Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: steve freeman on December 06, 2010, 02:05:07 pm
-
well ive been using cold water fed poles now since 2003 and like everyone else here had all of last week of due to snow,frost etc as after defrosting my set up i thought i cant really take another week of etc etc any way a plumber mate of mine installed a 3kw immersion element into my van tank on Saturday filled up 400ltr water ....was on a timer last night came on 5 this morning and also small oil rad in van......well ill be dammed it was like a sauna in there........ water was 45 deg at 8 oclock so of i went at 10 to do some residential houses.........anyway all of my hose and tank has stayed lovely all day ive just finished..i hand cleaned front and back doors and i was amazed how quick they dried even at -5 here where i am ............ also what normally took me 4 hours with cold water has taken me 2.5 hours amazing why didn't i do it years ago ...seriously ive worked up till 1.30 and its still like a sauna in there i do only have a transit conect but even with warm water the difference is amazing. I worked out i spent approx £1-2 of elec but able to work .................... so heat all the way i would say
-
Good stuff Steve
I'm frozen off at the moment my connect sitting doing nowt.
Any chance of some pics of your set up ?
-
Did you insulate your tank?
-
all ive done nick is throw a duvet over covered most of it but its done the trick dont get me wrong its not baking hot steaming water but it didnt freeze anything, its still 000 tds and for 3-4 hours if it makes you 100-200 without freezing thats all i need i kept taking my gloves off to check the 6mm microbore on the ground it just stayed warm and the pump and hose reel and fittings all you could see was the warm hose trail through the icy grass and the water on the glass just evaporated even quicker AMAZING
-
Nice one Steve, Glad to see you back in CIU.
For those that don't know, Steve is one of the old wfp Gurus. He helped me alot when I started up 4 years ago.
Steve- Is that £1-£2 a day thats costing you? Can you send me some photos as Im interested in doing the same. I managed to get out this morning for a 1/2 day but my brushes kept freezing up. so back home now.
-
Steve... Sounds like your onto a winner there mate. I too would be interested in how your friend has set this up for you.
Would be gratefull if you could take some pictures and maybe ask your friend what it would cost for it to be fitted 'not at mates rates'
Sounds like another option to the L5 heater.
-
Sounds good to me. I have really struggled along today, resorted to back pack and a bit of trad but am now considering "hotifying". Can I claim that as a new word?
-
Hiya Ade yes mate £1-2 ish but no more ......... ill put some pics up but seriouslly it was easy to do i helped him.......... a £13 emersion element ,hole in tank seal it all round..........high heat cable , plug it in wow warm water,warm hose,soft brushes work quicker,faster and with less hazard that using cold like before..
blue frog it was so simple all he did really was get it and wire it up i drilled hole in tank sealed it up after inserted easy to do really really easy ..simple but so effective
-
Whereabout did you put it in tank?
Ive got a layflat 400, id need to put it as low as possible, but would you be able to make a good enough seal?
-
steve... does it need a thermostat at all ? also what type / size tank do you have it in ? i have a 400l upright. guessing it has to be a certain level from the bottom too. would imagine that it would increase the temprature if you insulated the tank too
-
Cheers mate. Did he power it from the battery? I have power supply to my van so could be even easier. My Father in law fitted 2 domestic 3 pin sockets inside van with power coming via a power lead from the external garden sockets.
-
Is it powered from the domestic plug socket ?
-
@ OP...
But didn't the water freeze in the pole hose? Not even up at the brush?
I'm talking about in between jobs where you're driving in the cold.
-
No ade just off 3 pin 13 amp plug then high voltage thermo extension battery woulnt last mate and you only really need enpough warm water to see you through the day to stop hose etc freezing ....
Right i hope this helps you all
you need one of these this one for flat tank http://www.screwfix.com/prods/89280/Plumbing/Boilers-and-Accs/Immersion-Heater-Copper-Element-11
then you need
1: heat resistant flex 3 core from b& q - 10 pound ish
2: sealant again b& q - 7 pound ish
3: thermo cut out extension fully unwound remember will take over 3000 kw
4: old duvet or what ever you want to use to cover
i have my extension on a timer comes on about 5 am till 8 and when i took the tank lid of its steaming ..not boiling but stays warm in the van heres some pics for you to get ya shopping
-
nope water didnt freeze between jobs as it was still warm thru it and inside van was seriously warm like a sauna that was just from the tank i didnt even turn the van heating on
and yes just standard plug socket
-
and if anyone decides to do this and you need any help let me know ill try my best cmon lads lets help each other here lets keep our business going.
P.s im not saying the water wont freeze before 9 am as the outside temp is still very very low but after 9am boootiful keep on window cleaning
Oh and you need to empty your pole hose ,pump etc at the end of day just to keep it all nice for the next day
Hot water for under 30- 40 pounds
-
does any body know if there are issues running hot water into pump, as i understand it hot water systems heat water after pump, does running hot into pump damage diaphram ?
daz
-
With current temperatures outside, won't everything freeze before the timer comes on at 5am?
-
3: thermo cut out extension fully unwound remember will take over 3000 kw
sorry little dim .... is that an extension lead from socket to the van ?
will any extension lead do or does it need to be anything special ?
-
steve what size tank do you have!!!
-
400 ltr poleman used to have 700 ltr tucker system but no better than diy 400 ltr with the right hose,pump will last longer anway water wise
inside tank about 100 ltr need to fill up to top first power up takes 2 hours for 300-400 to get warm but on the second go onwards starts heating straight away be carefull tho because if you leave for 4,5,6,hors youll have silly temp water
-
what i dont understand about hot systems is yes your tank is warm your poles and pipe is warm
but when water hits the cold air and cold window glass does it not freeze on the glass
as we went out with hot water in the bucket when applied to windows it froze so could not squgee it of
what makes hot wfp any diffrent
-
thanks steve, i have a 1000lts so wouldn't be any good for me :'(
-
no because it goes on the glass with force from the pump its not on the glass long enough .Also this is on residential windows which most have central heating so the glass isnt cold ,cold it cant crack beacuse its not boiling and it cant freeze quickly on the ground same its not boiling only warm
i was skeptical untill today
-
poleman get a bigger and quicker element ;)
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/53858/Plumbing/Boilers-and-Accessories/Immersion-Heater-Coppr-Element
or like your emersion tank at home......it has 2,3 elements
-
Thats brilliant.. ;)
but no good for my 640 ibc :'( :'(
-
gazza you can put as many elements in as you like more elements hotter the water......
rem that 2-3 hours leccy will be a couple of pound just double it .....
i just wanted to try this to see if i could keep working and today i did compared to the last 7 winters
if it helps anyone good luck
-
oh right thats brill,
would my electrician mate be able to do it steve.?
-
in your picture you have no water covering your element wont it burn out with no water covering it
-
yep you could yourself mate its no different wiring a plug earth,neutral,live thats it ...........
-
Thanks steve, i kept everything warm in the van... started this morning and water froze on the glass , and am running out of money now
-
sorry landy i thought i put it up a couple up...yep it needs to be covered that was the day we put it in for photo purposes ...my cameras isnt underwater proof lol
-
same for me last week gazza but not today give it a try mate im soooooooo glad i did
-
Ah , ,,but my tank wont ever get full until morning, so i have a prob with element showing.
-
Also before i get the question.....NO the top of the element in the tank wont melt/burn the tank they are pretty solid and it only gets to 50-60 degrees in 3 hours so its fine .......as long as you dont leave it on for days but they have thermostat cut out so it will trip it
At the end of the week id empty the tank tho say fri but i do more houses to get it emptied then refill at the latest poss sunday eve then nothing can freeze over weekend
-
gazza why dosent it get filled till morn ?????? slow ro????
-
yes it takes all night . damn
-
hang on maybe when it comes on , on the timer , the tank will be half full and cover it, how long is the element steve>
-
400 ltr poleman used to have 700 ltr tucker system but no better than diy 400 ltr with the right hose,pump will last longer anway water wise
inside tank about 100 ltr need to fill up to top first power up takes 2 hours for 300-400 to get warm but on the second go onwards starts heating straight away be carefull tho because if you leave for 4,5,6,hors youll have silly temp water
Now thats commitment! Steve jumped into his tank so he can take a photo for us. Mind you at 30 C can you blame him?? ;D Cheers mate for the help. Im off shopping tomorrow!
-
how KW's is the immersion heater you have got?
-
Does it have to be 100 % submerged anyone ???
-
lol ade give me another ring if you need any help mate
-
At last an invention to combat these freezing cold days. Well done mate.
-
Its a great idea , i need to find a way of filling my tank faster now, or its no good to me,
been told that the element nust be 100 % submerged or it will destroy itself within minutes.
blast !!!!!
blooming slooooooow r.o.
-
If you try it lads/lasses i hope it works like it has for me seriously i know its a pain not earning.....also if it costs a few pounds on the elec to get you through this winter youll still be earning to pay it off good luck
ive just asked plumber mate he said as long as at least 60 - 70 % is covered it should be ok
Aye plumbers and elecy like window cleaners one says this one says that lol .......... i filled my tank yesterday with about 1/3 empty heated this morn for 3 hours ish it was perfect .. ive just gone to look and its heating back up again when switched on.....??? so i suppose at £13.oo its a gamble if it blows when partly covered a few pound to put another in and completely cover it i suppose trial and error
-
oh thanks steve, will get one tomorrow,... ;)
-
Well done steve.
Fantastic topic :)
-
No probs its not my idea ive seen it somewhere but thought id try and put a better version or easier so we can hopefully benefit.......... i did today and it was cold not overly -5 / -7 but this really helped and i had to keep tugging at my collar it was that warm in the van
Those hot water systems are extremely expensive so this is a stop gap to help us through the winter ......... if it can help anyone thats great
And it cant crack glass as it wont be boiling water but it cleans quicker,dries faster and keeps hose etc free from ice fells like im on a warm beach lol
-
Sorry, whats a thermo cut out extension?
-
DAMN YOU !!!!!
ive just ordered my L5, but im seriously considering this....
Looks good and so simple
-
And this will also force me to put the 640 ibc in the garage, and keep it full of pure..... then tranfer it with sub pump to flat tank in the van.... eventually lol..
then i can simply put the element on a timer
-
gazza fill your tank in garage and put element in that one transfer will still be warm in your van just doing it the other way round
Phill thermo cutout is extension that will cut out if it gets to hot for any reason mine never has but its just another precaution
picture here phill http://www.sashtime.co.uk/socket-cable-reel-extension-wire-p-168.html
-
hi steve
What did you cut the hole in the tank with, was it a special tool?
-
That element is gonna burn out, it needs to be covered with water at all times.
The element needs to be fixed horizontal, a inch or so from the botton of the tank imo
-
Could i put this at the bottom of my 400L upright in the side ? or would the pressure force it out ?
Am thinking of a 27" heating element towards the bottom of the tank
-
i still dont know how it can work cleaning in weather like today!(-4)!i managed 3 hours with trad pole and screenwash and even then on the odd unheated conny the water was freezing a bit on the glass!! ::)
thing is with wfp is the water you leave behind on the ground or window in these temperatures.its bound to freeze very quickly!at least with traditional there is hardly any water used.ok i didnt clean every upper window as some are too awkward to squeegee off with an extension pole but i managed an adequate job of the glass.most of my custies were just glad i was making the effort to squeeze them in before xmas!! ;D ;D
im still a bit unsure of this hot water lark but good thread anyway!! ;D ;D
dazmond
-
Did you mount the element into the top of the tank?
Daft question but its cold and my brains froze.
-
Aaah. So the thermo cut out cuts out if the CABLE gets too hot?
Does the immersion heater have a thermostat?
-
I can see this becoming a HOT topic ;D
-
Sorry to pee on your parade but you need to have an immersion heater on its own trip swich wired to the consumer box.
You should not wire it to a plug as this is a fire hazzard.
-
i think you would need a locking nut on inside of tank if it fitted on the side of upright tank.
-
Dazmond hi mate im not saying it will work on every job commercial or unheated rooms ive tried it today and it worked if it works for anyone else then its all good some window cleaners hate water fed poles where i live i swear by them ....... 10 years fire service mate and you still wont get me on a ladder now its all trial and error i have a 100 psi pump so it goes on the glass that quick there's nothing left on it....... and its only to help the hose ,pump etc not to freeze and the outside temp only has to go up by 1 deg and it will work but im sticking with it to see what happens watch this space
-
couple of these big ones will help keep it warm:
http://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/insulation/tank-jackets/hotcoat-60-cold-water-tank-jacket.htm
i use a 640ibc also, a 27" element fitted vertically from the top will mean around 500 ltrs would need to be in to cover most of it while heating.
-
[quoteSorry to pee on your parade but you need to have an immersion heater on its own trip swich wired to the consumer box.
You should not wire it to a plug as this is a fire hazzard.quote]
Thats ok stewart no pee on my parade ive just looked at my trip box there is no separate trip for it...ive also just asked my plumber and elec friend he said m only turning it on for 3 hours in the morning not all day like most houses and aslo the element i have is on a heat resisant flex used for emersion heating elements and its 3kw .......... the heater on my carpet cleaner heat and run exchange is 2.8kw which isntfar off and i actually run that from a normal plug socket for hours when carpet cleaning.
Im not in anyway telling people on here to go and do this i have its worked for me ...... i keep an eye on it in the morning and i have all the precautionary measures in place i could prob blow myself more when i mow the lawn lol thanks for the advice though
-
Dazmond hi mate im not saying it will work on every job commercial or unheated rooms ive tried it today and it worked if it works for anyone else then its all good some window cleaners hate water fed poles where i live i swear by them ....... 10 years fire service mate and you still wont get me on a ladder now its all trial and error i have a 100 psi pump so it goes on the glass that quick there's nothing left on it....... and its only to help the hose ,pump etc not to freeze and the outside temp only has to go up by 1 deg and it will work but im sticking with it to see what happens watch this space
Keep your old mates on speed dial if you stick with the 13amp plug.
It's what is running off the rest of the ring main that will cause it problems.
-
Just back from the plumbers merchants.
;D
-
ive just gone to look and its heating back up again when switched on.....??? so i suppose at £13.oo its a gamble if it blows when partly covered a few pound to put another in and completely cover it i suppose trial and error
But if you are having a timer to come on at 5am ish it will be nice and toasty when you start work at 9, Also, an oil filled rad will stop the pipes freezing over if left on over night.
-
The one in my van does have a resettable thermostat so if it does pull to much or over heats it will trip at the element before the plug
Thanks Stewart will do .........
-
Sorry to pee on your parade but you need to have an immersion heater on its own trip swich wired to the consumer box.
You should not wire it to a plug as this is a fire hazzard.
actually it needs to be on fused spur
-
Yes Ade
NOTE below:
Most emersion heaters are on their own spur in houses as they require alot of energy and ON most of the time they have to have their own supply seperatley from the main ring.
Ive aslo been told that as this is installed in a tank with heat resistive flex and has its own resettable thermostat and is supplied by a thermo cutout extension with over 3kw capacity and only just more than the 2.8kw on my carpet cleaning machine for 2-3 hours then it shouldn't be any problem using this with a plug on...... but like anything take caution
-
Sorry to pee on your parade but you need to have an immersion heater on its own trip swich wired to the consumer box.
You should not wire it to a plug as this is a fire hazzard.
actually it needs to be on fused spur
surly it will be fine, you can get 3kw convertor heaters that plug in, so why wouldnt the immersion heater be ok?
i know when i had an electric shower fitted that had to have its own trip and thicker wire because it was pulling 9.5kw, but my immersion heater doesnt have its on trip on the electric box
-
i was told it would be ok as its only on for a few hours ......like i said my 2.8kw heater on my carpet cleaner coupled with the pump and vacuum together going it is much more than 3kw ? as long as it has heat resistance 16 amp cable and thermo cutout after the plug im finding out more
-
I think if I did it I would mount the element in a spare tank lid and screw it on at night.
-
ezclean may i ask as you have a 27inch fitted where do you get the power after reading some points on here about not using 13 amp plugs etc ?
-
steve, my ro and tank is at parents and it's a pain to-ing and fro-ing and worried about not being able to keep an eye on this, so:
was thinking of dipping element into individual barrels 25 ltrs; in my flat (kitchen)
am i mad ;D
Could i dip element into each barrel to heat up, i use roughly 8 a day, how long would this take, would it work.
Was also thinking of getting a new kettle from tesco's boiling pure water (full kettle) 1 litre and top up barrell.
lee
-
I think if I did it I would mount the element in a spare tank lid and screw it on at night.
That's exactly what I have just done.
-
where is the cheapest place to buy a lid?
-
ezclean may i ask as you have a 27inch fitted where do you get the power after reading some points on here about not using 13 amp plugs etc ?
not fitted one yet bud,
when i do this week (cos this is a long spell of very cold) the tank jackets will help to keep it frost free at night and keep the temp during the day.
how long do you reckon it stays hot for. 4-5hrs?
-
also, i would think they are the same power draw, just a longer element for bigger tanks
-
Steve, when you fitted the element into the tank does it come with locking rings either side? (One in the tank one out)
Or does it just push loose through the hole you made and rely on the sealant to hold it in place?
-
jack i just made the whole big enough for a good grip so i couldnt pull out but i sealed under and around with the sealent it wont budge ive tried but rem its only for a couple of months and only when needed
-
locking nut on this beer kit
http://www.jimsbeerkit.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=35385&hilit=+stainless
-
where is the cheapest place to buy a lid?
Lid(l) ?
-
Sorry to pee on your parade but you need to have an immersion heater on its own trip swich wired to the consumer box.
You should not wire it to a plug as this is a fire hazzard.
actually it needs to be on fused spur
Thats prob what I meant, I'm no electricion. I tried this last year and was told in no uncirtain terms by an electricion that it should not be done.
I would be interested if a qualified electrician would sign off on it. Maybe someone should call one that isn't a 'mate' and ask them to fit it via a 13amp plug. I would be suprised if any agreed.
-
well ive been using cold water fed poles now since 2003 and like everyone else here had all of last week of due to snow,frost etc as after defrosting my set up i thought i cant really take another week of etc etc any way a plumber mate of mine installed a 3kw immersion element into my van tank on Saturday filled up 400ltr water ....was on a timer last night came on 5 this morning and also small oil rad in van......well ill be dammed it was like a sauna in there........ water was 45 deg at 8 oclock so of i went at 10 to do some residential houses.........anyway all of my hose and tank has stayed lovely all day ive just finished..i hand cleaned front and back doors and i was amazed how quick they dried even at -5 here where i am ............ also what normally took me 4 hours with cold water has taken me 2.5 hours amazing why didn't i do it years ago ...seriously ive worked up till 1.30 and its still like a sauna in there i do only have a transit conect but even with warm water the difference is amazing. I worked out i spent approx £1-2 of elec but able to work .................... so heat all the way i would say
Hello Steve,
Strangely enough, I had thought about doing something similar with regards to putting a heating element in the van.
Although, would you want to plug it in overnight really.
Could any plumber do the same setup your mate has done? If so I will probably get someone to do it.
Very clever.
Regards.
-
Its on a timer , so i would only turn on in the mornings,
i just rung electrician and he said providing its not on constant it will be fine on a plug, my outside plug sockets are new, and have there own trip out on the mains, so i am ok there i think.
He said ideally , they should be on a spur if used contantly ( like in a boiler)
but 3 hours , here and there would be ok.
i am going to put mine horizontal at the bottom of my 640 ibc in the van...
if it does not work i will be stuck with a big hole !!!!! :o :o :o
-
The one in my van does have a resettable thermostat so if it does pull to much or over heats it will trip at the element before the plug
Thanks Stewart will do .........
re settable thermostat steve....will that be on the 27" element also , the link you sent me?
dont even know what you mean lol.
-
Thanks gazz i was told the same thing tonight i only put mine on for 2-3 hours max and not over night its only on a timer last night as i had a job first thing from tomorrow i will turn it on manaully at 6 am and turn it off at 9 am 3 hours im here anything goes wrong ill know ...so its not on overnight its on for 3 hours max not all the time like a boiler in your airing cupboard,it has a cut out thermostat , heat res flex and a 3100+ thermo cut out extension
-
whenever anyone comes on this forum and mentions ladders they get bombarded by how unsafe they are and why we shouldnt use them often qouting statistics and known accidents and yet during this cold spell we have had people advocating all sorts of illegal and unsafe heating methods and also saying its ok to throw water on paths when cleaning windows even though it will cause a major slip hazzard, this week on the news 2 old people have died after slipping in garden and not been able to get up so froze to death, how would you feel if this had been caused by water you had left, if you are going to get hot fitted then please get one fitted that is legal and installed by a profesional and then do not use where water will fall on paved areas if temp falls below freezing.
-
I have 3 vans all sitting idle, 3650lts of pure water waiting to be used so something cheap and cheerful like this is worth a try i think.
I may try it on 2 vans which stay outside overnight. my concern is that will be a huge amount of electrical draw. I guess I will have to run 2 seperate leads from 2 differnt plug sockets. or am I wrong?
-
Gazz im not sure on the 27" your better off asking or look before you by just lift cap off and youll have this underneath the metal cap.
All new emersion heating elemets have to have a cut of to stop the water boiling to a certain temp
You can set this from 30 deg to 70 deg
And if the water does go over the set temp you can press the reset button
-
Right lets get things straight i haven't done anything illegal .............. (legal and installed by a professional) i as a self employed window cleaner have simply installed an immersion heater in my water tank which in my experience is no different than anyone on here installing a split charge relay ..............a varistream which states should be installed only by a qualified electrician etc etc ...as for slipping on pathways ... i do not clean windows in this weather where there are walkways and pathways and if i do i put gritt down which i may add gain permission from the householder under there own acceptance and without blame if it becomes slippery.
I have been cleaning windows with water fed poles as i said since 2003 and have not had one insurance claim or blame put against me.
I would therefore be grateful if you could stop implying that i am doing anything illegal as i could personally take that as libel.
I do not employ anybody i work on my own this is at my risk i have not told ANYBODy on this forum to do this all i have said is what i myself do.
-
Ive been on and off this forum since 2003 (easyclean windows and freemans cleaning services) and all this dont do ,shouldn't do,,,its illegal is the very reason why i really dont like coming on here .....its not constructive......its not even grateful......
-
steve thanks for the idea i might give it a go , do you know were to get locking nut .
i think i will fit mine in the side of my 500ltr tank at the base .
do you just put a plug on the end of the cable and then plug in .
what size fuse do i use in the plug
-
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=113729.msg975067#msg975067
-
great idea thanks steve
-
Steve.... just want to say thanks. Im going to get the parts tomorrow and install a 27".
One last Q if you wouldnt mind... how did you cut the hole out to the correct size ?
-
Like i said not my idea i knew id seen it somewhere 2008 post
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=51045.0
-
I think its worth a try ,
listen if anyone is concerned , get an electrician to put it on a fused spur, that is also cheap and easy to do....and then it will stop the worriers ,
i WILL clean windows in the ice and snow, or how the hell can i make a living ??
i also put salt down or i will when i get out again, with my hot water
or grit with permission, ....
i hardly think our water will make much difference to whats already out there.
this is a good idea steve,....it wont be permanant.. but like you said its a cheap way of getting back to work quickly
I dont know where people get off saying stay at home to protect people , all i can say is they must be rich, but i aint ....and i need to get out there and work work work... and i will protect them with my salt.
3 bloody weeks to xmas, yes lets all stay at home until january....
.
-
Thanks Gazza as long as its a few hours it wont do any harm if in doudt sit in the van to make sure i dont think.........
today i harldy left any water on the ground if any as it evaporated so quickly......... likewise i am not going to have 3 weeks off work even if my wife is a legal begal on good money i own and run a business and i will keep doing so and if people dont like what ive done dont leave a comment simple
Anyone else like any more info email me and ill give you my facebook address and ill chat on there as im not going to comment anymore on this thread
-
Has anyone thought about having a floating element instead of fixing it to the tank so at least the element will be fully submerged you could use say a 6 to 8 inch round and about 1 to 2 inch thick flat piece or ball of polystirene right at the top of the element to the part the normally is sticking outside the tank so as not to touch the tank as it sits inside and fix it to the element with that spray foam glue stuff ??
-
steve were do i get a mechanical flange for the element to screw into , and what size would i need .
the link you sent does not say were to get one
-
Right lets get things straight i haven't done anything illegal .............. (legal and installed by a professional) i as a self employed window cleaner have simply installed an immersion heater in my water tank which in my experience is no different than anyone on here installing a split charge relay ..............a varistream which states should be installed only by a qualified electrician etc etc ...as for slipping on pathways ... i do not clean windows in this weather where there are walkways and pathways and if i do i put gritt down which i may add gain permission from the householder under there own acceptance and without blame if it becomes slippery.
I have been cleaning windows with water fed poles as i said since 2003 and have not had one insurance claim or blame put against me.
I would therefore be grateful if you could stop implying that i am doing anything illegal as i could personally take that as libel.
I do not employ anybody i work on my own this is at my risk i have not told ANYBODy on this forum to do this all i have said is what i myself do.
my post wasnt a personal attack at you, but this last week with the posts on here we will have people fitting L5 with no flue to remove toxic gasses, following your above advice but on the cheap and not getting professional advice about their own electric supply and then because they have hot water throwing it about everywhere without taking any precautions, i am not some safety freek that looks for accidents even though i have posted numerous times about this topic this week but i am pointing out the hypocrysy of many on here who condone safe practices then do these things.
-
steve thanks for the idea i might give it a go , now i know were to get locking nut .
i think i will fit mine in the side of my 500ltr tank at the base .
do you just put a plug on the end of the cable and then plug in .
what size fuse do i use in the plug
steve thanks for the idea i might give it a go , now i know were to get locking nut .
i think i will fit mine in the side of my 500ltr tank at the base .
do you just put a plug on the end of the cable and then plug in .
what size fuse do i use in the plug
where do you get locking nut from bud ?
-
its called a mechanical flange (lock nut) my last post writen out wrong with all the excitement of it sorry gazza
-
Just found these anti corrosive
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Water_Heating_Index/Immersion_Heaters/index.html?source=adwords&kw=immersion+heaters&gclid=CMWj8vGx2KUCFUYe4QodOzOclA
Roy
-
another idea for the condensation i think would be to fit a small sola fan extactor on the roof of the van , you can get them for about £20 from a boat or caravan shop.
-
and the end of the day i have been blowing out my twin resin dis and pump and reels with a compressor this way nothing in the van can freeze no matter how cold it gets .
in the morning i fill my tank with hot water from the house , my tank is only 250 which is enough to keep me going till lunch time or so until the temp rises then i just fill it on up with cold till i finish
i dont see why all the di only guys are not working like this or even the ones with a ro going di only until cold snap passes
-
Ive been using four 300 watt aquarium heaters in my static tank for the last 2 winters!
I have not missed 1 day due to freezing weather conditions ;D
I have one concern tho, legionnaires disease!
Certain conditions increase the risk from legionella:
a suitable temperature for growth, 20 to 45oC
a source of nutrients for the organism, eg sludge, scale, rust, algae, and other organic matter.
a way of creating and spreading breathable droplets, eg the aerosol created by a cooling tower or spa pool.
What do you think guys? are we at risk heating water this way?
Regards
Simon
-
I think its worth a try ,
listen if anyone is concerned , get an electrician to put it on a fused spur, that is also cheap and easy to do....and then it will stop the worriers ,
i WILL clean windows in the ice and snow, or how the hell can i make a living ??
i also put salt down or i will when i get out again, with my hot water
or grit with permission, ....
i hardly think our water will make much difference to whats already out there.
this is a good idea steve,....it wont be permanant.. but like you said its a cheap way of getting back to work quickly
I dont know where people get off saying stay at home to protect people , all i can say is they must be rich, but i aint ....and i need to get out there and work work work... and i will protect them with my salt.
3 bloody weeks to xmas, yes lets all stay at home until january....
.
i am not saying dont work, but blade as many windows as you can and another bit of advice if gritting areas throw grit down before starting to wfp as if you try after it has already frozen so is a bit late, another tip have some hot water in a drum with salt diluted in it that way if you do cause a frozen patch it can be thawed instantly. i have window cleaned for 28 years so know how to work through winters my dad window cleaned for 50 years even through the winter of 1963 using a mop and scrim sprinkled with meths to stop it freezing, our company is 50 years old this year so i think i know how to get through winter months but as with ladders if a few stupid ones cause accidents with water fed poles then it wont take long before the HSE take things further than theyneed to be taken
-
Thank you Steve, whether this was your idea or not, thanks for bringing it up again on here.
I came home after chuffing around with ice all day and read your post about 4 pm.
By 6pm I had one fitted on the lid of my tank.
Unfortunately I think it's bust now, there was too much of the element not submerged.
Luckily I bought 2 so I'm going to fit the other one horizontally at the bottom of the tank.
Thanks again Steve.
-
Form B if your on msn or facebook email me it might not be broke it might be that if it has thermostat it just need resetting
-
Ive been using four 300 watt aquarium heaters in my static tank for the last 2 winters!
I have not missed 1 day due to freezing weather conditions ;D
I have one concern tho, legionnaires disease!
Certain conditions increase the risk from legionella:
a suitable temperature for growth, 20 to 45oC
a source of nutrients for the organism, eg sludge, scale, rust, algae, and other organic matter.
a way of creating and spreading breathable droplets, eg the aerosol created by a cooling tower or spa pool.
What do you think guys? are we at risk heating water this way?
Regards
Simon
what if you fit a extractor from the tank through the roof of van
-
Form B if your on msn or facebook email me it might not be broke it might be that if it has thermostat it just need resetting
No MSN or FB I'm afraid, you do have mail though. :)
-
I think legionnaires disease can only occur in water tanks that store water below 50 deg c but as were not storing it for longer than a day as using on windows its harder for it to occur but dont quote me on that also in the summer if you go away on hols empty the tank in your van as if a certain temp through the suns heat it can also form in the tank
-
what if you fit a extractor from the tank through the roof of van
What difference is that going to make?
-
to stop legionnairs being spread around in the van by the condensation .
-
I think legionnaires disease can only occur in water tanks that store water below 50 deg c but as were not storing it for longer than a day as using on windows its harder for it to occur but dont quote me on that also in the summer if you go away on hols empty the tank in your van as if a certain temp through the suns heat it can also form in the tank
My water temp is around 30 oC, but you are right, its not stored for more than 24hrs in the week, maybe 48hrs at the weekend.
I wonder how long it takes for legionnaires to develop in these kind of conditions?
-
to stop legionnairs being spread around in the van by the condensation .
If the water has developed legionnaires, I would become a moving steam tower!!
What do I do when Im standing under my pole cleaning windows?
If legionnaires is a problem it needs to be controlled where it first occurs, being my static tanks!
-
it was just an idea mate , im no scientist .
-
yep the heater on my carpet cleaner also runs 2.8kw / 2800 w element on a 13amp plug
-
and the end of the day i have been blowing out my twin resin dis and pump and reels with a compressor this way nothing in the van can freeze no matter how cold it gets .
in the morning i fill my tank with hot water from the house , my tank is only 250 which is enough to keep me going till lunch time or so until the temp rises then i just fill it on up with cold till i finish
i dont see why all the di only guys are not working like this or even the ones with a ro going di only until cold snap passes
pure hot water, how are you heating it up from the house ?
-
i think hes doing it from hot tap through di vessels into van tank ?
-
i fill my tank with hot tap water then pump it through the dis in the van (making it pure hot water) :)
-
hot tap to tank to pump to dis to pole
-
Word of caution:
If you use a 3kW immersion heater on an extension lead connected to the mains socket plugged into the house for electric the 13 amp extension leads will only allow 3120watt of power to be drawn providing the cable is fully unwound otherwise it will be much less. If you plug any extra items into the same socket or extension cable you'll blow/melt the wire or plug. :o
(Ue a thermal cut out extension lead). Make sure your fuse box is a modern one with modern circuit breakers otherwise you run the risk of starting a fire from the fuse box.
-
when fitting a immersion heater what type of drill bit are you using ? is it a core drill bit ? a flat drill bit ? or a standard drill bit then a jigsaw ?
-
well said windowswashed i think i posted a few comments down ............. same as when i use my 2.8kw heater on the back of my carpet cleaning machine has to be used fully unwound this heater is standard same rating as most immersion ellements 3kw (2.8kw) LIKE A CAR 1.8 LTR WHEN ITS REALLY 1.79898309483984923849
-
Well thanks for all the comments people i think enough has been said positive and negative all the best