Guys I just left my pressure washer running with my ball valve closed for about 10 minutes on bypass because I was warming up the oil for an oil change, and when I came back to release the water for a few seconds and shut down the machine I didn’t notice anything wrong, but then I go to get started on the oil change and notice that my buffer tank is completely collapsed in itself. There’s a bunch of pressure on the inside of the tank and it’s hissing out of the vent lid. I’m scared to take the lid off because I don’t want to get smacked in the face by it popping off or damage anything else on the tank. How did I cause this to happen? And how can I release the pressure as well as prevent this going forward? I currently have the tank draining, so once the water gets out the air pressure should release out of the drainage outlet and then I’ll take the lid off and check things out, but I can’t be sure. What’s your guys advice on this? Thanks in advance!
Just open the lid, it’s not gonna smack you… it will most likely either stay bent out of shape or slowly return to its form. Post some pictures of the vent/breather tube… did anything get stuck in it which created the vacuum effect?
Just turn the lid slowly just like you would for releasing pressure from a pump up.
It’s under vacuum, not pressure. Just open the lid. You’re vent isn’t big enough or open enough.
I’m sorry but this is a little funny😑
Super simple to prevent this, drill a little hole in the top somewhere.
I think it does have a vent, first pic on the top right side there is a grey barb with nothing attached… judging my all the leaves on top of the tote I’m thinking something is blocking it.
Haha you can laugh if you’d like. I’m here to learn, not look smart
Funny enough that’s not a vent, but it definitely looks like it. I just installed that barb with a Hudson float valve underneath it because I’m switching where my feed line goes on my buffer tank, so there was no room for it to vent from there. I never realized how small the vent is on my tank lid, but it’s really small. So there was nowhere to actually vent it. So I just took a screwdriver and popped the little mesh vent off, so that it can have a small opening in the lid to release pressure. Thanks for your help guys!
Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it. The filter on my tank lid was way too small so I took a screwdriver and popped the whole filter out and everything is all good now. I filled my IBC to the top with water and let it sit for a few hours and the tank recorrected itself back to its original shape!
Keep in mind that it’s not “pressure” (positive), it’s a vacuum (negative/suction). It’s the opposite of pressure. 
Thanks, I didn’t want to be that guy lol
I just took him at his word. Plus in his age bracket it’s better to be humble and get the right answers.
