days in spring readying equipment when projects are waiting.”

Erickson agrees. “Grease the tank agitator and replace the filter basket and tank lid gaskets if needed. Overhaul kits are available for most pumps and certainly there is no better time than the offseason to make the necessary repairs.”

Dixon Sealer & Supply repairs more than 20 pumps a year and Dixon advises to contractors rebuild their pumps every year. “Doing so will help ensure they will go through the season without costly downtime.”

Just in case

For contractors who have already put their equipment to bed but failed to winterize it, all is not lost. There’s still time to get it ready, but the process can be labor intensive and costly.

“Typically, a sealer breaks down into a solid and water if it allowed to set around for any length of time,” explains Erickson. “Removing this material is like trying to free up a clogged pipe. It requires removing and cleaning all pipes, pipe fittings, and hoses, and possibly replacing valves. Even then, you may not be able to get rid of all the solid material, which can be problematic in the spring.”

Contact your sealer producer for information about a release agent that would facilitate cleanup.