Lawnmowers are great for trimming tall grass, thus keeping a yard clean and tidy. Although designed for outdoor, experts discourage using a lawn mower in wet conditions. So, can a lawn mower get wet?
The answer is yes. A lawn mower can get wet as long as it doesn’t get rained on or soaked. Excess water can get into a lawn mower, get mixed with fuel, short out electrical connections, and corrode the metallic parts.
Both electric and gas lawnmowers are sensitive to water or excess moisture. You should store them in a dry, cool place away from the elements. Rain, dew, and extremely cold conditions can damage a lawn mower.
Can a lawn mower get wet?
A lawn mower can get wet but should not be flooded or soaked with water. Lawnmowers have water-sensitive parts, including spark plugs, air filters, carburetors, fuel chambers, batteries, and all the electric components.
Spark plug help ignite an air-fuel mixture for an explosion that produces engine power. The device can corrode when exposed to water, and you will have a problem starting your lawn mower.
If this happens, you’ll need to remove and clean the spark plug with an abrasive material like steel wood and a recommended spark plug cleaner.
An air filter is also an important part of a lawn mower. It helps clean the air before it enters the carburetor and combustion chamber of the engine. When soaked, the air filter will easily get clogged, impairing its ability to allow sufficient air into the engine.
The carburetor is where air and fuel are mixed before being directed into the engine for combustion. If infiltrated with water, there is a high chance that water will also get into the mower engine. This can cause compression issues.
The fuel tank is where gasoline is stored before it enters the carburetor and engine. A small crack on the tank or unsecured gas cap can allow water or moisture to enter and mix with the fuel.
The presence of water in a gas lawn mower tank will reduce the energy available for starting or running a lawn mower.
In an electric lawn mower, almost every component is sensitive to water. When left outside or in the rain, there is a risk of short-circuiting or electrocution. For this reason, you must ensure that every part is completely protected from water.
Does mowing in the rain get a lawn mower wet?
Mowing in the rain is not a healthy practice for your lawn mower, yourself, and even the lawn itself. There is a danger of your mower getting soaked and clogged with grass clippings and clumping, which can smother and kill the grass.
In exceptional cases, cutting wet grass should be done using a lawn mower designed for the purpose. To make it effective, you will have to reduce the width of the swatch you are mowing and raise the mower height to reduce the volume of grass being cut.
After cutting wet grass, it is automatic that your lawnmower will be covered all over with debris and grass clippings. Neither will your clothing be spared from the mess. You will have to thoroughly clean afterward to ensure that your equipment is stored while clean.
If you have an electric lawn mower, never attempt to mow in the rain or when the grass is extremely wet. You risk electrocution or irreversible damage to the equipment. Always mow before or after the rain, ideally when the ground is not soggy. You can find heavy duty, water proof, lawn mower covers online to protect your lawn mower.
Water in Gas Lawn Mower – Signs and What to do
Water can be mixed with its sensitive parts if you accidentally leave your lawn mower outside in the rain or outdoors overnight. Lawn mower sputtering, not starting, and stalling are signs of water in the lawn mower.
Here is what you should do:
- Let the gas lawn mower air dry fully for about 24 hours. The next day, turn on the engine; its heat will help dry out the rest of the parts.
- Inspect if water has penetrated the fuel tank. If yes, drain the gas from the lawn mower, properly dispose of it, and add new fuel.
- Also, check the presence of water in the oil tank. If the oil appears contaminated, drain it for disposal and add new oil.
- Dissemble and clean the mower carburetor, and let it dry completely before fixing it back on the lawn mower.
- Remove and clean the lawn mower air filter soaked in water. Let it dry, then spray it with little oil before installing it.
Electric Lawn Mower Left in Rain – What to do
An electric lawn mower operates using charged lithium-ion batteries or an extension cord’s direct connection to a power outlet. Although most of its components are housed in a water-resistant casing made of plastic or metal, they are not fully impervious to water.
When left in the rain or outdoors overnight, the air vents and any small gaps in the casing will allow water or moisture to infiltrate, thus affecting water-sensitive components such as the electric motor, battery, fuses, and other electric connections.
Moisture, water puddles, or flooding in the internal parts of the electric lawn mower will result in short-circuiting. The excess current directed to the wrong place will cause parts to overheat and melt immediately after the machine is powered.
Water can also cause corrosion, interrupting the power supply in some areas. You also risk electrocution operating a wet electric lawn mower.
If your electric lawn mower gets rained on or flooded, here is what to do:
- Do not attempt to start the electric lawn mower while still wet
- Disconnect it from power (battery) and let it air dry for at least 24 hours
- The next day, locate the motor and use a blow dryer to remove the remaining moisture.
- Using an electric contact cleaner, check and clean any corrosion on electric connectors, including battery terminals.
- Use a multimeter to test if every component works well, connect the battery and start the machine.
Final Thought
Water can immensely damage a lawn mower. Always store it in a shed or garage after using it. If you accidentally left your lawn mower in the rain, simply allow it to dry completely, replace the fuel and try to run it. If that doesn’t help, then seek the help of a professional dealer or technician.