[Darren O]

Iam just about to start preasure washing so looking for some advice I was going to buy a Honda 3000psi 15ltr per min is that enough preasure or am I better getting a 21ltr per min washer the work I will be doing will be mostly domestic.I will be running it from a 300ltr tank in my van that I use for cleaning carpets and what happens if the customer dosent have an outside tap to fill the tank and this might sound a bit daft can you preasure wash in the rain thanks Darren.

[Griffus]

 

Resanding in the rain is the tricky bit!

You do need water, this is important. 300 litres won't do much at all so draw from any available source. Just be ready for all option via various connectors.

There's loads on here so just do a search. All been said before.

Have you done any pressure washing before, I mean with a proper machine?

[Darren O]

Griffus I no you sand a few days later when the weather is good can you preasure wash when its pishing of rain as for water 300ltrs just about does carpets when iam using my truckmount at 300psi so I take it I would have to fill from the kitchen tap is 15ltr per min plenty for domestics or would I be better with 21lpm ive already done a search would like some advice before I start spending thanks again.

[Griffus]

Darren, 300 litres is no use at all. You will need a constant feed which can be sourced from any water source. I tend to favour washing machine connections if no outside tap, but extra care no to flood the house. Taps OK but back pressure will tend to blow them off.

If tank in your van you will need some form of cut off (ball cock) or you'll flood your van.

With your tank size 21lpm would be an error, so stick with 15.

There is more to PW that meets theeye. It's not rocket science but if you have not done any before then better hire one and try on your own, then famiy and fri ends.

[JetVac Cleaning]

I have a 500ltr tank in the van with a ball valve fitted to the side of it. The washer suction pipe with weighted filter sits in the bottom of the tank. I always go to a job with a full tank and run there hose to the ball valve on the tank so it just keeps topping it up! My washer will empty my tank in 10 minutes so a constant water sauce is essential to finish the job. If there is no water sauce slip one of the neighbours a drink and use there's. You will quickly figure out that you need a head of water so you can be productive.

[darren72]

Thanks for the replys iam also going to buy a flat surface cleaner was looking at 18inch with the waterbroom attached to it or am I better forgetting about the waterbroom attachment.Thanks.

[Griffus]

Waterbroom OK for tidying up afterwards, rotary not essential. Turbo nozzle, vario nozzle and a range of other nozzles are all essential imo. Wide fan jet can do the job of a water broom to get you started.

Your best bet is to speak with a supplier and get him to quote you for a full set up, includig the bits and pieces that are essential but you won't necessarily think about until you need.

Malcolm Smith is worth a call.

http://www.malcleanse.co.uk/

You'll need a decent budget to do it right.

[Big dee]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing. What would be a realistic budget?

[JetVac Cleaning]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing. What would be a realistic budget?

I have a spare machine I'm selling for driveways that will get you going until your ready to invest in bigger more expensive equipment if your just starting out?

[Griffus]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing. What would be a realistic budget?

For used kit £1000 minimum then extras that will prove essential - feed hose etc and ppe so £2000 should see you OK.

[Darren O]

Are these any good or would I be better with the standard flat surface cleaner ebay no 271313734898 cheers.

[JetVac Cleaning]

Are these any good or would I be better with the standard flat surface cleaner ebay no 271313734898 cheers.

flat surface cleaners are only any good for patio slabs or solid products with no sand joints. In my opinion u can't beat a turbo lance for cleaning all the sand joints on block paving

[Darren O]

Cheers mate

[SmartSeal]

15 litres per minute definitely ok, this will give you more than enough pressure, plus it will work a 18" Rotary Headed Cleaner at full capacity, no problem. If you ever needed more PSI, a turbo nozzle can be connected to your pressure lance.

If it is driveways and patio's you are looking to clean, remember a 300 litre tank will only give you about 20 mins on average cleaning time, so it's important  to have option of using customers source of water.

[Darren O]

I ended up speaking to Damien from Qwashers going to buy one of him its a 21lpm the guy seems to no his stuff he also said 15lpm is a waste of money.

[BDCS]

I agree - you can always run a 21 ltr machine at 3/4 throttle.

and how would changing to a turbo nozzle increase the PSI given they are the same size

[Mr B]

My advice as well, stay away from companies that try to sell you the 'package' like Smartseal.

Don't buy cheap, as you'll buy twice. If you seriously want to start pressure washing as a business invest some decent money ,i.e a few grand on your setup otherwise you will be just another cheap operation doing a mediocre job.

[chris scott]

My advice as well, stay away from companies that try to sell you the 'package' like Smartseal.

Don't buy cheap, as you'll buy twice. If you seriously want to start pressure washing as a business invest some decent money ,i.e a few grand on your setup otherwise you will be just another cheap operation doing a mediocre job.

Go and do the Smartseal course excellent investment for your money.
There will be no hard sell and you will learn loads about every aspect of the business. From equipment,marketing, application of products.
The machines  they sell are industry standard, the acrylic sealers are manufactured by a company that have been in the driveway restoration business for years...they are nationwide.
Their is always technical advice at the end of the phone when you need it. The lead generation system is second to none...the leads are inexpensive around £12.

[Darren O]

Hopefully I will be up and running by the end of April realy looking forward to it I always buy the best of gear ive been window cleaning for 24 years and cleaning carpets 10 years and love doing both but as I get older want to cut down on the window cleaning as its hard on the old body.I think ive read every post on here about preasure washing just wish there was some kind of preasure washing course I could go on.

[G O Cleaning]

Hopefully I will be up and running by the end of April realy looking forward to it I always buy the best of gear ive been window cleaning for 24 years and cleaning carpets 10 years and love doing both but as I get older want to cut down on the window cleaning as its hard on the old body.I think ive read every post on here about preasure washing just wish there was some kind of preasure washing course I could go on.

Sorry but window cleaning is hard on the body, have you tried pressure washing 

[Darren O]

Have you ever carried a 10 litre bucket of water and a 2 piece ladder on your back for 8 hours a day non stop.

[Darren O]

Did a carpet cleaning job today in the west end of Glasgow 3rd floor flat had to take a 56kg portable plus hoses and wand and a few other bits and bobs up 3 flights of stairs.

[Roger Oakley]

Have you ever carried a 10 litre bucket of water and a 2 piece ladder on your back for 8 hours a day non stop.

You should find some windows to do in-between then mate, it'll save your back.

[G O Cleaning]

Have you ever carried a 10 litre bucket of water and a 2 piece ladder on your back for 8 hours a day non stop.

Take my comment the way it was meant  , I am an old fella  We do carpets, window cleaning, pressure washing plus more, I would not opt for pressure washing as a less strenuous option. Certain aspects can cause injury, using turb all day and simply the stance can effect back / neck, I have had several youngsters who could not take it similar to using wfp.. looking up all the time.
As for the bucket / ladder, most of the time I am working so I haven't got time for leisure activities 
Good luck with it, Mike

[Jettaway]

I don't find it hurts my back that much, sometimes when carrying coiled pressure hose a bit of a distance I feel it the next day and yes it can nag if using lance for a prolonged period.

Neck and shoulders on the other hand, they do ache a lot from looking down all the time.

But still, there's more physical jobs out there!!

[Roger Oakley]

Jettaway,
I'll give you a shout early March as I'm up your way doing that deck we spoke about last year.

[Jettaway]

Please Roge,
Cheers,
Chris