[mark bowditch]

Hi All and a Happy Christmas.
I’m starting up drive and patios cleaning  next year and have a Karcher 1000 BE 210 bar 15 litre min truck mounted and an 18” flat Surface Cleaner.

Is it better to use hot water on domestic block paving and patios and would I get a better result?

When does the domestic season start?

If you have one of these machines, how and where would you put a pressure reducing valve?

Is Public Liability Insurance and treatment risks for £500 about right or is treatment risks needed?

Many thanks in advance.

Regards Mark

[Paul Forster]

In my opinion hot water is quicker for very heavy dirt eg animal houseing, Truck sides etc.
Having said this I use a 250 bar cold washer. Water usadge may also be lower. Domestic season March- November. Remember to get a turbo lance for small areas and use around the perimiter etc

Paul

[mobile valeting & Power wash Services]

Mark I own a HDS 1000BE although presently sick at the moment, It should already have a reducing valve fitted which is the black valve beside the pressure gauge, go for hot every time makes light work of everything, only my opinion best of luck.
Malky

[preston powerblast]

I have to agree that using hot pressure cleans stone, concrete etc much faster using less chemical I use a HDS 801B and the hot water gives it much more pressure.

[mark bowditch]

Hi Malky,
Thanks for the reply.
Mine does not have a valve by the pump. To the left of the pressure gauge is a black box thing with a cable running to control panel I think it’s for cleaning chemicals.
To the right is another black box with cable for engine speed reduction.
 I have a little wheel on the hand gun to reduce the pressure, all though I don’t like this idea but I suppose it’s handy as you don’t have to go back to pressure washer.
I believe the valve is fitted to the older machines mine is about 5 years old.
I’ve bought a valve but don’t know where to fit it before burner or after.
How do you run your I.B.C straight to the pump or to the float tank so you can use liquid softener? Should I have a return pipe back to the I.B.C.?
Do you use reduced pressure with F.S.C on block paving using hot water?
Sorry to go on a bit but I haven’t used mine yet.
Regards Mark

[mobile valeting & Power wash Services]

Hi Mark, afraid I am not much use to you as my machine is a lot older than 5 years old  , I don't carry an IBC as I dont like the things and I could never get a hold of one up here, I carry 2 45 gal drums one each side of the van and they are either full or empty due to the fact of stabilitie issues, most people I know have the IBC's though, my main trade is Valeting but I turn my hand to most things which includes Cleaning block paving etc, so can't realy help Gary is your main man for advise (Preston Power Blast) on power washing though and he will help I have no doubt along with many others on the forum my Karcher is fed direct from the barrels, sorry I am not much use but I am sure someone else on here should know, fitting pressure reduction valves is something I would not advise on as I am no expert I leave that to the engineers as I have been on the receiving end of one of these machines going bang before.
Malky

[mark bowditch]

Hi Malky,
Thanks for all your advice.
All advice is appreciated. Got the valve from Karcher, they suggested putting the valve on the F.S.C.
I will take the machine in for service after Christmas and let them sort it out.
Many Thanks
Mark