Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Steve Sed on December 12, 2012, 02:27:23 pm
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Last two winters I wasn't quite so dependent on money from window cleaning as I had another business. Now I only really work pt, but it pays a ft income. So... I really do need to get out tomorrow.
Am I better bringing in hose, trolley and reel in or running a fan heater into the van.
My real isue is that although in the cold two weeks ago I kept everything frost free, as soon as I got to work the water froze in the pole. Then I brought everything in to thaw in the morning. I didn't bring the reel in last time.
Temperarures are predicted at -1 until lunch time.
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I should add that I have minibore hose.
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Fill your barrels now & put them in the house up against the radiators. They won't get hot, but they should get warm enough to allow you to work tomorrow.
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The fan heater in the van is what I do.
Ideally you want a fan heater with thermostatic control. I only put mine on a low setting, you don't need to have it on full blast.
All you are aiming to do is keep the van temperature at above 1 or 2 degrees to stop everything freezing up overnight.
It's also reasonably cheap to run a heater when it's on a low setting.
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Fill your barrels now & put them in the house up against the radiators. They won't get hot, but they should get warm enough to allow you to work tomorrow.
I don't use barrels anymore other than carrying extra water. I have a 250l tank and atm use the trolley as a van mount. I guess my question is more how do I keep my water flowing tomorrow and if everything is toatie in the van as opposed to just thawed will that keep me going?
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The fan heater in the van is what I do.
Ideally you want a fan heater with thermostatic control. I only put mine on a low setting, you don't need to have it on full blast.
All you are aiming to do is keep the van temperature at above 1 or 2 degrees to stop everything freezing up overnight.
It's also reasonably cheap to run a heater when it's on a low setting.
How do you stop the water freezing in the hose once you are out?
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What you need is a tank full of hot water, this is in every sense, a radiator, it will keep frozen poles working. If you can't fill straight from the hot tap, get a 27 in 3000kw immerser in the tank. If you still freeze up, it's too cold, go home.
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The fan heater in the van is what I do.
Ideally you want a fan heater with thermostatic control. I only put mine on a low setting, you don't need to have it on full blast.
All you are aiming to do is keep the van temperature at above 1 or 2 degrees to stop everything freezing up overnight.
It's also reasonably cheap to run a heater when it's on a low setting.
How do you stop the water freezing in the hose once you are out?
I use a cold system Steve and a little tip for when it's really cold is to keep your water running.
Even just a slight dribble should stop the water freezing in the hose.
And don't stop the flow and leave the pole/brush stood against something cold.
If the jets in the brush freeze up you can defrost them with some warm water.
If it's too cold..................go home. ;D
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I'd put a heater in the van on frost setting. Also, take the pressure out of your hoses (plug the pole into the reel & turn it on without the pump being switched on, let it flow 'til it's a dribble). When you start in the morning have your pole plugged into the hose and turn it on as you bring what you need out of the van. Like Andy said keep it flowing before your pipes hit the ground and you should be ok.
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keep it flowing before your pipes hit the ground and you should be ok.
That bit is key I guess. BEFORE the pipes hit the ground.
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worked all this week and no problems,1st job yesterday it was -5
better to keep heater in van,as said leave water running if you have to stop,even recycle the watre back in to the tank.
also use pencil jets as you got less chance of the nozzle freezing up than fan jets.
work like damn and dont stop for nothing ;D ;D ;D ;D
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looking at forcast looks like its going to warm up a bit at weekend in manchester , its not been as bad as last year .
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Friday is due to be warmer, but raining.
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What you need is a tank full of hot water, this is in every sense, a radiator, it will keep frozen poles working. If you can't fill straight from the hot tap, get a 27 in 3000kw immerser in the tank. If you still freeze up, it's too cold, go home.
can u tell me more about this? where can i get one and how much?
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Hey Robby b, I’d love to see the lights dim in Lanarkshire when you turn on that 3000kw immersion heater.
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We have a 4ft green house heater. IP65 rated I think, low wattage so cheap to run 20-30p a night!
Better than and safer than fan heater. Keeps van perfect, didn't even gave to scrape any ice off windscreen as all toasty! £20 we'll spent.
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We have a 4ft green house heater. IP65 rated I think, low wattage so cheap to run 20-30p a night!
Better than and safer than fan heater. Keeps van perfect, didn't even gave to scrape any ice off windscreen as all toasty! £20 we'll spent.
Have you got a link to it? I've a greenhouse heater but i'm always worried about condensation drips...
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What you need is a tank full of hot water, this is in every sense, a radiator, it will keep frozen poles working. If you can't fill straight from the hot tap, get a 27 in 3000kw immerser in the tank. If you still freeze up, it's too cold, go home.
can u tell me more about this? where can i get one and how much?
One of these http://www.screwfix.com/p/immersion-heater-copper-element-27/53858 Loads of us have them fitted in the tank. Someone on here has a step by step photographed fitting instruction. Do a search, it's on here somewhere.
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use the trolly as a trolly if the water is feezing in the hose
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use the trolly as a trolly if the water is feezing in the hose
That is my back up plan. Hoping to God I don't have to.
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We have a 4ft green house heater. IP65 rated I think, low wattage so cheap to run 20-30p a night!
Better than and safer than fan heater. Keeps van perfect, didn't even gave to scrape any ice off windscreen as all toasty! £20 we'll spent.
Have you got a link to it? I've a greenhouse heater but i'm always worried about condensation drips...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380516555123
Heats up nice and quick and just checked on van and its all nice and warm inside. Doent over heat the van just right inside.
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What do you then, leave a window slightly open to allow access for the cable?
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What do you then, leave a window slightly open to allow access for the cable?
Nah rear doors on vivaro have rubber seal in middle at back so Doors shut van locked, easy ;)
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Thanks for all the above advice. The two key bits I reckon were keeping water flowing and draining hose between jobs. I worked from 8-4 and earned as much as Richywilts team of two did the other day with 1/2 hour for lunch. ;D
I was a bit slower than usual and used a bit more water, but feeling dead pleased with myself.
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Good on yer Steve, well done m8 :D
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Sorry, but there is no God. Haven't you learnt that yet?