How To Drain Gas From a Lawn Mower (DIY)

Introduction

I love a gas-powered mower for effortlessly cutting a large lawn. But I'm mindful of the meticulous maintenance needed to keep them running smoothly. Being lax with lawn mower winterization can cause engine troubles when it's time to trim your spring turf. Learning when and how to drain gas from a lawn mower helps prevent frustrating starter issues.

I spoke with experts from leading lawn mower manufacturers to get their tips on safely siphoning off fuel from gas grass cutters. Follow these to dive into your spring lawn care calendar without delay.

Why Do You Need to Drain Gas From a Lawn Mower?

Stale gas is a leading cause of lawn mower performance issues and breakdowns. David Bush is the assistant manager of shows, events and sponsorship at Honda Power Sports & Products Division. He explains most mower gasoline contains ethanol, a moisture-attracting alcohol. "Tiny amounts of water are generally ok, but larger quantities will likely cause corrosion (rust) and could clog the fuel system or carburetor," he says. According to Bush, this can lead to the lawn mower not starting or running roughly, and you could end up with a costly repair bill.

Although timings vary depending on fuel blends, quantities in the tank and temperatures, gas can go bad within a month of leaving the mower idle. When you're putting your lawn mower into storage during the cold season, draining the gas is a key part of the winterization process. Vince Jagodzinski, the corporate grounds manager at Stanley Black & Decker, explains you might also need to drain gas from a lawn mower when transporting it in a vehicle to prevent damaging, flammable spills.

Can Draining Gas From a Lawn Mower Be Dangerous?

"Anytime you're handling gasoline, a risk is present," Bush says. It's highly flammable, and the vapors are toxic.

Safety Precautions

To minimize the risk, take the following precautions when draining gas from a lawn mower:

"Always perform the task in a well-ventilated area," Bush says.
Turn off the mower, cool the engine and disconnect the spark plug.
"Wear proper gloves, eye protection, long-sleeved clothing and pants" Bush says. This protects against skin-irritating splashes.
Wipe up spills immediately. They can harm health and damage surfaces.

Jagodzinski also recommends referring to the manufacturer's instructions to check for any model-specific safety guidance.

When to Call a Pro

Jagodzinski suggests hiring a professional to drain the gas from your lawn mower when:

You can't properly follow the recommendations in the manufacturer's instructions.
You don't have space to move around safely while performing the task.
You can't dispose of spent fuel safely.
You have other professional mower maintenance or repair jobs that need to be completed, so they can combine the tasks.
Your mower is under warranty and accidental damage could void it.