Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: mick hay on September 10, 2012, 08:06:15 pm
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Im going to invest in a gutter vac. Some questions to those who have them.
Does a 1400w do the job, or should i go bigger (will be for domestic only)
Do you use a genny or custies electric?
On an average 3 bed semi, 3 lengths of gutters, no bushes growing out of them, how long inc set up and down? Also what prices are you getting for them?
Anyone tried canvassing or leafleting for gutter cleans, or do you just service your window customers?
All info greatly recieved ;)
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i don't think a 1400 is good enough for seriously overgrown gutters but you pays your money and takes your
choice.
we always use a genny and our min charge/call out is £55 for non window clean customers
from set-up to packing on the house described would be around 25 mins
gutter vac is on current flyer for window cleaning and brings in a good number of custy's - we also have a 'small ad' in the local free paper running every week
Darran
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for me personally and my own experiences
1400w is fine for domestic work as this is what i use
i use a genny as i can then clean when customer not in and don't have to organise the job around them also with the vac only being 1400w the genny i use is easy manageable by myself lifting in and out of the van.
For a house you describe i would say it roughly takes about an hour maybe slightly less (i dont rush) as for price i would say about £50-60 for that size house, i do have a £45 min charge.
ive never done door to door leaflets for just guttering, for my window customers its on my windows cleaned tickets so they see i do the service from that.
In winter if its raining or i have free time, i go door knocking with my camera system offering gutter inspections for £10 and if they have any work done i take the survey fee off the price for the gutter clean (this can work very well)
No matter what size gutter vac you use they are not a magic wand and there will always be the odd job where ladders will still be needed for say a badly blocked downpipe etc but i would say 85% of the gutter cleaning i do is all done with the vac only.
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Im going to invest in a gutter vac. Some questions to those who have them.
Does a 1400w do the job, or should i go bigger (will be for domestic only)
Do you use a genny or custies electric?
On an average 3 bed semi, 3 lengths of gutters, no bushes growing out of them, how long inc set up and down? Also what prices are you getting for them?
Anyone tried canvassing or leafleting for gutter cleans, or do you just service your window customers?
All info greatly recieved ;)
This is where you can get all the help and advice for gutter cleaning system.
http://www.guttercleaningsystems.co.uk
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Im going to invest in a gutter vac. Some questions to those who have them.
Does a 1400w do the job, or should i go bigger (will be for domestic only)
Do you use a genny or custies electric?
On an average 3 bed semi, 3 lengths of gutters, no bushes growing out of them, how long inc set up and down? Also what prices are you getting for them?
Anyone tried canvassing or leafleting for gutter cleans, or do you just service your window customers?
All info greatly recieved ;)
This is where you can get all the help and advice for gutter cleaning system.
http://www.guttercleaningsystems.co.uk
i have one from this company, not enough power and poles too heavy! >:(
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We used the 1500w clark machine for a couple of jobs, and it did well. The advantage of using a lower wattage machine is you can make do with a smaller generator ( we used a 2.8 kva honda ),
If you are going for the bigger machine ie 3kw or over you are going to need a genny that weighs over 85 kg !
Regarding the poles ...... if you can afford it you should go for the carbon fibre, as they are a lot lighter.
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I'm wondering, if I was to door knock say a couple of hours a night, I think on average could pick a 2 cleans a night.
What do you think?
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Personally I don't think a 1400w is enough power when i started I had a 2400w thought it was great at the time but when I upgraded to a 3000w I really noticed the difference mainly in the amount of time saved.
I always use my generator
Time really can vary depending on access & amount of muck in gutter but if its a clear run all round then about 25-30 mins
I pick up work through my flyers.
canvassing may work better with an inspection camera and offer a free gutter inspection. iv'e not tried it as I cant stand canvassing.
Regards Mark
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Personally I don't think a 1400w is enough power when i started I had a 2400w thought it was great at the time but when I upgraded to a 3000w I really noticed the difference mainly in the amount of time saved.
I always use my generator
Time really can vary depending on access & amount of muck in gutter but if its a clear run all round then about 25-30 mins
I pick up work through my flyers.
canvassing may work better with an inspection camera and offer a free gutter inspection. iv'e not tried it as I cant stand canvassing.
Regards Mark
Which generator do you use, and do you leave it in the van ?
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Personally I don't think a 1400w is enough power when i started I had a 2400w thought it was great at the time but when I upgraded to a 3000w I really noticed the difference mainly in the amount of time saved.
I always use my generator
Time really can vary depending on access & amount of muck in gutter but if its a clear run all round then about 25-30 mins
I pick up work through my flyers.
canvassing may work better with an inspection camera and offer a free gutter inspection. iv'e not tried it as I cant stand canvassing.
Regards Mark
Which generator do you use, and do you leave it in the van ?
I have a 5 kva honda generator to be honest it really wants to be a 6kva for the 3000w vac as the vac runs slightly better from the mains.
and yes I have it mounted in the van and carry 2 45 meter extension leads. very very rarely use both leads the 1 is usually enough.
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Do you ever use customers electric mark?
Those gennys cost a fortune!
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If I was getting commercial work probably get bigger machine and genny, but I think for residential work the smaller 1500 machine is better suited ( especially with the size and weight , as you can keep it in the van along with the wfp gear).
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Do you ever use customers electric mark?
Those gennys cost a fortune!
very rarely if they offer and have easy access power point outside or in garage then i do but 99% of the time i use the genny.
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for me personally and my own experiences
1400w is fine for domestic work as this is what i use
i use a genny as i can then clean when customer not in and don't have to organise the job around them also with the vac only being 1400w the genny i use is easy manageable by myself lifting in and out of the van.
For a house you describe i would say it roughly takes about an hour maybe slightly less (i dont rush) as for price i would say about £50-60 for that size house, i do have a £45 min charge.
ive never done door to door leaflets for just guttering, for my window customers its on my windows cleaned tickets so they see i do the service from that.
In winter if its raining or i have free time, i go door knocking with my camera system offering gutter inspections for £10 and if they have any work done i take the survey fee off the price for the gutter clean (this can work very well)
No matter what size gutter vac you use they are not a magic wand and there will always be the odd job where ladders will still be needed for say a badly blocked downpipe etc but i would say 85% of the gutter cleaning i do is all done with the vac only.
Good and accurate post IMO - I have the clarke one and as an entry level it is fine. Plus a genny I got from lidls which is 2400watts - works fine.
But it's just an add-on - if it was my main work I'd go beefier vac and genny with carbon poles.
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Just recieved my poles this week looking forward to using them next week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofoHVFfgVKs
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Just recieved my poles this week looking forward to using them next week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofoHVFfgVKs
be interesting to know how much 'flex' you get with that silicone bend as sometime you need to 'dig out' weeds which is quite easy with a solid 135 deg bend and i would get some thumb screws fitted to the clamps so you dont need a spanner
Darran
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Thanks for the advice i like the idea of the thumb screws , it is hard rubbber so hopefully works ok
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Just recieved my poles this week looking forward to using them next week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofoHVFfgVKs
be interesting to know how much 'flex' you get with that silicone bend as sometime you need to 'dig out' weeds which is quite easy with a solid 135 deg bend and i would get some thumb screws fitted to the clamps so you dont need a spanner
Darran
Hi Darran there is a little bit of flex in the silicone bend which I find useful. when using them on a straight run there is no flex at all, but when you get into the corners you can get it to flex slightly which helps get a better angle. also downpipes with a bit of pressure and manoeuvring you have the movement to get the nozzle into the downpipe.
as for the clamps I have been looking into hand grips its just finding one big enough to get the pressure to tighten properly.
that's why we recommend using the nut spinner. I don't find it slows me down at all I can set up and pack away a complete 20ft set in under 3 minutes.
Regards Mark
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Just recieved my poles this week looking forward to using them next week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofoHVFfgVKs
Great video Mark.
I look forward to seeing the video of you using them.
regards Mark
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not the best video as it is not easy to record a guttering video as it is high to see much and i work on my own , this video i popped round a mates who took a video of me out of his window.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qOny8z6J8w
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Fair comment mark - i used some from old angle adaptors when converted them to flip- fast ;)
am i right in thinking your poles are 'modular' rather than telescopic as per omnivac ?? - if so do you have them
swaged out over 2" diameter ? ( to lazy to trawl through vid's etc... )
Darran
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Fair comment mark - i used some from old angle adaptors when converted them to flip- fast ;)
am i right in thinking your poles are 'modular' rather than telescopic as per omnivac ?? - if so do you have them
swaged out over 2" diameter ? ( to lazy to trawl through vid's etc... )
Darran
Hi Darran, yes they are modular my poles are 50mm diameter swagged down to 48mm.
Regards mark
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cheers Mark
why did you decide to reduce the od rather than expand so the tude sits inside ??
Darran
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cheers Mark
why did you decide to reduce the od rather than expand so the tude sits inside ??
Darran
Basically this is how they come from my supplier. the tube is only 1.3mm thick so hardly any internal lip and with my instruction sheet I recommend that the un-swagged pole is at the bottom so the taper is always facing down. that way you don't get any of the fine grit between the poles.
Regards Mark
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I use a power washer and gutter vac. I do not own a gennie so I have a few 3 metre leads that I drop off at customers and get then to plug in the day I will come to do the gutter and leave it through closed window. I have never had a problem with me using there electric all other home maintenance guys use the owner`s electric. Each lead has a plastic case with a hole for the wires to come through and also have a pilot light.The lid of this case has instructions on for the customer.
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Hi Mark
Best price for 6 sections of poles and clamps delivered mate
cheers Phil.
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It's ok i just bought the 20ft setup off your website if you could post asap that would be appreciated thanks.
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It's ok i just bought the 20ft setup off your website if you could post asap that would be appreciated thanks.
will be sent on a next day service tomorrow so you will have them on Monday
Regards Mark
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Does anyone use a 3000w vac without a genny? i.e. use custys electric?
Ita a lot of dosh to pay out with a genny as well!!
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Has anyone tried using 32mm pipe as gutter pipes using a 1400 w vac
on domestic gutters and if so did it work ok
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Does anyone use a 3000w vac without a genny? i.e. use custys electric?
Ita a lot of dosh to pay out with a genny as well!!
Hi Mick i have a 3000w and bought a genny to run only used it once i still use custys electric on all jobs just bought the genny incase like i may have a job on some flats were the tenants have not phoned but the maitainance manager so i will tip up and use genny were as if it was 1 of the tenants then i would of asked to plug me in.
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Has anyone tried using 32mm pipe as gutter pipes using a 1400 w vac
on domestic gutters and if so did it work ok
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only ever used 50mm and even that gets clogged so 32mm i'd think you would be constantly stopping and starting to unblock but maybe someone knows different.
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not the best video as it is not easy to record a guttering video as it is high to see much and i work on my own , this video i popped round a mates who took a video of me out of his window.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qOny8z6J8w
what is the power of your vac mate?
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twin 2400 watts
http://www.numatic.co.uk/products4.aspx?id=63&r=6&sr=13
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Got my Clarke gutter vac delivered this wk, had her out on my first job the day on a 4 bedroom detached with 3 dorm windows, it didn't disappoint!
Brilliant piece of kit for all it cost, it was pulling out clumps of grass with roots attached no problem. It's very compact and you get away with a small genny, I can easily fit the vac, fittings and poles plus the genny along with all my wfp gear and tank into a swb transit no problem.
A gutter vac is def a worthwhile investment, I've picked up a few more customers showing them a video I took off it at work already. It's just soo much more professional looking and that alone will win you custom.
Can anyone please help me find a decent inspection camera? Any links to sites that sell em please?
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Got my Clarke gutter vac delivered this wk, had her out on my first job the day on a 4 bedroom detached with 3 dorm windows, it didn't disappoint!
Brilliant piece of kit for all it cost, it was pulling out clumps of grass with roots attached no problem. It's very compact and you get away with a small genny, I can easily fit the vac, fittings and poles plus the genny along with all my wfp gear and tank into a swb transit no problem.
A gutter vac is def a worthwhile investment, I've picked up a few more customers showing them a video I took off it at work already. It's just soo much more professional looking and that alone will win you custom.
Can anyone please help me find a decent inspection camera? Any links to sites that sell em please?
Hi, how much can you charge for a 4 bedroom house is it a good side earner to window cleaning?
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I charged £170, it was actually the missus who called up to price it and pulled the figure out of the air i reckon :D! Gona have to start working out a rough price per metre for the future.
Got the house and the garages gutter cleared then gutters and fascia cleaned plus house and garage windows done in around 7 hrs mate so it worked out not far off the £25 an hr mark, not bad for working over here in ulster, very good in fact. I'm sure with experience il be working alot faster.
Anyone else any tips on pricing?
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I charged £170, it was actually the missus who called up to price it and pulled the figure out of the air i reckon :D! Gona have to start working out a rough price per metre for the future.
Got the house and the garages gutter cleared then gutters and fascia cleaned plus house and garage windows done in around 7 hrs mate so it worked out not far off the £25 an hr mark, not bad for working over here in ulster, very good in fact. I'm sure with experience il be working alot faster.
Anyone else any tips on pricing?
Can I ask how long was you using the vac for before the external cleaning?
Regards Mark
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Got my Clarke gutter vac delivered this wk, had her out on my first job the day on a 4 bedroom detached with 3 dorm windows, it didn't disappoint!Brilliant piece of kit for all it cost, it was pulling out clumps of grass with roots attached no problem. It's very compact and you get away with a small genny, I can easily fit the vac, fittings and poles plus the genny along with all my wfp gear and tank into a swb transit no problem.
A gutter vac is def a worthwhile investment, I've picked up a few more customers showing them a video I took off it at work already. It's just soo much more professional looking and that alone will win you custom.
Can anyone please help me find a decent inspection camera? Any links to sites that sell em please?
not enough power believe me and the poles are too heavy!
if you get gutters very dirty or above a conservatory, it is a nightmare!
i have the clarke too but can't wait to sell it and buy a proper guttervac! ;)