[♠Winp®oClean♠]

There are MANY who don't actually understand how a varistream works. They hook it up & because it doesn't do what they think it should in five minutes rip it back out & slate it! I've read it many times & when you offer advice & dig a little deeper it becomes obvious that the user hasn't a clue what it's for or how it should even work!


My advice, get one, it's got to be one of the very best pieces of kit I have ever bought! I used a bypass system system before that & I've now been using the varistream for about 3+ years & it's never missed a beat! You'll use less water, you'll have a constant & reliable pre-set flow rate regardless of height being worked, uses less battery power, I could not work without one now.

I would advise you buy it as kit with shurflo pump, connectors & strainer. I would also use 8mm hose instead of 6mm.

Hope that helps.

This is funny because I've never used one yet  .  I just have a return to tank setup for surplus water.  I'm not saying it's better.  It's just the way my system was set up and I've never changed it.  I do have a 800 litre tank in the back though so maybe that's why I don't look so hard at water usage.
Maybe a Varistream would improve my system but it's a case, for me of, it's not broken so don't fix it.

When I used the baypass like you Paul I also didn't think I had a problem. In fact the varistream was kind of forced on to me as Cleantech had a ready made pump box in stock with one on when my own pump broke. I never realised just how much better using one would be. Doesn't matter if you're working at 50ft or ground level, the flow remains the same without you touching anything. The pump only runs at the speed you set the flow at, not flat out all the time like on the bypass, meaning much less battery power consumed. No messing with levers/taps etc & running back to the van to change the flow, just press the button & away you go.

[alanwilson]

but surely even the most basic van mount will have a split relay so your battery is getting charged all the time!

perfect example today - myself and big g working today - same run as last month, work finished by 3.20pm as opposed to 4.10 last month (when we were using Varistreams) and although we used approx 50ltrs more, we got the same work done so therefore the same money plus home almost an hour earlier than expected.

added bonus is its just nicer to work with a high flow, brush floats better too.

would you use a manual screwdriver or a cordless to screw in, err, umm, lots of screws.

[Sean Dyer]

surely using the varistream on full is just as good but is still controlling it??

Did you not like using them on full alan?

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

I have a varistream analogue and a liquid logic both running on 9 litre flojet pumps. Both work well, the varistream does have a habit of going to sleep if not used in a couple of minutes, you almost need to wake it up by turning the tap on just before you extend the pole if you hadn't worked it recently.

All in all I've used my pumps with no flow control and 9 litres a minute is too much, it comes out of the hose about 5. I'm pretty fast but I can't keep up with that, I think the splash of the ledges causes more mess than you clean up.

Simon.

[alanwilson]

I used it on full which gave me enough flow but the 4 or 5 seconds lag each time the system pressurised was a right pain.

As soon as I pull the trigger now its instant, much better - as for the varistream saving battery life, not if its on full flow - 9.2A draw, no varistream - 7.7A

Simon - I think you're right - as I previously said I reckon the ideal flow rate (to avoid wastage - why anyone would care I don't know) is about 4lpm. 

But as some of you are so pedantic about saving water, to the point of working with a dribble I see no point in posting on this subject anymore.

[Sean Dyer]

Im taking it to heart mate, i appreciate it

So if i just carry on with my pump wired straight to battery do i need any thing else or will it do as it is? Ie should i have a trigger or aqua dapter or something

TBH i am happy with the flow rate as it is because it is quicker, but i was just worried it was bad for the pump, or that  i was over using water , but might just start carrying a few barrells to fill up another 100l when necesary

[alanwilson]

yeah we use triggers, like I said we use quite a bit of water but we work long days - and pretty fast at that.

[Paul Coleman]

There are MANY who don't actually understand how a varistream works. They hook it up & because it doesn't do what they think it should in five minutes rip it back out & slate it! I've read it many times & when you offer advice & dig a little deeper it becomes obvious that the user hasn't a clue what it's for or how it should even work!


My advice, get one, it's got to be one of the very best pieces of kit I have ever bought! I used a bypass system system before that & I've now been using the varistream for about 3+ years & it's never missed a beat! You'll use less water, you'll have a constant & reliable pre-set flow rate regardless of height being worked, uses less battery power, I could not work without one now.

I would advise you buy it as kit with shurflo pump, connectors & strainer. I would also use 8mm hose instead of 6mm.

Hope that helps.

This is funny because I've never used one yet   .  I just have a return to tank setup for surplus water.  I'm not saying it's better.  It's just the way my system was set up and I've never changed it.  I do have a 800 litre tank in the back though so maybe that's why I don't look so hard at water usage.
Maybe a Varistream would improve my system but it's a case, for me of, it's not broken so don't fix it.

When I used the baypass like you Paul I also didn't think I had a problem. In fact the varistream was kind of forced on to me as Cleantech had a ready made pump box in stock with one on when my own pump broke. I never realised just how much better using one would be. Doesn't matter if you're working at 50ft or ground level, the flow remains the same without you touching anything. The pump only runs at the speed you set the flow at, not flat out all the time like on the bypass, meaning much less battery power consumed. No messing with levers/taps etc & running back to the van to change the flow, just press the button & away you go.

I do have the flow on a constant rate with the "return to tank" tap.  I change flow rate at the end of the microbore.  Sometimes it's useful to be able to drop the flow rate on the fly for the odd window above a path or by a front door.
I really can't say one is better than another though as I've only done it one way.
I do have a large tank and a split charge relay though so they probably allow me to get away without a Varistream.  Also I'm quite a simple soul and it's one less thing to go wrong.
I swap batteries over fairly regularly too as although a split charge is OK, when I go through a phase of doing larger jobs, I find I occasionally need to run the engine while working (preferably while having a break in the van for security reasons).
I don't rule out a Varistream for the future but I can't see me changing things while I have this van.  Maybe my next setup will include one.

[John Walker]

I've been using a Varistream for many years now.  Being an 'oldie' I can  have the flow adjusted to suit my energy levels - usually around 2 litres per minute.  Any faster than that and I can't keep up with it and get through the water too fast.  Never had one call back or complain regardinf spotting either.

So...  if you can work with a high flow rate all day then there is no advantage in a Varistream or equivalent but for the non-super humans amongst us a Varistream is a godsend.

[Paul Coleman]

I've been using a Varistream for many years now.  Being an 'oldie' I can  have the flow adjusted to suit my energy levels - usually around 2 litres per minute.  Any faster than that and I can't keep up with it and get through the water too fast.  Never had one call back or complain regardinf spotting either.

So...  if you can work with a high flow rate all day then there is no advantage in a Varistream or equivalent but for the non-super humans amongst us a Varistream is a godsend.

It's not necessary to work with high flow rate if the surplus is returned to tank.  OK it is a high flow but it's not all coming out of the jets is what I mean 

[John Walker]

I've been using a Varistream for many years now.  Being an 'oldie' I can  have the flow adjusted to suit my energy levels - usually around 2 litres per minute.  Any faster than that and I can't keep up with it and get through the water too fast.  Never had one call back or complain regardinf spotting either.

So...  if you can work with a high flow rate all day then there is no advantage in a Varistream or equivalent but for the non-super humans amongst us a Varistream is a godsend.

It's not necessary to work with high flow rate if the surplus is returned to tank.  OK it is a high flow but it's not all coming out of the jets is what I mean 

Hi Paul,

My post wasn't aimed specifically at your post - you posted while I was still typing (very slowly)   .    The other advantage for me with a Varistream is that the pump is only working as hard as the flow I require rather than flat out.  I'm not sure about the life of a Shurflo 100 psi but mine is many years old and appears to be still functioning as new  ( I bet I regret typing that).

John

[Sean Dyer]

Just to update

I have started using my clx 22 today(which is awesome as a side note)

However the pole hose is alot shorter than i had previously as i went from a back pack to van mount so i had a very long pole hose so i didnt have to move back pack

This must have been controlling the pressure as when i plugged in clx , the water was absolutely flying out, ten metres easy it would hit , and when rinsing all i could see was a cloud of spray !

Not good.
Controller is the only way with that kind of pressure

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

Just to update

I have started using my clx 22 today(which is awesome as a side note)

However the pole hose is alot shorter than i had previously as i went from a back pack to van mount so i had a very long pole hose so i didnt have to move back pack

This must have been controlling the pressure as when i plugged in clx , the water was absolutely flying out, ten metres easy it would hit , and when rinsing all i could see was a cloud of spray !

Not good.
Controller is the only way with that kind of pressure

Ah, you see sense at last!

However, you could just let the water bounce off the glass, according to Alan- you'll be a lot faster that way! In fact, at ten meters you wouldn't even have to go up the drive- just drive along the road & point your pole in the right direction, Bob's you're uncle!

[Sean Dyer]

Im not doubting that alans set up is right for him and is the best way for him to make his money

But there is no way i can work with the speed its coming out of my pole, it is ridiculous, so abit of control will be good hopefully

[SunShineCleaning]

Just to update

I have started using my clx 22 today(which is awesome as a side note)

However the pole hose is alot shorter than i had previously as i went from a back pack to van mount so i had a very long pole hose so i didnt have to move back pack

This must have been controlling the pressure as when i plugged in clx , the water was absolutely flying out, ten metres easy it would hit , and when rinsing all i could see was a cloud of spray !

Not good.
Controller is the only way with that kind of pressure

This is where the difference for non varistream users will be.

If you use 6mm hose it will come out slower than 8mm hose. The more hose it has to travel through the slower the rate due to 'back pressure'

Without knowing the exact setup of each post pump hose configuration it is difficult to assess the merits or otherwise of non-varistream v's varistream.

I have 2 systems, one in a van ane in a trailer and the varistream is set at different levels on each for the same flow.

It frustrates me to use a 'dribble' and is slower to use, however full rate with wide hose is simply too fast and splashes everywhere.

Where the varistream really helps is when different hose lenghts and sizes are used as you can adjust to suit.

[SunShineCleaning]

Just to update

I have started using my clx 22 today(which is awesome as a side note)

However the pole hose is alot shorter than i had previously as i went from a back pack to van mount so i had a very long pole hose so i didnt have to move back pack

This must have been controlling the pressure as when i plugged in clx , the water was absolutely flying out, ten metres easy it would hit , and when rinsing all i could see was a cloud of spray !

Not good.
Controller is the only way with that kind of pressure

What hose on the reel are you using?

You can create back presure and slow down the flow by having longer and narrower hose.

This will however put a bit more pressure on your pump.

[alanwilson]

sunshine is right - I should have mentioned I am using 6mm microbore, approx 90mtrs on each reel.  One pump per reel.

the water doesn't bounce off the glass (using standard gardiners pencil jets), we rinse on the glass.

[Sean Dyer]

8mm and a very small length of gardiners pole hose 5mm i think

Its very fast

[mci services]

Yes I use 6mm as well and it is fine without a controller, maybe I would think differently if I was using 8mm.

[alanwilson]

you see - Stu and I know the score!

Good man Stu


even if you are a hibs man