Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: waynebarry on September 14, 2009, 07:28:01 pm

Title: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: waynebarry on September 14, 2009, 07:28:01 pm
I am currantly setting up another van and was thinking of adding a hot water system to it.
Apart from keeping your hands warm in the winter are they worth buying? ??? ;D
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: dd on September 14, 2009, 07:58:11 pm
I wonder this too.

Should be good for con roof cleans and avoids having frozen pipes in the winter.

For me these seem the biggest advantages but not sure if it would justify the extra 2k plus outlay and factor in higher running costs. Might seek more con roof cleans though and charge a little extra.
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: NWH on September 14, 2009, 08:23:28 pm
I have 1 and they are worth it especially for the coming months ahead but also for roofs cladding and first cleans,they breeze through regular cleans better aswell.
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Blue Frog Systems on September 14, 2009, 08:44:34 pm
You can diy a hot system. Sure someone with knowledge will be along soon.

The diy wfp forum has loads about so I remember
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: R W C on September 14, 2009, 08:46:54 pm
here we go, l5 thread is about to start again  ;D
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: waynebarry on September 14, 2009, 08:59:53 pm
sorry i couldnt find any other threads about this! Thanks for your comments I just wonder how much faster it would be on first & normal cleans and whether its worth spending that extra 2-3k?
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: ccmids on September 14, 2009, 09:01:24 pm
you can diy hot water system with an eberspacher water heater , but i think in winter you wont stop water freezing on glass
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: NWH on September 14, 2009, 09:01:32 pm
DIY hot don`t even bother mate just buy 1 drop off the van and pick it up done,i wouldn`t sod about with gas if i were you and i got told that by a Corgi gas fitter.If you fit a gas bottle it has to be outside the vehicle not in it,you could always drive about with a gas bottle on the roof lol. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: ccmids on September 14, 2009, 09:07:06 pm
eberspacher runs off diesel .
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on September 14, 2009, 09:35:29 pm
Hot is worth every penny,.. Varitech do a great system if you don't want to diy.
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Spruce on September 14, 2009, 09:41:41 pm
Just having more supple hoses in the winter is very appealing to me.

One thing that worries me though is that you have to guarantee to keep your van frost free all winter long. I see the hot water systems that were put into Freelanders at one time were programmed to kick in at 10 degrees C. Even if the programme was altered the system was still protected by antifreeze in the coolant system.

I am sure that I read on one of the threads that someone 'lost' his newly fitted gas heater due to the van freezing up last winter.  I suppose the caravaners would drain their hot water systems during winter to protect against frozen water damage so this would have to be a consideration each evening.

Spruce
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: NWH on September 14, 2009, 09:44:15 pm
Here`s mine.
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: waynebarry on September 14, 2009, 09:53:46 pm
NWH how much did it cost including installation & what system do you have it with?
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: NWH on September 14, 2009, 09:59:16 pm
I have a custom 600ltr tank with delivery only setup ie DI only i make water at home,with fitting it cost me just over 3k and well worth it once you try hot water you`ll see what i mean especially in the winter if you don`t have it some days during the winter you can`t work.
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: waynebarry on September 14, 2009, 10:04:46 pm
I have 10000ltr custom in the currant van, thinking of getting a purefreedam in the next one, where did you get the hot water unit from?
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: NWH on September 14, 2009, 10:05:31 pm
Varitech.
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: waynebarry on September 14, 2009, 10:08:20 pm
cheers ill have a look :)
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: aiminvestor on September 15, 2009, 12:28:54 am
Varitech.

Cost please?
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: john tomkins on September 15, 2009, 08:33:25 am
Varitech.

Cost please?

The answer is a few replies up.......
Quote
with fitting it cost me just over 3k
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Totus on September 15, 2009, 04:09:30 pm
Would you only use this for first cleans, and in the winter month to combat the cold tempertaures, or do you actually use it day in day out throughout the year?

Are the running costs high. How much for a months solid work if you worked an 8hour day?

Are the maintainance costs high also?

Would appreciate your comments.

Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on September 15, 2009, 04:13:02 pm
I have a diy setup, but i use hot on everything. Mine averages less than £1 per day to run.
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: NWH on September 15, 2009, 04:14:31 pm
In the winter i use it everyday and in the summer months i normally use it on roofs and first cleans only although it dries much quicker you`ll find it hard to turn it off when you first get it no matter what time of year you get it,it costs a few quid to run a day and it is far far better when plumbed into the fuel tank don`t go for the marine tank option it`s not worth the smell in the van from having to fill it or the hassel.Mine heats water to between 60-80 degrees and this temp is achieved in about 10-15mins after switch on.
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Totus on September 15, 2009, 04:16:57 pm

I have a diy setup, but i use hot on everything. Mine averages less than £1 per day to run.


Can't argue with that. Does it save massively on the time of a job? Or do you just find that it gives a better clean?
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: NWH on September 15, 2009, 04:21:04 pm
Both of the above and hot users will confirm this,cold users will argue till the cows come home but there just poor cold WFPolers lol. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Totus on September 15, 2009, 04:28:06 pm
Fighting talk....like it!!! ;D
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on September 15, 2009, 05:29:12 pm
Yep, faster, better result, more supple hose,.. I never use cold anymore. :)
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: ian1972 on September 15, 2009, 06:18:13 pm
has anyone any information on 1 of the diy hot water systems as in how hard they are to fit any were to get from any information would b appreciated any links or diaagrams either post on ere or email at ianmort@live.co.uk i been using cold water for some time fancy giving the hot water a blast cheers guys
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: EZclean on September 15, 2009, 06:32:14 pm
rung my insurance up to ask about carrying a gas botle and water heater.
will not be covered. that's with more than business.
how did anyone else get on, or have you not told them?
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: Totus on September 15, 2009, 07:00:41 pm
Just had a look at the varitech hot water system are these easy to fit yourself to an existing cold water setup or is it advisable to get them to install it?

If an install what is the cost.

Cheers
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: t h on September 15, 2009, 07:04:41 pm
do you crack any of your windows with hot water?
Title: Re: Hot water machines are they worth it?
Post by: NWH on September 15, 2009, 07:16:21 pm
No you won`t crack any windows with it unless your working in Antarctica,and as for fitting the Varitech heater i would get a good motor mechanic to fit it for you someone that knows a bit more than most,the fuel lines on the heater and small pump although look simple to fit are not as straight forward as you would first think.Also as van floors have ridges on them it`s a good idea to fit small brackets either side of the heater in order for it to sit flush on the van floor,fitting it as it is on a van floor would leave it looking lop sided or Pi**ed.Like i say it looks simple and is to the right person but i wouldn`t attemp it myself with basic knowledge,also bear in mind they weigh a hell of a lot more than you`d think aswell.