Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: replacement on July 10, 2004, 07:48:21 pm

Title: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 10, 2004, 07:48:21 pm: Gutter Clean and Pressure Washing with a Water Fed Pole.

In my new chapter I am going through Gutter cleaning and Pressure Washing with a Water Fed Pole. Believe it or not with this system you can clean a 60 ft of gutter within 10 minutes, yes I was shocked at how quick it was and so will you be. It took longer for me to set-up and pack away than it did to clean the gutter.

What you Need!!

Well there are a few things that you will need to carry out these jobs, which are listed below.

Omnipole 24ft
Pressure Washer (1800 psi)
Hose Pipe 50m
Attachments i.e. Gutter, Jet’s, Jet attachment.
Pressure washer Hose.
Pressure Trigger for Pole.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/equipment.JPG)

Reason an Omnipole is I now of no other Wfp that can be used for some much, if there is a supplier that provides these type of poles then please say.

Set-up.

The Pressure Washer Trigger for the pole is abit of a sod to get on, I would strongly suggest to place this on either the day before you do these jobs, it has taken me up to 30 mins to place this on the pole. Until they come up with some easy clip on/off part for the trigger there is no other way.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/handle.JPG)

Once on the trigger gun is very good indeed. What we need to do now is connect it all up, which is rather simple indeed. I have not done any pictures or will I explain how to set it up as its rather easy to place a hose on the pressure washer and the hose’s onto the gun on the pole, then turn the tap on and start the pressure washer. But if you need help with this part then please ask!

One thing we need to do is make sure we have the right jet on. The jets come in a pack. Each has its own special feature. Pencil jet, Spraying jet, Spray with Soap jet. The best jet to use for this will be the spray jet, which is the white one. We place this on the Gutter attachment, which is a put back and clip in really easy. The gutter attachment is the curved one; this easer gets placed into the pole end like the brushes when you clean windows. The pressure hose goes up the pipe.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/jets.JPG)
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 10, 2004, 07:48:52 pm: Total set-up time was approx 15 mins.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/before.JPG)

This is what the gutter looks like before we clean it.

Technique.

Well there is a certain way to clean gutter with a wfp. My first attempt I had it pouring over the sides down the walls, oh dear. Anyway the technique you will need to use will get you wet so get some waterproofs.

Once you get the system running you need to place your gutter attachment into the gutter and press that trigger, with a angle of approx 40 degrees and walking slow towards the down pipe all the rubbish will be blasted from the gutter into the down pipe.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/angle.JPG)

Some will come over the top in some form of spray and will cover you.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/me.JPG)

The picture does not really show the real story I had bits all over me in my hair on my face I was covered.

Once finished the inside of the gutter it is important that the outside is cleaned. Just change the gutter attachment with the jet washing attachment and clean under the gutter. Keep with the white spraying jet for best results.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/upside.JPG)

Important Notice

You must have that angle when doing the gutter otherwise none will be removed from it and will stay nearly in the same place or be sprayed all over the place. You have been warned.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/fig.JPG)

The Result’s.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/after.JPG)

This took me the time it took to walk slowly from one end to the other. All the rubbish has been remove apart from some small parts here and there. Due to the gutter not flowing towards the down pipe there is some water left in the gutter as well. But overall I think you can see what the results are. I did some gutter a few months back via ladder same size as my home and it took two of us 2 hrs and was a right pain moving the ladder and going up and down all the time. It took me longer to set-up and pack away then it did to clean this.
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: WavieDavie on July 10, 2004, 09:42:04 pm: Justin, try this

http://www.northerntooluk.com/product/search.asp?k=&i=221555&action=search&x=8&y=7

it doesn't show a picture, but you could ask for their catalogue which has one. Issue 136 page 27

The blurb says that it attaches to all three of their telescoping wands but you could ask if it fits others. Either that or go to a fishing tackle shop and kid on you're going sharking!

Hope this helps

ALSO
Any chance of asking Omnipole if they could design a gutter attachment which has a 90^o twist in the U so that instead of pulling it back towards you at the 40^o and getting splashout from the gutter on you, you would be walking with the pole in front of you and the spray going the same way.

Does that make sense?
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: pjulk on July 10, 2004, 09:54:26 pm: Do you get any trouble with the downpipes getting blocked,
The reason i ask is i have done quite a few gutters where they are just full of leaves and sludge
And would be a bit worried they might block the downpipe.

Anyway great article i have saved the pdf version
Keep up the good work

Paul
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 10, 2004, 10:28:33 pm: Davie,
Thanks for the link ill take a look at them thank you. As for the attachement the other way i think that could be good idea. There was abit coming over but it was more spray and small parts.

Paul,
If i could have undone the downpipe i would have put a net over it to get all the crap. But with the pressure of the washer i would thought this would be alot powerfull enough to push that away.

Justin
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: WavieDavie on July 11, 2004, 12:33:33 am: As for the attachement the other way i think that could be good idea.

Right. That's the Research + Development done then. Do you think Glyn will pass us ~~10%~~ 20% on future sales? ;)
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: pjulk on July 11, 2004, 12:49:08 am: Justin

Thanks for the reply

I think i will start doing it your way a heck of a lot easier

Paul
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 11, 2004, 02:02:45 am: Alan,
Its made of Aircraft alloy. Can be found here http://www.omnipole.com/omnipoles.htm

Paul,
yes i was totally shocked how fast it was, last time i did gutter this lenght it took me 1hr each side and it was two of us. So the time saving and just me on my own the profit margin really does go higher. Might even lower my price and do a special advert for this service on its own.

What i like best about it my pole is also a Water Fed Pole for window cleaning and with the excellent add ons that Omnipole do i can convert that window cleaning stick into this power pole for all other jobs. There is no other WFP supplier i know that has the same attachments as Omnipole.

Anyway ill let you make up your own mind.

Justin
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: elfords on July 11, 2004, 05:36:51 pm: Justin,

Good post, was thinking as an option what about blowing the crap from the gutter away from the down pipe so you do not get the possible problem of blocking the down pipe which of course is the most important part of the gutter system after initially blasting the down pipe to ensure it is clear. I think it would be worth considering, the only problem I see of course is that all the crap would be blown out of the gutter and you need to be careful where it all ends up but at least you do not risk blocking down pipe, you could also take the end capp off of gutter if it is safe to do so from a ladder to enable crap to drain away
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 11, 2004, 05:47:56 pm: I had alook this morning again at the gutter as it looked like there was more bits than i thought on my pictures. Anyway it was not and was only flaky paint from the sides in the gutter.

(http://www.squeakyclean4u.com/gutter/bothpaint.JPG)

Anyway hope that helps.

Justin
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 11, 2004, 05:51:01 pm: Gary,
Blowing it the other way would make it go everywhere all over the sides and make a real mess, as there will not be anywhere where it could flow. You can always remove the downpipe and place a net over it to collect all the crap. There is some parts that come over the top but when you clean the underside its pretty easy to just jet this off. I was and still am shocked at how fast it was. But this method is not for everyone, but if you want to increase profit margin then this is the way to do it.

Alan,
I dont like giving prices over the forum, you can allwasy phone Omnipole there number is 020-8405-6782 ask for Mark or Glyn.

Justin
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: cameron on July 12, 2004, 08:07:21 pm: hi,
interesting to see the pressure trigger fitted to the pole. have been wondering for a while if its feasable to use one for normal window cleaning as a method of switching water on and off as well as an aid to holding the pole. Anyone tried this and does it work?
Regards,
Cameron
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 13, 2004, 06:28:10 pm: I dont think you can, i just crip the end of mine.

Justin
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: elfords on July 14, 2004, 12:28:47 am: Cameron,

I have been using a basic full flow valve which is attached directly to the poles quite successfully for around four years now. It allows you to control the flow with the pole still in your hand which is what I think your after. When I get a chance I will try and do some photo`s to send you.
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: sabreman on July 14, 2004, 12:38:24 am: Elfords.Does this not have a detrimental effect on the pump at all? I would be really interested to see some pics. :)
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: elfords on July 14, 2004, 01:07:33 am: Sabreman,

not at all, and as I said it is well road tested, its only a basic valve nothing fancy but enables you to control the rate and shut off/on at the place you need it the pole
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: cameron on July 14, 2004, 06:16:47 pm: Gary,
Thanks. Would be very interested in your photos if you get a chance.
Regards,
Cameron
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 17, 2004, 02:11:50 pm: Yeah get some pictures up, ill like to see that.

Justin
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: Old_Master on July 17, 2004, 03:50:35 pm: Hi all
yes an inline pressure trigger can be used on the PowerPole to control flow and turn water supply on and off. Instead of the high pressure quick connects - 1/8 " low pressure quick connects are used.
It is a total matter of preferance - Our Window cleaning supervisor didnt like the set up he felt the pole was more awkward to control especialy if you are holding the pole quite high. Other members of staff thought it was great. It is not detrimental to the pumps we use.
Glyn
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: billozz on July 23, 2004, 12:44:47 am: this is a great idea for guttering...can i just ask do you have a seperate pressure washer , or is the omnipole a pressurised system anyway. also what did your omnipole system cost to buy
regards
bill osborne
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: choice.clean on July 27, 2004, 07:48:16 am: might seem obvious but how do you connect that pressure washer to the omnipole hose i bought the parts barring the pole but can,t get lavor pressure washer to fit the omnipole line i will phone them today as there are no instructions with the kit shame as this is where most of these wfp suppliers fall down would be nice if someone got around to the computer and did some typing. :(any way any help would be appreciated
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 27, 2004, 09:51:24 am: Sounds like you need the attachment for the hose too gun, just phone them and i am sure they put in the post straight away. Then all your problems will be sloved.

I got some fasica and gutter to cleaning today ;)

BIll,
Yes you need a pressure washer.

Justin
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: Doug_Redfarn on July 27, 2004, 09:57:52 am: Justin, I read the reviews of that petrol pressure washer & it looks good, especially the price. How much petrol does it hold, and and long does it last before refilling?

Cheers,

Doug.
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on July 27, 2004, 04:03:45 pm: Not sure how much it holds, but it runs for approx 1hr before filling which is enought for most jobs. Also pop into your local Makro's as i seen them in there for £129 + Vat which will save you some money, only saw them there a few days after i brought mine :(

Justin
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: gordonswindows on July 29, 2004, 01:16:04 am: Dear Justin
what a great idea for cleaning gutters
i have two questions
1) does all the dirt go down the drainpipe?
2) who unclogs the drain pipe?
me?
i clean the gutter and bag up all the dirt and rubbish and take it away and dispose of it ,carefully, correctly and proffesionally
cheers
gordon
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: choice.clean on July 31, 2004, 10:27:06 am: I bought the gutter clean kit from omnipole and used it for the first time yesterday so here is some feedback
1. omnipole had to send me additional connectors as the pole did not fit onto my pressure washer so make sure it does.
2. it took 2 weeks for omnipole to get the kit too me there courier let them down seriously but keep that in mind as if your lining work up you need to know you can get the kit from them.
3. makro is the best place to get the pressure washer same as justins it works well
4. the pressure washer hose will melt on the engine if it touches i have got a leak from this and a new hose is about £30.
5. the biggest problem is that the gutter debris goes everywhere i.e. all down the side of the house so you end up washing the sides of the house down. one house took us 3 hours to do that was 3 men.
6. my solution is too put the price up i.e. next door asked me so i multiplied price by 3x you really need access to mains water to wash the walls down with a hose pipe and nozzle after the blasting.
7. took the ladder off on the first gutter cleaned and had a look the results are really good but be aware of the mess.
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: classic on August 01, 2004, 09:19:49 pm: has any one used an industrial wet & dry vacum cleaner with an extended hose for gutter cleaning ?????
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: replacement on August 01, 2004, 10:31:33 pm: 5. the biggest problem is that the gutter debris goes everywhere i.e. all down the side of the house so you end up washing the sides of the house down. one house took us 3 hours to do that was 3 men.

You did not angle it right, other wise you would not have had that happen. I cant see why it took you 3 hrs either, this is a 5min job once setup so easy. You do get some come over i must admit, but this was all in my How Too.

Change your angle and you will not have it come over the side like you said. As i had this untill i sorted out a proper angle to do this 40 degree approx will be sweet.

Justin

Ps Pratice a few times and your get the angle right and you will be impressed with the results and the time saved.
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: poleman on August 02, 2004, 01:16:45 am: well got the same pressure washer TODAY from Makro's and it is NOW GONE DOWN IN PRICE £99 + vat :D

Andy
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: poleman on August 02, 2004, 02:03:58 am: dont no tim only got the pressure washer today still in its box had a long day 185 miles :'( and dont have a pole to go with it yet but looking a round so will let you know when i do ;)

Andy
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: choice.clean on August 05, 2004, 02:14:18 am: one thing i do find is that the pressure trigger is not much use with the pressure washer as the pressure overides the switch also the hose sup-plied by omnipole looks like it will kink up before long not the best quality
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: Old_Master on August 05, 2004, 01:10:26 pm: Hi Choice
The hose we supply is ultra light weight pressure hose selected for its weight and is rated at 1800 psi.
I am not sure what you mean when you say the pressure gun is not much good this is a Suttner linear pressure gun, Suttner are the industry leaders if you have a problem with the gun please contact our office.
I am not sure what you mean when you say the pressure overides the switch, please could you explain.
Thanks
Glyn
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: choice.clean on August 06, 2004, 10:23:41 am: it doesn,t make any difference whether i pull th trigger or not same amount of water comes out of the spray nozzle in other words it doesn,ty stop the flow ps still not received any instructions also isthere any quick release fitting for pressure washer to trigger as it is a real pain getting a spanner out for each job
Title: Re: Gutter Clean with a WFP??
Post by: Old_Master on August 06, 2004, 05:35:05 pm: Choice
I dont think you have fitted the gun correctly, or somehow you have managed to bypass the gun it is totally impossible for the water to flow if the trigger isnt depressed.
If you want to send your pole and the gun to us we will fit it for you.
Incidently what pole are you using?
Glyn