How to Drain Gas From a Lawn Mower: Simple Steps!

Got a lawn mower sitting idle for the season? Or maybe you’re preparing it for a move or a long storage period? Whatever your reason, knowing how to properly drain the gas from your lawn mower is a crucial maintenance step. It’s not just about preventing stale fuel; it can save your engine from costly damage down the line.

Old gasoline can turn into a gummy, varnish-like substance that clogs fuel lines, carburetors, and filters. This can lead to hard starting, rough running, or even a mower that refuses to start at all. Fortunately, draining your mower’s fuel tank is a straightforward process that most homeowners can handle with a few basic tools and a little patience. We’ll walk you through the easiest and safest ways to get that fuel out.

Why Drain Your Lawn Mower’s Gas?

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s quickly touch upon the ‘why.’ You might be wondering if it’s really necessary to go through the trouble of draining the gas. The short answer is: yes, especially if your mower will be stored for more than a month or two. Here are the primary reasons:

• Preventing Fuel Degradation: Gasoline is a volatile substance that degrades over time. As it sits, it can lose its octane rating and develop harmful contaminants. This stale fuel is less efficient and can cause performance issues.
• Avoiding Carburetor Clogging: This is perhaps the most significant reason. As gasoline degrades, it can form a gummy residue. This residue can easily clog the tiny jets and passages within your lawn mower’s carburetor, leading to a host of problems like rough idling, stalling, or complete failure to start.
• Preventing Tank Corrosion: Water can condense inside a fuel tank, especially if it’s not completely full. This moisture can lead to rust and corrosion within the metal fuel tank, which can then contaminate the fuel system. Draining the tank removes this potential source of rust.
• Safe Storage and Transport: If you’re storing your mower in a confined space like a shed or garage, or if you’re transporting it, having a full or partially full fuel tank can be a safety hazard. Draining it reduces the risk of fuel spills or leaks.

Methods for Draining Lawn Mower Gas

There are a few common and effective ways to drain the gasoline from your lawn mower. The best method for you will depend on your mower’s design and the tools you have available. We’ll cover the most popular approaches:

Method 1: The Siphon Method (most Common & Easiest)

This is by far the most popular and generally easiest method. It involves using a siphon pump to draw the fuel out of the tank and into a separate container. This method is ideal for most walk-behind mowers and some riding mowers. (See Also: How to Stop Birds Digging Up Lawn: Stop Birds Digging Up...)

What You’ll Need:

• Siphon Pump: These are readily available at auto parts stores, hardware stores, or online. Look for one specifically designed for fuel or gasoline. Some have a hand-operated bulb, while others use a simple gravity-fed mechanism.
• Approved Fuel Container: A clean, approved gasoline storage container (red or yellow is standard) with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure it’s large enough to hold all the fuel from your mower’s tank.
• Gloves: To protect your hands from gasoline.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes.
• Rags or Paper Towels: For any inevitable drips.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Move your lawn mower to a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors and away from any open flames, sparks, or sources of ignition. Ensure the engine is cool. Never attempt to drain fuel from a hot engine, as this is a major fire risk.
2. Position the Fuel Container: Place your approved fuel container on the ground next to the mower. Make sure it’s stable.
3. Insert the Siphon Hose: Locate the fuel tank on your lawn mower. Most walk-behind mowers have the tank mounted on top of the engine. Carefully insert one end of the siphon hose into the fuel tank, ensuring it reaches as close to the bottom as possible to draw out all the fuel.
4. Position the Other End of the Hose: Place the other end of the siphon hose into the fuel container. Make sure this end is lower than the fuel level in the mower’s tank to allow gravity to assist the siphoning process.
5. Start the Siphon:
   • For Bulb Siphons: Squeeze the rubber bulb repeatedly until fuel begins to flow through the hose. Once a steady stream is established, you can often stop squeezing, and the siphon action will continue.
   • For Gravity Siphons: Some simple siphon hoses have a mechanism to “prime” them. You might need to submerge the entire hose in fuel temporarily or use a different priming method as per the siphon’s instructions.
6. Monitor the Flow: Keep an eye on the fuel flowing into the container. Watch for any leaks or spills.
7. Stop the Siphon: Once the fuel tank is empty or the flow slows to a trickle, remove the siphon hose from the fuel tank. Be prepared for a small amount of fuel to drip out as you remove it.
8. Clean Up: Carefully remove the siphon hose from the fuel container. Tightly cap both the fuel container and any cap for the mower’s fuel tank. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately with rags.
9. Dispose of Old Fuel Properly: Never pour old gasoline down the drain or onto the ground. Contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility or check with your local municipality for proper disposal procedures. Many auto parts stores also accept used motor oil and sometimes gasoline.

Method 2: Draining via the Carburetor Bowl Screw

Some lawn mowers, particularly older models or those with accessible carburetors, allow you to drain fuel directly from the carburetor’s fuel bowl. This method is a bit more hands-on but can be very effective if the siphon method is difficult.

What You’ll Need:

• Wrench or Socket Set: To loosen and tighten the carburetor bowl screw (usually a 10mm or 13mm, but check your mower’s manual).
• Approved Fuel Container: As described in Method 1.
• Rags: Plenty of them!
• Gloves and Safety Glasses: Essential for safety.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: As with the siphon method, ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources, and the engine is cool.
2. Locate the Carburetor: The carburetor is typically a metal component attached to the engine, usually near where the fuel line connects.
3. Identify the Fuel Bowl: The fuel bowl is a small cup-like reservoir at the bottom of the carburetor. It’s often held in place by a single screw or nut.
4. Position the Fuel Container: Place your approved fuel container directly underneath the fuel bowl.
5. Loosen the Bowl Screw: Carefully use your wrench or socket to loosen the screw at the bottom of the fuel bowl. Do NOT remove it completely at first. As you loosen it, fuel should begin to drip out into your container.
6. Drain the Fuel: Continue to loosen the screw until fuel flows freely. You may need to hold the container at a slight angle to catch all the drips. If the fuel doesn’t flow, you might need to slightly loosen the screw further, but be careful not to let it fall into the container.
7. Re-tighten the Bowl Screw: Once the fuel bowl is empty, carefully re-tighten the screw. Do not overtighten, as this can strip the threads.
8. Clean Up: Wipe up any spilled fuel and properly dispose of the old gasoline.

Method 3: Using a “fuel Drain Plug” or “drain Valve”

Some larger riding mowers or more advanced equipment might have a dedicated fuel drain plug or valve on the fuel tank or at the lowest point of the fuel line. This is the most convenient method if your mower is equipped with one.

What You’ll Need:

• Appropriate Wrench or Tool: To operate the drain plug or valve.
• Approved Fuel Container: As described previously.
• Rags: For cleanup.
• Gloves and Safety Glasses: For protection.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure a safe, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, with a cool engine.
2. Locate the Drain Plug/Valve: Consult your mower’s owner’s manual to find the exact location of the fuel drain plug or valve. It’s usually at the very bottom of the fuel tank or along the fuel line.
3. Position the Fuel Container: Place your approved fuel container directly beneath the drain plug or valve.
4. Open the Drain: Use the appropriate wrench or tool to carefully open the drain plug or valve. Fuel should begin to flow out into your container.
5. Drain Completely: Allow all the fuel to drain from the tank.
6. Close the Drain: Once empty, securely close the drain plug or valve.
7. Clean Up: Wipe up any spills and dispose of the old fuel responsibly.

Tips for a Smooth and Safe Drainage

Regardless of the method you choose, keeping these tips in mind will make the process safer and more efficient:

• Always Work in a Ventilated Area: Gasoline fumes are flammable and harmful if inhaled.
• Ensure the Engine is Cool: Never work on a hot engine. Wait at least 30 minutes after running the mower.
• Use Approved Containers: Only use containers specifically designed and approved for gasoline storage.
• Wear Protective Gear: Gloves and safety glasses are a must.
• Have Plenty of Rags Handy: Spills are almost inevitable, so be prepared to clean them up quickly.
• Dispose of Old Fuel Responsibly: This cannot be stressed enough. Improper disposal is harmful to the environment and illegal in many places.
• Check Your Owner’s Manual: Your mower’s manual is the best resource for specific instructions related to its fuel system.
• Consider Fuel Stabilizer for Storage: If you’re draining the gas for storage, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to your fresh fuel when you refill it later. This will help keep the fuel fresh for longer.

What to Do with the Drained Gas

This is a critical step that many overlook. You can’t just pour old gasoline down the drain or into the environment. Here’s what you should do: (See Also: Master Your Lawn: How and When to Aerate Your Lawn for...)

• Local Hazardous Waste Facility: This is the most recommended and environmentally sound option. Most communities have designated drop-off points or collection events for household hazardous waste, including old gasoline.
• Auto Parts Stores: Some auto parts retailers accept used motor oil and sometimes old gasoline. It’s best to call ahead and confirm their policy.
• Recycling Centers: Check with your local recycling center to see if they offer fuel disposal services.
• Mixing with Fresh Fuel (Use with Caution): If you have a small amount of relatively fresh gasoline, you might be able to mix it with a larger quantity of fresh gasoline for use in your mower or other small engines. However, if the fuel is old, smells stale, or has visible sediment, this is not recommended. The ratio for mixing is typically no more than 1 part old fuel to 4 parts new fuel.

Never pour gasoline into storm drains, sewers, or directly onto the ground. This contaminates waterways and soil and can pose significant environmental and health risks.

When to Drain Your Lawn Mower’s Gas

You don’t need to drain your mower’s gas every time you finish mowing. However, there are specific times when it becomes essential:

• End of Season Storage: This is the most common reason. If you’re putting your mower away for the winter, draining the fuel is highly recommended to prevent stale fuel issues in the spring.
• Long-Term Storage (Over 30 Days): Even if it’s not winter, if you know your mower will be sitting unused for an extended period, draining the fuel is a good preventative measure.
• Before Transporting: If you’re moving your mower to a new location, especially if it’s being transported in a vehicle, draining the fuel tank reduces the risk of spills and fire hazards.
• If You Suspect Fuel Problems: If your mower is running poorly, sputtering, or won’t start, and you suspect old or contaminated fuel might be the culprit, draining it is a logical first step in troubleshooting.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

To ensure you have a successful and safe experience, be aware of these common mistakes:

• Draining a Hot Engine: This is a major fire hazard. Always ensure the engine is completely cool.
• Using Unapproved Containers: Standard plastic bottles are not designed for gasoline and can degrade or leak.
• Working Near Ignition Sources: Keep away from open flames, sparks, pilot lights, and smoking areas.
• Ignoring Proper Disposal: Environmental responsibility is key.
• Overfilling the Fuel Container: Leave some headspace in your container to prevent spills during transport.
• Forgetting to Re-tighten Parts: If you removed a bowl screw or drain plug, ensure it’s properly secured before attempting to start the mower again.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently tackle the task of draining gas from your lawn mower, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. (See Also: How to Replace Brake Cable on Toro Lawn Mower: Easy Guide)

Conclusion

Draining gas from your lawn mower is a vital maintenance task that protects your engine from damage caused by stale fuel and ensures safe storage. Whether you opt for the simple siphon method, draining via the carburetor, or utilizing a dedicated drain valve, taking these steps will prevent costly repairs and ensure your mower is ready to go when you need it. Remember to always prioritize safety by working in a well-ventilated area, using approved containers, and disposing of old fuel responsibly.

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