Regarding lawn mowers, wet conditions can wreak havoc on their performance and longevity. From riding mowers to push mowers, sensitive parts and areas of the mower can be permanently damaged if exposed to excess water. While some mowers may be water-resistant to a certain extent, having a wet lawn mower is generally not recommended, as it can lead to various issues.
If you’ve left your gas lawn mower in the rain or mowed wet grass, it’s essential to take steps to dry out your wet lawn mower as soon as possible. Start by wiping down the riding mower with a dry cloth and removing any excess grass clippings or debris. Check the oil level and filter for any signs of water contamination, like a milky appearance. If you find water in the oil, drain it and replace it with fresh oil.
Next, check the spark plug and clean it with a wire brush if necessary. If the spark plug is damaged or corroded, replace it with a new one. Check the gas tank for any water or debris and drain it if necessary. Refill the gas tank with fresh gas and add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent any remaining moisture from causing issues with the fuel system.
In our guide, you can learn more about, can a lawn mower get rained on and will it still work. By the end, you’ll better understand what happens if you left lawn mower in rain and how to get it running again. (Learn How Much Does A Chainsaw Weigh)
How Lawn Mowers Work
If you’re using a riding mower or a conventional mower, it’s crucial to understand how they work.
Lawnmowers come in two main types: electric and gas-powered.
- Gas-powered lawn mowers work by using a combustion engine to create power. This gas engine requires fuel, air, and a spark to ignite the fuel and generate the energy that powers the blades.
- On the other hand, electric lawnmowers use a motor powered by electricity. This motor spins the blades and cuts the grass.
Regardless of your lawn mower type, there are sensitive parts and areas you need to be aware of. The spark plug is one of the most sensitive on your lawn mower; rain can quickly stop these from working. To help lawn mower to get going, plugs ignite the fuel and start the engine. If you allow your mower to get wet, the engine may not start or run poorly. It can be best to fit a new spark plug instead of trying to fix the one you have.
When a lawn mower gets wet, it can wreak havoc on sensitive parts and areas. Water can enter the fuel tank, system, oil tank, and electrical components. This can cause the engine to run poorly or not start at all. If you get your lawn mower wet, you can do a few things to help minimize the damage.
First, remove the spark plug and use a wire brush to remove excess water or moisture. Then, turn the lawn mower on its side and let it air dry for a little while. You can also use a clean container to drain moisture from your riding mower’s fuel tank, oil tank, or fuel system.
What Happens When Lawn Mowers Get Wet?
It’s not uncommon for lawn mowers to get wet, whether from rain, morning dew, or wet grass. However, it’s important to note that getting wet can cause issues with your riding mower parts.
In the worst-case scenario, your lawn mower can become permanently damaged. When your lawn mower gets wet, the excess water can trap moisture in sensitive areas, like air filters, and as the engine starts, it can suck this moisture into the engine and electrical areas.
When dealing with a lawn mower, avoid mowing wet grass and clean the mower deck and blades after use to prevent grass clippings from trapping moisture. Also, use a wire brush to remove rust or corrosion on metal parts, like the wheel bearings. If you have a push mower, you can quickly clean and dry it yourself. Wipe down the push handle and let the whole mower sit and air dry before storing it.
Can You Use a Lawn Mower in the Rain?
Using a lawn mower in the rain is never a good idea. Wet conditions can wreak havoc on your mower, and the worst-case scenario is your mower could be permanently damaged. When your lawn mower gets wet, it can trap moisture in sensitive parts, like spark plugs and electrical components. This can make it challenging for the engine to start, and you may need to use starter fluid to get it going. (Read Cover Grass Seed With Grass Clippings)
How to Protect Your Lawn Mower from Getting Wet
Wet conditions can wreak havoc on your lawn mower, causing damage to sensitive parts and areas. However, there are steps you can take to protect your mower from getting wet, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Here are some tips to help you keep your lawn mower dry:
1. Store your lawn mower in a dry area
When not in use, store your lawn mower in a dry, enclosed area like a garage or shed. This will protect it from heavy rain and other wet conditions to cause damage to sensitive components.
2. Avoid mowing wet grass
Mowing wet grass can cause grass clippings to clump together and stick to the underside of your mower deck, trapping moisture and causing rust. Additionally, wet grass can cause your mower blades to become dull more quickly, leading to poor performance and damage to your mower engine.
3. Keep your fuel system clean and dry
Water can contaminate your fuel system, causing your engine to run poorly or not start. To prevent this, use a fuel stabilizer to help remove excess water from your gas tank.
Also, avoid leaving old gas in your mower for extended periods, which can cause issues with your fuel system. Always get new gas or use fresh gas when possible.
4. Check and change your oil regularly
Water can also get into your oil tanks and mix with your oil, causing a milky appearance and reducing lubrication. Check your oil level regularly and change your oil as needed. If you suspect your oil has been contaminated with water, drain it and replace it with new oil.
5. Replace your spark plug
If your lawn mower has been left in the rain or exposed to wet conditions for a prolonged period, your spark plug may have small bubbles or a milky appearance. It is best to dry the engine and change the spark plug.
What If Your Lawn Mower Doesn’t Start After Getting Wet?
If you left your lawn mower in the rain or mowed wet grass, it may not start. This can be frustrating, but there are some steps you can take to get your lawn mower running again. (Read St Augustine And Bermuda Grass Mix)
The Air Filter
Another area to be affected by moisture is the air filter. If the air filter is wet, it can prevent air from entering the combustion chamber, making it challenging for the engine to start. Remove the air filter and let it air dry for a little while. It may need to be replaced if it appears damaged or excessively wet.
The Fuel Tank and Carburetor
Water in the fuel tank or carburetor can also prevent your lawn mower from starting. Drain the fuel tank and carburetor to remove any remaining moisture. If these steps don’t work, other issues with your lawn mower may require a trip to the repair shop.
However, these steps can help ensure your lawn mower is in optimal condition for mowing wet grass or being left in the rain. Check the air filter and clean or replace it if necessary. Drain the oil and replace it with fresh oil.
You may also need to clean the fuel tank and system to remove excess water, contaminated oil, or fuel. Your oil might have the same issue if you have water in your gas.
Can Electric Lawn Mowers Get Wet?
If you own an electric lawn mower, you may wonder if it can get wet. The answer is yes, but you must take precautions to prevent damage to the electrical components. While electric mowers are designed to be water-resistant, they are not completely waterproof.
If you allow your mower to get wet, let it dry out an electric lawn mower is to let it sit in a dry, warm place for a few days. You can also use a fan or hair dryer to speed up the mower parts drying. Ensure to dry all the sensitive areas of the mower are, including the starter, spark plugs, and electrical cords. If your electric lawn mower has been sitting in wet conditions for a while, you may need additional maintenance to ensure peak performance. (Read Grass Seed Not Growing After 3 Weeks – What To Do)
Overall, avoiding mowing wet grass with an electric lawn mower is best. Wet grass can clog the mower deck and blades, making it challenging to get an even cut.
It can also cause the mower to bog down and not work properly. If you must mow wet grass, adjust the mower height to prevent the dry grass clippings from clogging the deck. After mowing, clean the mower thoroughly and let it dry completely before storing it.
