How to Flush Your Jet Ski After Riding (Saltwater and Fresh)

Flushing your jet ski after a ride clears salt, sand, and debris out of the cooling system before they can corrode or clog it. If you ride in saltwater, flush every single time. Even freshwater riders should flush regularly. The most important thing is doing it in the right order — get it wrong and you can backflow water into the engine or overheat it.

The correct order

1. Connect the hose to your ski's flush fitting. Do not turn the water on yet.

2. Start the engine first. Always start the engine before the water is flowing.

3. Now turn the water on. Let it run at idle for about 60 to 90 seconds so clean water circulates through the system.

4. Turn the water OFF first — before you shut the engine off.

5. Shut the engine off within about 10 to 15 seconds, then give the throttle a couple of quick blips to blow remaining water out of the exhaust.

Two rules to never break

Never let the engine run dry (no water) for more than about 15 seconds — it will overheat fast. And never leave the water running with the engine off, which can let water flow back into the engine through the exhaust.

Brand notes

Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki all use a similar process, but the flush fitting location and a few specifics vary by model — check your owner's manual for where your fitting is and any model-specific steps.

Stock up on flush kits, oils, and seasonal maintenance supplies in Maintenance & Fluids.