Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: tigger on November 10, 2008, 03:23:06 pm

Title: gutter vac
Post by: tigger on November 10, 2008, 03:23:06 pm
Does anyone know what the best gutter vacuum is on the market and where i could get one .
Cheers
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 10, 2008, 03:48:17 pm
How many are there on the market? I think you know the answer to your question.  ;)

http://www.omni-guttervac.com/
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Mr H on November 10, 2008, 03:48:47 pm
Omnivac from www.omni-guttervac.com/

Or DIY a system:-
www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=51156.0

Ionics Upkeeper is over priced, under height and many bad reports on it....

Regards
Mr H
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 10, 2008, 03:55:29 pm
Mr H you'r too fast for me.

I was having a prod around my vac today and have to admit the build quality is hardly robust. How's yours standing up to abuse? I think some of the plastic will split pretty easily on the clamps and the supports for the drum where it tilts.
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: STEVE-UK on November 10, 2008, 04:14:20 pm
the clamps on the 48ft suction pole are just hose clips which are fine, but the bit that you hold to adjust the clamps just falls out when working or when putting poles in van or even just adjusting by hand, im having to tighten the clamps up with pliers at the mo, ive now got about 4 missing an waiting for new ones from omnipole, not really impressed at what, about £500 just for the pole?

has this happened to anyone else?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 10, 2008, 04:28:57 pm
Um i meant the vacuum unit - diy. (i haven't got a pole) but interesting anyway thanks.
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Mr H on November 10, 2008, 04:48:02 pm
Mr H you'r too fast for me.

I was having a prod around my vac today and have to admit the build quality is hardly robust. How's yours standing up to abuse? I think some of the plastic will split pretty easily on the clamps and the supports for the drum where it tilts.

Mine fine...... Its the same as Omnivac use so should take the knocks.
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: STEVE-UK on November 10, 2008, 06:33:16 pm
the vac seems ok but mine says 3300 watt on it not 3600 as advertised
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: billyc on November 10, 2008, 07:09:01 pm
Steve

I have exactly the same problems with the hose clips - not very robust - i am having to screw driver at the mo..



Regards

Billy
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 10, 2008, 07:59:22 pm
What i have noticed whilst spying on the guttervac site  :o they have some quite snazzy looking connectors and collars etc for their attatchments eg. for fitting a brush head or fitting a gutter spike or fitting a pad/brush on a thicker section of pole. Look well engineered and thought out.
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: drive surgeon on November 10, 2008, 08:02:47 pm
omnipole  ;D com
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: drive surgeon on November 10, 2008, 08:04:58 pm
does not sound much cop this gutter system?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: billyc on November 10, 2008, 08:33:27 pm
I would say that - now getting a return on my investment -

the system is still being developed and i for one am glad i took the plunge.

Regards

Billy
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 10, 2008, 09:55:46 pm
Its a no brainer - Gutter clearing is recession proof.  Omnipole is by far the best system - and it gets better day by day  ;D
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Glyn H on November 10, 2008, 10:49:43 pm
Tuckerpole were happy to use virtually  the same style clamps as us for about 45 years before they made changes and launched a new clamp about a year ago and even then I understand only in the UK.
The new diameter tubes we use are only 15 months old, we are looking at improving the clamps but to do this is a very large investment. The clamps we use have a thumb plate and these do come off however the clamp may still be tightened by using either a screw driver or a socket or a spanner.

I attended a meeting today to discuss at having designs and moulds made for the very purpose of improving the clamping mechanism.

A clamp is not a simple devise their are so many ways a clamp can grip, most WFP clamps only pinch on one edge, the best method is  all round clamping pressure, which is what our clamp achieves.

Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: *Derek* on November 10, 2008, 11:00:23 pm
I gave the tubes on my system a complete over haul. Put in new grub screws and and jubilee clips. I now carry a 8mm socket and 3/8 drive rachet. (similar to Kev) Way better and stonger than thumb screw.

The more you look after your system the better it performs ie cleaning making few diy bits etc..

I spent at least an hour each week to clean inside of poles and renew clips that make have weakened during work.

Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: jouk45 on November 10, 2008, 11:10:05 pm
gardiners do a really good gutter vac,
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Industrial_Vacuums_and_Fittings.html
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 11, 2008, 07:45:30 am
gardiners do a really good gutter vac,
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Industrial_Vacuums_and_Fittings.html

He sells an industrial Vacuum  ;)
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: poles apart on November 11, 2008, 08:17:54 am
gardiners do a really good gutter vac,
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Industrial_Vacuums_and_Fittings.html

He sells an industrial Vacuum  ;)
As opposed to............?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Glyn H on November 11, 2008, 08:47:53 am
Quote
As opposed to............?


A patent pending complete system designed to clean gutters, beams, etc. with a large range of accesories to tackle any size gutters.

Is a fishing pole the same as the SL2 or a Billygoat leaf sweeper the same as an Upkeeper?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Chris Galloway on November 11, 2008, 09:39:00 am
If you want a cheap DIY "make it over the course of a week or so while parts turn up,  fiddle with it over the course of another week or so", gutter vac system then use the industrial vac from gardiners or wherever you want to source a industrial wet/dry vac from,.

Otherwise buy a omnivac which is a complete system with accessories, back to base (im assuming) warranties and help on using it and spares etc via the telephone from the company that makes/supplies it.
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 11, 2008, 05:42:08 pm
If you want a cheap DIY "make it over the course of a week or so while parts turn up,  fiddle with it over the course of another week or so", gutter vac system then use the industrial vac from gardiners or wherever you want to source a industrial wet/dry vac from,.

Otherwise buy a omnivac which is a complete system with accessories, back to base (im assuming) warranties and help on using it and spares etc via the telephone from the company that makes/supplies it.

Well said that man  ;D
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: STEVE-UK on November 11, 2008, 07:13:57 pm
ive got a job with box gutter with a lip and brackets every foot ,does omnipole do a tool or has anyone made one up?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 11, 2008, 07:27:50 pm
Omnipole  do a extended tool - Keith has just made me one, for this very job. Give him a call and get him to make you one  ;D
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: STEVE-UK on November 11, 2008, 07:33:23 pm
cheers kev i will give them a call in the morning  ;)

do you think the tool will get under the lip?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 11, 2008, 07:52:30 pm
cheers kev i will give them a call in the morning  ;)

do you think the tool will get under the lip?

Yes it will, its at a 45 degree angle and is about 18 inches long. It also fits to the top of the pole (and does not need the looped tube) I have added a picture to show you -the angle is shallower and  the tube part is longer but it will give you an idea of what I mean. Once the tool is in the gutter you can move the tool from left to right by rotating the pole slightly from left to right, and the tip will go under the lip.

It will also allow you to suck under the bars, but you will need to be careful when removing the tool so the bars don't catch it.

I find with this type of guttering a pressure jet after using the vac will help to make sure your all clear

Hope that helps  ;D


Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: STEVE-UK on November 11, 2008, 08:26:11 pm
Got that one already kev ;)

i think for these gutters it needs to come down into the gutter straight but have an angle section coming of that so as you twist it should cover all the gutter
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: drive surgeon on November 11, 2008, 08:50:22 pm
is it worth buying this system for just domestic gutters?  as im quiet in thwe winter, i really need more work as pressure washing is slow, im struggling :'( :'(

how do you clean gutters if the house has a conservatory or extension?  do you have to reach the pole over it to the gutter?  i bet it kills your arms?   can anyone advise me whether i should buy it or not?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 11, 2008, 09:01:00 pm
Have you tried pressure washing gutters? Some guys on here do it quite successfully. Bit of a skill i would imagine.
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 11, 2008, 09:04:28 pm
Got that one already kev ;)

i think for these gutters it needs to come down into the gutter straight but have an angle section coming of that so as you twist it should cover all the gutter

Do you have the longer one - not the one in the picture - the longer one?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 11, 2008, 09:06:27 pm
Have you tried pressure washing gutters? Some guys on here do it quite successfully. Bit of a skill i would imagine.

Fine if you like making a mess - Ok on domestic but you cant go flushing loads of crap down a down pipe as it blocks drains and soak-a-ways
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 11, 2008, 09:09:04 pm
is it worth buying this system for just domestic gutters?  as im quiet in thwe winter, i really need more work as pressure washing is slow, im struggling :'( :'(

how do you clean gutters if the house has a conservatory or extension?  do you have to reach the pole over it to the gutter?  i bet it kills your arms?   can anyone advise me whether i should buy it or not?

If you read all the past posts on gutter cleaning on this forum it will give you an idea.

Will gutter cleaning fill the gap in your work - depends on you and your marketing is the simple answer  ;)
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 11, 2008, 09:30:42 pm
Have you tried pressure washing gutters? Some guys on here do it quite successfully. Bit of a skill i would imagine.

Fine if you like making a mess - Ok on domestic but you cant go flushing loads of crap down a down pipe as it blocks drains and soak-a-ways

I thought so too. I was rummaging through another forum where someone reckoned they could clean the outside of a run in three minutes. They were also powering the crud to the downpipe when cleaning the insides which seemed the wrong direction to me but then i don't know anything.
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 11, 2008, 10:05:14 pm
Have you tried pressure washing gutters? Some guys on here do it quite successfully. Bit of a skill i would imagine.

Fine if you like making a mess - Ok on domestic but you cant go flushing loads of crap down a down pipe as it blocks drains and soak-a-ways

I thought so too. I was rummaging through another forum where someone reckoned they could clean the outside of a run in three minutes. They were also powering the crud to the downpipe when cleaning the insides which seemed the wrong direction to me but then i don't know anything.

Pressure washers can do the job and are excellent for checking your work, unblocking down-pipes and cleaning the outside surfaces, but if the gutters are full they just make a mess and cause more cleaning up work for you.

Some people use them very effectively but a gutter-vac is  cleaner, more efficient and once you have used one, and you see how safe and clean it is the pressure washer only comes out for checking your work or cleaning the outsides of domestic gutters.

Is using a pressure washer / lance better than climbing a ladder? even if you make a mess?  I think it is, as your safety is the most important thing - any mess can be cleaned up in a short time but broken bones take a bit longer to sort.  ;)


Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: STEVE-UK on November 12, 2008, 07:51:28 am
Got that one already kev ;)

i think for these gutters it needs to come down into the gutter straight but have an angle section coming of that so as you twist it should cover all the gutter

Do you have the longer one - not the one in the picture - the longer one?


i have the shorter one  thats in the picture kev, i measured the gutter and that one will reach the bottom of the gutter. i dont think the longer version of this will clean the gutters properly either, i think it will clean from the middle to the far edge fine but you wont get the angle to get under the lip or even straight down because of the and is cut at an angle
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Kevin R on November 12, 2008, 07:54:47 am
I will try once more!!!!

The longer one is at a different angle - it allows the tip under the lip !!! some people are hard work  ::) LOL
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: STEVE-UK on November 12, 2008, 08:15:43 am
i have my doubts kev as the gap between the tiles and the lip is nearly the same width of the alloy nozzle, so not much room to get the angle but i'll take your word for it as youve already used it ? :)
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: Mr H on November 12, 2008, 08:24:44 am
One word of caution if your useing a jetwash for gutters......

Don't use it over conservatories in case it blasts out a stone or piece of slate and it goes through the glass roof. Also beware of stones etc falling on to nearby cars or into neighbours gardens.....

Regards
MR H

Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: STEVE-UK on November 12, 2008, 08:37:50 am
Good point Mr H , i bought some saftey glasses for that reason
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: drive surgeon on November 12, 2008, 11:33:27 am
how do you get to domestic gutters on the roof if there is a conservatory or extension attached? ???
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 12, 2008, 04:31:24 pm
Well' if you have a diy vac like i do then the poles are so light you just reach over the conservatory roof and suck away.
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: drive surgeon on November 12, 2008, 04:59:14 pm
what does your kit consist of?
Title: Re: gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 12, 2008, 05:14:28 pm
Vac unit the same as the 'proper' one. Generator exactly the same but far cheaper, cctv camera and monitor - different, inferior but far cheaper and carbon fibre S2 poles different to the aluminium and far superior in quality and lightness. Very similar really but if you want the complete package and have plenty of dosh buy the omnivac.
The poles i use are windowcleaning carbon poles - very light, fairly strong but not as indestructable as the far heavier aluminium powerpole.
You already own a pressure washer i think? Then you will probably be able to combine your parts with the guttervac and poles. Have a look on their site.  :)