You’re in the middle of a manicured lawn, the sun is shining, and your trusty lawnmower is humming along. Suddenly, a rogue thunderstorm rolls in, drenching your yard and your machine. Panic sets in – what now? Is your lawnmower toast? This article will delve into the potential consequences of water exposure on your lawnmower, offering insights into what happens, how to mitigate damage, and how to prevent future mishaps. We’ll cover the potential for rust, electrical issues, and engine damage, giving you the knowledge to assess the situation and make informed decisions about your lawnmower’s future.
The Short Answer
Getting your lawnmower wet isn’t always a death sentence, but it can certainly lead to problems. The severity of the damage depends on the extent of the water exposure, the type of lawnmower, and how quickly you address the issue. While minor wetness might not cause immediate harm, prolonged exposure or water intrusion into critical components can lead to rust, electrical malfunctions, and engine troubles.
What Happens When Your Lawn Mower Gets Wet?
The impact of water on your lawnmower depends on where the water enters and how long it remains there. Here’s a breakdown of the potential issues:
Rust and Corrosion
Rust is the biggest enemy of metal components, and a wet lawnmower is a prime breeding ground for it.
Where Rust Forms
- Metal Housing: The outer shell of your lawnmower, especially if it’s made of steel, is vulnerable to rust.
- Internal Components: Water that seeps into the engine, transmission, or other internal parts can lead to rust on gears, bearings, and other vital components.
- Blade: The lawnmower blade is particularly susceptible to rust, potentially leading to dulling and even breakage over time.
How to Prevent and Treat Rust
- Dry Thoroughly: After getting wet, immediately dry your lawnmower as much as possible. Remove any water accumulation from the engine, blade, and other areas.
- Rust Preventative: Apply a rust preventative spray to metal components, especially those prone to moisture exposure.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your lawnmower clean and dry, and consider using a lubricant for moving parts to help prevent rust formation.
Electrical Issues
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and water exposure can wreak havoc on the electrical system of your lawnmower.
Potential Problems
- Short Circuits: Water can bridge electrical connections, causing short circuits that can damage wiring and even start fires.
- Component Failure: Water can corrode electrical components like spark plugs, ignition coils, and wiring harnesses, leading to malfunctions and ultimately, engine failure.
How to Address Electrical Problems
- Immediate Drying: After water exposure, disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starting and allow the engine to dry completely.
- Professional Inspection: If you suspect any electrical damage, seek a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection and repair.
Engine Problems
Engine problems are the most serious consequence of a wet lawnmower, potentially requiring costly repairs or even replacement.
How Water Affects the Engine
- Hydrolock: Water entering the cylinders of your lawnmower’s engine can create a hydraulic lock, preventing the pistons from moving and causing severe engine damage.
- Corrosion: Water can corrode internal engine components like cylinders, pistons, and bearings, leading to reduced performance and eventually, engine failure.
- Fuel Contamination: Water can enter the fuel system, contaminating the gasoline and hindering combustion.
Preventing and Addressing Engine Problems
- Avoid Water Ingress: Be cautious when mowing in wet conditions, and consider using a waterproof cover for your lawnmower.
- Dry Thoroughly: If water does enter the engine, remove as much as possible and allow the engine to dry completely before restarting.
- Professional Inspection: If you experience engine problems after water exposure, seek a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Tips for Keeping Your Lawn Mower Dry
Preventing water damage is the best approach to keeping your lawnmower in top shape. Here are some preventative measures:
- Store Indoors: Store your lawnmower indoors, in a dry and sheltered area, to protect it from the elements.
- Use a Cover: Invest in a waterproof cover to shield your lawnmower from rain and dew.
- Avoid Mowing in Wet Conditions: Whenever possible, postpone mowing until the ground and your lawnmower are dry.
What to Do if Your Lawn Mower Gets Wet
If you’ve caught your lawnmower in a downpour, the key is to act quickly and take the necessary steps to mitigate potential damage:
- Safety First: Disconnect the spark plug and allow the engine to cool completely before handling.
- Dry Thoroughly: Remove excess water from the engine, blade, and other components using a dry cloth or towel.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for any visible signs of rust, electrical issues, or engine problems.
- Professional Help: If you notice any damage, seek professional assistance for repair.
Conclusion
While a soaking may not always spell the end for your lawnmower, it can lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. By understanding the potential risks and following the tips outlined in this article, you can protect your lawnmower from water damage and ensure it stays ready for your next mowing session.
FAQ
1. What happens when a lawn mower gets wet?
When a lawn mower gets wet, the water can cause a number of problems. It can rust the metal parts, damage the electrical components, and clog the engine. This can lead to a variety of issues, including difficulty starting, poor performance, and even complete failure. The extent of the damage depends on the type of lawn mower, the severity of the exposure to water, and how quickly the mower is dried.
In general, it’s important to avoid exposing your lawn mower to water as much as possible. If you do get your lawn mower wet, take steps to dry it out as soon as possible. This will help to minimize the risk of damage.
2. How do I know if my lawn mower has been damaged by water?
There are a few signs that your lawn mower may have been damaged by water. These include:
- Difficulty starting: If the engine is having trouble starting, it could be a sign that water has gotten into the spark plugs or other electrical components.
- Poor performance: If the lawn mower is running poorly, it could be a sign that water has damaged the carburetor or other engine parts.
- Rust: If you see rust on the metal parts of your lawn mower, it’s a sign that water has been sitting on them.
- Smells like water: A wet-dog smell can indicate water has infiltrated the engine or electrical components.
3. Can I dry out my lawn mower after it gets wet?
Yes, you can dry out your lawn mower after it gets wet. However, it’s important to do it properly. Don’t just leave it in the sun or try to start it right away. The best way to dry out your lawn mower is to remove the spark plug wire, drain the fuel tank, and let it air dry completely in a warm, dry place.
The key is to remove any standing water and allow the parts to air dry thoroughly. If you don’t properly dry it out, it could lead to further damage.
4. What parts of my lawn mower are most vulnerable to water damage?
The most vulnerable parts of your lawn mower to water damage are the electrical components, the carburetor, and the engine. Water can cause these parts to short-circuit, rust, or become clogged.
It’s especially important to protect these parts from water exposure. If you do get your lawn mower wet, make sure to dry these parts as quickly as possible.
5. How do I prevent my lawn mower from getting wet?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your lawn mower from getting wet:
- Store it indoors: If you can, store your lawn mower indoors. This will protect it from rain and other precipitation.
- Use a cover: If you can’t store your lawn mower indoors, use a cover to protect it from the elements.
- Avoid mowing in wet grass: If you must mow in wet grass, try to do it on a day with low humidity and avoid getting the mower itself wet.
6. Can I use my lawn mower after it gets wet?
It’s not recommended to use your lawn mower immediately after it gets wet. It’s best to let it dry completely first. Trying to start it while it’s still wet could damage the engine or electrical components.
If your lawn mower has gotten wet, it’s best to wait a few hours or even overnight before attempting to start it. If it still doesn’t start, you may need to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.
7. What should I do if my lawn mower is completely soaked?
If your lawn mower is completely soaked, you should immediately disconnect the spark plug wire, drain the fuel tank, and remove any standing water. Then, let the lawn mower air dry completely in a warm, dry place.
It’s best to wait at least a few days before attempting to start the mower again. If it still doesn’t start, you may need to take it to a mechanic for a more thorough inspection.