[rl]

hi guys,

I'm getting ready to order all the bits i need for my system. I only need a DI system and am looking to get up and running as cheaply as possible and then upgrade once I have some work coming in.

I'll put down what I'm thinking of getting, if anyone can say if it is ok or reccommend an alternative and where is best to get it etc, I would be grateful.

1. A DI Vessel - 25ltr with Resin
2. 250ltr baffeled tank
3. Shurflo pump
4. Varistream Controller (not sure if it would be better to get a pump box with these 2 ready installed?)
5. 100m 6mm/8mm Microbore pipe (not sure 6/8?)
6. Pole - I want to be able to reach Ground/1st/2nd floor and as I want to keep costs down until I see if it's going to work, I have seen - Glassfibre Water fed Universal 6-section 39/11.70m from Wintecs.
7. Brush - The pole comes with a 11" Vikan Brush
8. A leisure battery - not sure what to get here.

Please feel free to rip the above to shreds as I have little knowlage of whats best to get started.

In addition to the above obviously I will need all the connections and bits and bobs to get it all working so if someone could tell me what things I'll need I'd be grateful.

What connections will i need from the tap to DI vessel and then from vessel to tank. Then what will I need from tank to pump and on to Hose and pole? And what bits will I need to get the pump/varistream connected and working?

Apologies for all the questions, I could probably hazard a guess at what i'll need and get it wrong!

Thanks again for the help.

[Robin Ray]

If you buy from wintecs they will be able to give advice and a fitting guide with the bits you buy. I belive they do a kit.

I would go for a 85Ah deep cycle battery and keep it charged, if you let it run down it will dammage it. Therefore you will also need a battery charger, an 8 amp charger which swithches to a trickle charge once charged will be fine.

Hope that helps.

Rob

[Robin Ray]

One other thing dont get the universal pole the best budget pole for up to 2nd story is probably the 24ft xtel glass fiber or hybrid.

http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Exel_Grey.jpg

[pingu]

Personally of your list I would re-think the size of tank and maybe err on the side of optimisim and go for a larger tank if you are able.

Cheers
Dave.

[Slash]

Don't get that 39 foot fibreglass pole from Wintecs,I thought I was pulling a fast one getting that,it's very cheap for the lenght but boy will you suffer,I have one and can't use it on full lenght,it's impossible to control and you will need to eat plenty of spinach!
Personally they should'nt be allowed to sell poles of that lenght in fibreglass,it's a accident waiting to happen 
TRUST ME.............KEEP WELL AWAY FROM THIS POLE

[DaveG]

You can get a leisure battery from Halfrauds etc for about £80 (ish)

Is 250 litre tank the biggest you can go? If not i would go bigger( if the van can take it) because as you get busier you will be wanting to upgrade...

I use 6 and 8mm hose dont notice much difference to be honest... Just buy a "Gardenia" hose reel from B and Q ive had mine over a year and its much easier to lift in and out than a metal one

A 24-28ft pole will be plenty for those heights, but get the lightest brush if possible..you will notice the difference!!

One thing i recommend you do is where you tank outlet is, have a short piece of hose then 2 hoselock type connectors joined together( before the pump)...makes it really easy to drain your tank if you need to..

I can try and take a pic of the tank outlet connectors if you like, but not sure how to upload!

Hope that helps a bit

Dave

[rl]

Thanks very much for all the advice.

I thought i'd be changing what i'd planned on getting, good to know what the guys doing the job think is best.

My own house is 3 storeys so i'll need a pole to do 3 storeys minimum or the wife will not be happy!! (I think thats the only reason she's letting me buy all this so she can have clean windows!)

So will a 28ft or 31ft  X-tel pole deffinately do 3 storeys?

I only have a renault kangoo, so didn't want to big a tank, how long do you think a 250ltr tank will last?

What type of leisure battery will I need I assume there's more than one type, haven't looked at them at all.

Cheers

[a900]

I got a 75 AH leisure battery from a place called manbat. I dont know if they are nationwide. I keep it charged above 75% i was told that it will start to deteriorate if i repeatedly allow it below this. Do not get a car battery.

I use a gardiner x-tel pole 24 ft. I like it for the money. But i will be buying a lighter one it time.

[rl]

will have a look about for the batteries.

Do I need a Varistream etc or will I survive with just a pump, I know there is a way around needing one but not sure what it is.

[JSMC]

what vehicle you putting all of this in ?

[rl]

a renault kangoo van.

[mark dew]

No you don't need a varistream. I was gonna recommend you give it a miss earlier.
Instead of that, buy a flojet pump and an on/off valve which you put between the pump and water tank. Close that to regulate the water flow to the pump.   

[rl]

thanks for that, is there a reason for getting the flojet pump instead of the shurflo pump or would the method work with any pump?

[mark dew]

thanks for that, is there a reason for getting the flojet pump instead of the shurflo pump or would the method work with any pump?

Yes. Search on here for pump problems and you will find almost all are about shurflo pumps.
Flojet pumps seem to give very few problems.

The method will work with any pump regardless of the make.

[rl]

thanks will keep that in mind about shurflo.

Do you mean just a standard on/off valve on the pipe? does this do exactly the same job as thevaristream?

[mark dew]

thanks will keep that in mind about shurflo.

Do you mean just a standard on/off valve on the pipe? does this do exactly the same job as thevaristream?

The pump will have it's own pressure switch.
I have a varistream and shurflo on my trolley (which i use as a van mount) but the best setup for me is just a pump and valve.
I don't rate the varistream because i view it as unnecesary. And alot of money for just another thing to go wrong.
 

[rl]

can i also check, if I have a valve on my pole to turn the water off, will the pump be ok,  ie it won't get damaged when i turn the water off?

[mark dew]

No, it won't damage the pump. It might compliment, but isn't a substitue for having one between the tank and pump.

Drawbacks to using just a pole valve are:

- All the water pressure will be between pump and pole. This can cause blown connections.

- Unneccesary pressure on pump which will eventually burn out the pressure switch.

- Using more battery power cos the pump will be working flat out.


Having the valve between tank and pump will:

- Reduce pressure on connections. 

- Reduce wear on the pressure switch.

- Extend the battery life between charges.

Hope this makes sense?

[mr D]

with a varistream you ont need to worry about this I dont. I just turn on and go. the varistream kicks in and cuts the pump when pressure builds when I shut the pole valve.

Who ever you buy your pump from (I suggest Window cleaners warehouse Ask for Simon he will advise you well. say Dean from Deans Cleaning Services said to ask for him) just tell them you will need pump connectors elbow are best IMO and a pump strainer will prolong the life of your pump.

You will need enough reinforced 1/2 inch hose to go from your tank to your pump. B&Q sell it buts it's not cheap!

halfords are expensive for batteries. find a camping shop I paid £45 for mine with a plastic boat case.