The sweet smell of freshly cut grass is often a welcome sign of spring and summer. But sometimes, that smell can be overshadowed by the unpleasant odor of gasoline. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck with a lawn mower full of gas that you can’t use, you know the frustration of trying to get rid of it. It can be tricky, messy, and even dangerous if you’re not careful. But don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to safely and effectively drain the gas from your lawn mower. We’ll cover everything from understanding why it’s necessary to the different methods, safety precautions, and what to do with the drained gas.
So, how do you get gas out of a lawn mower? The most common method is to siphon the gas out using a siphon pump or a hose. However, depending on your mower’s design and the type of fuel tank, you might also be able to drain the gas using a valve or by tilting the mower. We’ll explore each of these methods in detail, giving you a clear understanding of the best approach for your specific lawn mower.
Why Do You Need to Drain Gas From a Lawn Mower?
There are several reasons why you might need to drain the gas from your lawn mower:
- Storage: When storing a lawn mower for an extended period, draining the gas prevents it from going bad and clogging the carburetor. This is particularly important if you’re storing the mower during the winter months.
- Maintenance: If you need to perform maintenance on your lawn mower, such as cleaning or replacing the carburetor, draining the gas is essential.
- Fuel Type Change: If you’re switching from regular gasoline to a fuel mixture with oil, or vice versa, draining the old fuel is necessary.
- Environmental Concerns: It’s always best to minimize the amount of gasoline stored and disposed of properly. Draining your lawn mower’s fuel tank ensures you are not contributing to environmental pollution.
Methods for Draining Gas from a Lawn Mower
Here are some common methods for draining gas from a lawn mower:
Using a Siphon Pump
This is one of the most popular methods for draining gasoline from a lawn mower. Siphon pumps are readily available at hardware stores and online.
How to Use a Siphon Pump
- Prepare the Siphon Pump: Connect the siphon pump to a container where you will store the drained gas. Ensure the container is large enough to hold the fuel.
- Position the Siphon Pump: Place the siphon pump in the fuel tank of your lawn mower. Make sure the pump’s intake tube is submerged in the gas.
- Start Siphoning: Prime the siphon pump by sucking on the hose to create suction. This will draw the fuel out of the tank and into the container.
- Monitor the Process: Keep a watchful eye on the siphon pump and the container. Stop the siphon process when the tank is nearly empty.
Safety Precautions
- Wear Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any splashes.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Avoid draining the gas in enclosed spaces, as gasoline fumes are flammable.
- Proper Disposal: Dispose of the drained fuel properly. Never pour gasoline down the drain, and don’t leave it in open containers. Check local regulations for proper disposal methods.
Using a Hose
You can also use a hose to siphon gas out of a lawn mower. This method requires a bit more manual effort.
How to Use a Hose
- Gather Supplies: You will need a hose with a diameter slightly smaller than the fuel tank’s opening. It’s helpful to use a clear hose so you can see the gas flow.
- Create a Vacuum: Place the hose in the fuel tank and create a vacuum by sucking on the other end. This will draw the gas out of the tank.
- Position the Hose: Carefully guide the hose into the container you are using to store the drained fuel.
- Continue Siphoning: Keep sucking on the hose until the fuel tank is empty.
Safety Precautions
- Wear Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any splashes.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Avoid draining the gas in enclosed spaces, as gasoline fumes are flammable.
- Proper Disposal: Dispose of the drained fuel properly. Never pour gasoline down the drain, and don’t leave it in open containers. Check local regulations for proper disposal methods.
Using a Fuel Tank Valve
Some lawn mowers have a fuel tank valve that allows you to drain the gas directly from the tank. This method is usually the easiest and most straightforward.
How to Use a Fuel Tank Valve
- Locate the Valve: Find the fuel tank valve on your lawn mower. It is usually located near the fuel tank opening.
- Open the Valve: Turn the valve counterclockwise to open it. The gas will start flowing out of the valve.
- Position a Container: Place a container underneath the valve to collect the draining fuel.
- Close the Valve: Once the tank is empty, close the valve by turning it clockwise.
Tilting the Mower
If your lawn mower has a simple design with a fuel tank that’s easily accessible, you can try tilting the mower to drain the gas.
How to Tilt the Mower
- Prepare the Mower: Position the lawn mower on a level surface. Ensure the fuel tank is facing downwards.
- Carefully Tilt: Carefully tilt the lawn mower to let the gas drain from the fuel tank opening.
- Position a Container: Have a container ready to catch the draining fuel.
- Monitor the Process: Stop tilting when the fuel tank is empty.
Safety Precautions
- Do Not Overfill: Don’t overfill the container; leave some space for air expansion.
- Avoid Spills: Be cautious not to spill any gasoline while tilting the mower.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Avoid draining the gas in enclosed spaces, as gasoline fumes are flammable.
Tips for Safely Draining Gas from a Lawn Mower
- Read the Owner’s Manual: Before you start draining the gas, carefully read the owner’s manual for your specific lawn mower. It might have specific instructions for draining fuel or warnings related to your model.
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes when working with gasoline.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Avoid draining the gas in enclosed spaces. Gasoline fumes are flammable and can be harmful to your health.
- Don’t Smoke: Never smoke while handling gasoline.
- Keep Gas Away from Heat and Sparks: Gasoline is highly flammable. Keep it away from any heat sources, including open flames, hot surfaces, and electrical sparks.
- Proper Fuel Disposal: Don’t pour gasoline down the drain or on the ground. Check with your local waste disposal center for information on proper fuel disposal methods.
Conclusion
Draining the gas from your lawn mower is a relatively simple process that can save you time, money, and potentially prevent environmental damage. By following these methods and safety precautions, you can ensure that your lawn mower is properly maintained and stored, and you’re not contributing to pollution. Remember to always read your owner’s manual, wear protective gear, work in a well-ventilated area, and dispose of the fuel properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential hazards of getting gas out of a lawn mower?
Gasoline is highly flammable, so it’s crucial to handle it with extreme care. Always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid any sources of ignition, such as open flames, sparks, or hot surfaces. Be mindful of static electricity, which can also ignite gasoline fumes. If you’re working with a gas-powered lawnmower, it’s crucial to disconnect the spark plug before draining the fuel tank. This will prevent accidental ignition while you’re working on the mower.
Why should I drain the gas out of my lawn mower?
Draining the gas out of your lawn mower is important for several reasons. It helps prevent the fuel from going bad over time, which can damage the engine. Additionally, it can be safer to transport a lawn mower with an empty fuel tank, as it reduces the risk of leaks or spills. Finally, draining the fuel tank allows you to perform routine maintenance on your lawnmower, such as cleaning the carburetor or inspecting the fuel lines.
How do I drain the gas out of my lawn mower?
Start by ensuring the mower is cool and the engine is off. Then, locate the fuel tank cap and carefully remove it. Place a suitable container, like a gas can, under the fuel tank’s spout or drain valve. If your mower has a drain valve, simply open it and let the gas flow into the container. If it doesn’t, you can use a siphon pump to remove the fuel.
What should I do with the drained gas?
Gasoline is a hazardous waste, so it’s essential to dispose of it properly. Never pour gasoline down the drain or into the soil. Instead, take it to a local hazardous waste disposal facility or a gas station that accepts used fuel. You can also find a collection program in your area by contacting your local waste management agency.
How often should I drain the gas from my lawn mower?
It’s recommended to drain the fuel from your lawn mower every three months or before storing it for an extended period. This helps prevent fuel deterioration and ensures your mower starts smoothly when you need it.
What should I do if I spill gas while draining the tank?
If you spill gas while draining the tank, immediately move away from the area and avoid any potential ignition sources. Then, use a spill cleanup kit or absorbent material, like kitty litter or sawdust, to soak up the spilled fuel. Once the spill is absorbed, dispose of the absorbent material properly, following your local waste management regulations.
How can I prevent gas from going bad in my lawn mower?
To prevent gas from going bad in your lawn mower, you can use a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers help prevent the breakdown of fuel components and extend the shelf life of gasoline. Add a fuel stabilizer to your lawn mower’s gas tank before storage to help keep the fuel fresh. Also, avoid storing your lawnmower in extreme temperatures, as this can accelerate fuel deterioration.