How To Siphon Gas From A Lawn Mower

By Jamey Kramar Updated August 29, 2022

Sometimes you need to get gasoline out of your lawn mower.

Maybe it has gone bad. Maybe you are storing it for winter and going through a winterization process. Maybe some other reason.

Well today you are going to see how to siphon the gas out with nothing but a hose. And you’ll see how to do it so you don’t get gas in your mouth.

Let’s get started.

Quick-Guide: The Easiest Way To Siphon Gas From A Lawn Mower

Whether you are pulling the gas from a riding mower or push mower all you need is a clear hose and jerry can or something to put the fuel in.

You will need the lawn mower gas tank to be higher than the jerry can.
With a riding mower just put the jerry can on the ground. With a push mower put it up on a workbench and the jerry on the ground.
To get started: put the hose into the lawnmower gas tank.
While standing up – above the gas tank – suck like you would a straw. The gas will move up the clear hose. Keep an eye on it and when it gets about 6 inches from your mouth cover the top with your thumb. This will hold the gasoline in place.
Now while still covering the end of the hose with your thumb put the end in the jerry can. Remove thumb and gas will pour into the jerry can.
When you are done siphoning gas simply remove the hose from the lawn mower gas tank.

3 Methods Of Siphoning Gas From A Lawn Mower

Siphoning gas from a lawn mower can be done in a few different ways.

1 – Clear Hose

One method is to use a length of tubing and a bowl or container.

First, remove the spark plug. Then place one side of the tubing into the gas tank.
Next, place the bowl or jerry can underneath the other side of the tubing. Once the bowl is in place, suck on the tubing until the gas starts to flow.
When the gas reaches 6 inches from your mouth, cover the end with your thumb, then put tubing into bowl/jerry can and allow the gas to flow into the bowl by removing your thumb.

2 – Pump

You can use a hand pump to siphon gas from a lawn mower.

First, insert the pump into the gas tank and make sure that it is lower than the opening.
Next, pump the handle up and down until the gas starts to flow.
When the gas reaches the top of the pump, remove the pump and allow gas to flow.

3 – Siphon Hose With Ball Valve

Instead of using your mouth to create a vacuum inside the clear hose you can use a simple pump/ball valve.

Check the video for full details:

4 Safety Tips To Follow:

Siphoning gas from your lawn mower is easy. With a few simple tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily siphon gas from your lawn mower. The most important thing to remember when siphoning gas from your lawn mower is to be safe. Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid, so it is important to take precautions to avoid creating a fire hazard.

1) Always siphon gas outdoors

Always siphon gas outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Siphoning gas inside your home or garage can create a fire hazard, so it is important to do it in an open space.

2) If you do it in your garage make sure it is well ventilated

If you must siphon gas indoors, make sure that the area is well-ventilated and that there are no open flames or sparks in the vicinity.

3) Never siphon gas near open flame

Never siphon gas near an open flame or while smoking a cigarette. Gasoline fumes are highly flammable and can easily ignite if they come into contact with a spark or an open flame.

4) Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby

Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an accident.

By following these simple safety tips, you can easily and safely siphon gas from your lawn mower.

FAQs:

Q: How often should I siphon gas from my lawn mower?

It is generally best to siphon gas from your lawn mower on an as-needed basis. If you haven’t used your used mower in many months then the gas has probably gone off. You will want to siphon it out and put fresh gas in.

Q: What type of pump should I use to siphon gas from my lawn mower?

Any type of hand pump will suffice. Simply insert the pump into the gas tank and make sure that it is lower than the opening. Then, begin pumping the handle up and down until the gas starts flowing. You could also use a turkey baster.

Q: Is it safe to siphon gas from my lawn mower?

As long as you take the proper safety precautions, there is no reason why it should be unsafe. Just be sure to do it in a well-ventilated area and never near an open flame or spark.

Q: What should I do with the gas once I’ve siphoned it from my lawn mower?

You can use the gas to power other small engines, such as a weed whacker or a leaf blower. Alternatively, you can simply store old gas in a gas can for future disposal in a safe manner.