Can I Leave My Push Lawnmower Outside in the Rain? Your Ultimate Guide

Picture this: You wake up one morning to find your lawn soaked from overnight rain. You may wonder, “Can I leave my push mower Outside in the rain?” I have got you covered with answers and essential tips to keep your lawn mower safe.

Rain and Your Push Mower

The short answer is yes; you can leave your push mower out in the rain, but there are important considerations.

A little rain won’t harm it, but if water seeps into critical components like the spark plug, engine, carburetor, or fuel tank, trouble can brew.

Is it Safe to Leave My Lawn Mower in the Rain?

The answer to this question might be tricky because it depends upon several factors like the rain duration, your mower condition, and many more like this

It’s always better to store your lawn mower under a deck or inside a shed when you’re not using it. This helps protect it from getting wet in the rain.

Mowing wet grass can be challenging and not ideal for your mower, as it may lead to issues.

If you want your mower to stay in good condition, avoid leaving it, especially when it’s raining.

Will My Lawn Mower Work After Being Left Out in the Rain?

In most cases, a little rain won’t harm your lawn mower. You might notice some rust on the deck or a dull blade, leading to difficulties in cutting grass. These issues, though minor, don’t cause permanent damage. Your mower will work fine.

However, the real trouble begins when rainwater infiltrates your mower’s vital parts. If the spark plug, carburetor, fuel tank, or engine comes into contact with water, your mower won’t start. Inspection and necessary repairs or replacements become crucial.

Can a Lawn Mower Outside Get Wet?

Yes, a lawn mower can get wet, but it shouldn’t be exposed to heavy rain or prolonged moisture. Storing it inside is the best practice. Rain can infiltrate sensitive parts, causing your mower to act as if it’s “dead.”

Whether you have a gas-powered or electric mower, water-sensitive components like spark plugs, air filters, carburetors, and fuel tanks can be affected.

Moisture can attack the spark plug, hindering the mower’s engine ignition process. Ensure the spark plug is dry and clean to keep your engine running smoothly.

When water enters the air filter, it can clog, restricting airflow to the engine. This leads to difficulties starting your mower.

Neglecting to cover the gas tank can allow water to enter. Contaminated fuel won’t work, preventing the engine from starting.

Water inside the carburetor disrupts the air and fuel mixture, causing the engine to stall. Cleaning or repairing the carburetor is essential in this case.

Moisture or rain can affect the wiring system in electric lawn mowers. These wires, usually made of copper with insulation, become ineffective when wet, potentially causing a short circuit.

What Should I Do if My Lawnmower Gets Wet? (Step-by-Step Guideline)

If your lawnmower won’t start due to moisture, follow these simple steps to get it back in action.

Step 1: Dry Out The Engine

Quickly dry out the engine to prevent rust formation. Run the mower for at least 5 minutes to generate heat. Alternatively, place it in direct sunlight for 3-4 hours before attempting to start it.

Step 2: Check The Fuel Tank

Inspect the fuel tank for water. Remove the cap and use a flashlight to check the bottom for reflections. If water is present, drain the tank, refill it with fresh fuel, and test the engine.

Step 3: Check the Air Filter

Examine the air filter for moisture. If it’s wet, either dry it thoroughly or replace it with a new one.

Step 4: Check Carburetor

Check the carburetor for rust or moisture, especially if the air filter is wet. Remove it from the engine, clean it, and try starting the engine.

What to Check if Your Electric Lawn Mower Was Left Out in the Rain?

Electric lawnmowers require protection from moisture. If your electric mower gets too wet, follow these steps to prevent potential hazards:

Step 1: Dry Out The Motor

Swiftly dry out the motor using compressed air, a blow dryer, or a fan.

Step 2: Dry Out The Wiring System

If the wiring system is wet, use a digital multimeter to assess the insulation’s resistance. If it’s ineffective, restore the insulation resistance of the wire.

Step 3: Disconnect The Battery

Disconnect the battery and apply an electric contact cleaner to the connection terminals and electrical components to remove moisture.

How to Dry and Clean Your Push Lawnmower after Rain

Got your push lawnmower caught in the rain? No problem! Drying and cleaning it to keep it running well is important. With these easy steps and pointers, you can check and replace parts like the spark plug, air filter, fuel, oil, blades, and deck if the rain has impacted them.

Dry the Mower: Use a clean cloth to wipe off any water. Letting it sit in the sun or a breezy spot helps, too.

Check the Spark Plug: Water can mess with the spark plug. Take it out, look for rust, and replace it if necessary.

Inspect the Air Filter: A wet air filter is bad news. If it’s soaked, get a new one.

Evaluate the Fuel and Oil: Water in your fuel or oil can cause big problems. Drain them out and refill.

Sharpen the Blades: Rain or not, dull blades make for a bad cut. Check and sharpen the blades.

Clean the Deck: Clear out wet grass and debris to prevent rust and keep things cutting smoothly.

Lubricate Moving Parts: A bit of lubricant on moving parts can prevent rust and keep everything working well.

Regular maintenance and care after exposure to rain can greatly extend the life and performance of your push lawnmower. With these simple steps, you’ll keep your mower running efficiently and save time and money on potential repairs.

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Can I leave my push lawnmower outside in the rain?

It is not recommended to leave your lawnmower outside in the rain, as exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion and damage its components.

Is it okay to keep my lawnmower in a shed?

Yes, storing your lawnmower in a shed can help protect it from the elements and keep it in good condition.

Should I store my lawnmower under a deck?

Storing your lawnmower under a deck can be a good idea to keep it protected from rain and direct sunlight.

Can I mow wet grass with my lawnmower?

It’s not advisable to mow wet grass as it can cause clumping and clog the mower’s cutting deck.

How can I protect my lawnmower if I don’t have a garage?

You can use a lawnmower cover or tarp to keep your mower in a safe and dry place when not in use.

Is it a good idea to leave my lawnmower outside overnight?

It’s not recommended to leave a lawnmower outside for extended periods, especially overnight, as it can lead to moisture-related damage and promote corrosion.

Can I leave my lawnmower outdoors during winter?

It’s best to store your lawnmower in a dry and sheltered area during the winter to prevent damage from freezing temperatures and moisture exposure.

What should I do if I want to keep my lawnmower in operative condition?

Adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas and running the engine every couple of weeks can help maintain your lawnmower’s operability during periods of non-use.

How can I prevent corrosion on my lawnmower?

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and drying the mower after use, and keeping it in a dry and sheltered area can help prevent corrosion on the lawnmower’s components.

Can leaving my lawnmower outside affect its engine and cutting deck?

Yes, leaving the lawnmower outdoors can expose its engine and cutting deck to moisture, which can lead to issues like rust and clogging of the pores along the deck.

FINAL THOUGHTs

Ideally, you should avoid leaving your push mower in the rain. While a light drizzle won’t hurt, taking precautions is better. Store your mower indoors to prevent potential damage. If it does get wet, follow the steps mentioned to revive it. Remember, prevention is key to keeping your lawn mower in top condition.