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clearviewwc

How many windows can a backpack clean?
« on: November 18, 2011, 09:34:40 pm »
Hi, at the moment I clean everything traditional but am considering using pure water with an 18 ltr backpack (maybe on a trolley) for upstairs windows. My question is, how many average sized windows will 18 ltr clean? Can someone help me with flow rate etc ( I understand this can be varied on most backpacks as they have a flow/ speed controller)? Thanks

L.J.Thorpe

  • Posts: 2056
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2011, 09:37:27 pm »
3

gary999

  • Posts: 8156
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2011, 09:43:48 pm »
when you first start you will be using lots of water so you
will be lucky to get one house per fill,but as you get used to it
your water usage will come and you will do more for each
fill.

i can do two standard semis and at least three standard terraced houses

L.J.Thorpe

  • Posts: 2056
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2011, 09:45:44 pm »
when you first start you will be using lots of water so you
will be lucky to get one house per fill,but as you get used to it
your water usage will come and you will do more for each
fill.

i can do two standard semis and at least three standard terraced houses
with 18 litres of water!!!!

Aqua-dapter

  • Posts: 418
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2011, 09:47:19 pm »
Hi clearviewwc,

You're unlikely to get a definitive reply to this, as experienced WCs all use different amounts of water for various reasons.

A back-pack user I know told me that, with an Aqua-dapter (and the same may possibly apply if using a trigger), he uses approx 11 litres per semi.  Water conservation isn't his primary concern (speed is), so you could probably 'squeeze' more out of it, but you would sacrifice speed.

Then you have to start considering, what's an average semi, what's an average sized window, what flow rate to use, how long is a piece of string...

Even so, hope this helps!

Paul

L.J.Thorpe

  • Posts: 2056
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #5 on: November 18, 2011, 09:51:00 pm »
Hi clearviewwc,

You're unlikely to get a definitive reply to this, as experienced WCs all use different amounts of water for various reasons.

A back-pack user I know told me that, with an Aqua-dapter (and the same may possibly apply if using a trigger), he uses approx 11 litres per semi.  Water conservation isn't his primary concern (speed is), so you could probably 'squeeze' more out of it, but you would sacrifice speed.

Then you have to start considering, what's an average semi, what's an average sized window, what flow rate to use, how long is a piece of string...

Even so, hope this helps!

Paul
thats an honest answer (refreshing on here!!!) but i still think 11 litres is ambitious unless its modern "affordable housing" type estates

tacky

  • Posts: 1575
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #6 on: November 18, 2011, 09:51:33 pm »
up to 20 windows .after they have had a first clean ,

stuart mc

  • Posts: 7775
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #7 on: November 18, 2011, 09:59:31 pm »
when doing just tops, I am counting windows from memory here, between 12 to 16 windows sometimes maybe 20 before refilling, that was using a tap of some sort to cut flow after every window immediately, I had an auto brush but an aqua adapter, trigger would do the same. flow doesn't matter to me the quicker the better= less time cleaning


L.J.Thorpe

  • Posts: 2056
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #8 on: November 18, 2011, 10:00:21 pm »
i must really be missing some trick cos i started wfp with a diy trolley and yes it had varistream and old 60 psi surflo and pole taps etc....and if i could do a three bed semi with one 25ltr barrell then i was happy......twenty windows????........suppose it depends on the window size......you based in lilliput????

gary999

  • Posts: 8156
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #9 on: November 18, 2011, 10:15:26 pm »
when you first start you will be using lots of water so you
will be lucky to get one house per fill,but as you get used to it
your water usage will come and you will do more for each
fill.

i can do two standard semis and at least three standard terraced houses
with 18 litres of water!!!!

no sorry have to correct myself there,i meant i 25ltr barrel
of water :)

you dont have to blast water at windows to clean and im
quick

i use a 15 ltr backpack

AuRavelling79

  • Posts: 26642
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #10 on: November 18, 2011, 11:06:49 pm »
i must really be missing some trick cos i started wfp with a diy trolley and yes it had varistream and old 60 psi surflo and pole taps etc....and if i could do a three bed semi with one 25ltr barrell then i was happy......twenty windows????........suppose it depends on the window size......you based in lilliput????

You in the Fire brigade L J?  ;D

I reckon 1.5 litres per window on repeat cleans. Therefore 12 windows or two council house semi's tops only. 
It's a game of three halves!

Inside Out

  • Posts: 268
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #11 on: November 18, 2011, 11:17:15 pm »
LJ, I see a pattern repeating here, as per DIY purefreedom post. Perhaps you should give impact a call and ask if you can do the other 2 days of that course.

DG Cleaning

  • Posts: 1726
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #12 on: November 18, 2011, 11:53:06 pm »
Yeah I can see a pattern too. Student of the year ;D

clearviewwc

Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #13 on: November 19, 2011, 01:21:35 am »
Ok, thanks that's a help, sort of. 12-20 depending on all sorts of things. I'll give it a go. Unfortunately (now i want to change methods) I would say 80% of the work I've picked up over the last few years are people who haven't liked the wfp system. I am thinking I might struggle to introduce it to them fully so I thought I'd try doing the upstairs wfp and down traditional for now. Hopefully they will give it a chance and will see its as good or better than traditional.

Crystal-clear

  • Posts: 3029
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #14 on: November 19, 2011, 02:24:44 am »
Ok, thanks that's a help, sort of. 12-20 depending on all sorts of things. I'll give it a go. Unfortunately (now i want to change methods) I would say 80% of the work I've picked up over the last few years are people who haven't liked the wfp system. I am thinking I might struggle to introduce it to them fully so I thought I'd try doing the upstairs wfp and down traditional for now. Hopefully they will give it a chance and will see its as good or better than traditional.

Its not what they like its what you like, explain that your life is more important then perhaps a little bead from a poor frame window they may have,

its not worth doing ladder work mate by all means trad the downs to save water but stick to your guns and replace customers that force you to risk your life is my advice!

andyM

  • Posts: 6100
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #15 on: November 19, 2011, 08:02:39 am »
Ok, thanks that's a help, sort of. 12-20 depending on all sorts of things. I'll give it a go. Unfortunately (now i want to change methods) I would say 80% of the work I've picked up over the last few years are people who haven't liked the wfp system. I am thinking I might struggle to introduce it to them fully so I thought I'd try doing the upstairs wfp and down traditional for now. Hopefully they will give it a chance and will see its as good or better than traditional.

I have succesfully converted customers who were previously not happy with the WFP system when they were cleaned by other window cleaners.
Most of these customers had said they didn't like WFP because it leaves the windows with streaks and spots.
99% of the time this is the fault of the window cleaner and not the WFP way of cleaning.
When done correctly WFP is very good and those customers are still loyal regulars of mine and have never complained about the quality of the work.  ;D 
One of the Plebs

Inside Out

  • Posts: 268
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #16 on: November 19, 2011, 08:27:24 am »
Same here. Tell em you clean by hand for free if pole leaves any marks. Which it won't, if job done well.

mike1986

  • Posts: 432
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #17 on: November 19, 2011, 08:49:39 am »
Ok, thanks that's a help, sort of. 12-20 depending on all sorts of things. I'll give it a go. Unfortunately (now i want to change methods) I would say 80% of the work I've picked up over the last few years are people who haven't liked the wfp system. I am thinking I might struggle to introduce it to them fully so I thought I'd try doing the upstairs wfp and down traditional for now. Hopefully they will give it a chance and will see its as good or better than traditional.

I had exactly the same worry, as most of my new customers are people who didnt like reach and wash. however i changed over about 6 weeks ago, and i only clean the top windows, and havent had 1 cancellation. Just give them the sob story that health and saftey laws have forced you to buy all this expensive equipment, and that you have no choice. i think people realize that its all about safety these days. Plus its DEFINATLEY worth it!

paul saunders

  • Posts: 1110
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #18 on: November 19, 2011, 01:16:47 pm »
And when they find out you've been lying to them, I hope they sack you !!!
I can remember when waking up stiff in the morning was a good thing.

Wc Solutions

  • Posts: 1829
Re: How many windows can a backpack clean?
« Reply #19 on: November 19, 2011, 01:28:08 pm »
up to 20 windows .after they have had a first clean ,

i will second that one.