[steve.ternent]

I keep hearing about "Hot Water" systems!

Could you tell me, what they are used for (I know for cleaning windows)

What benefits to cold system, cost, why you decided to opt for it?

Also, do you use both hot and cold systems side by side! (Like I would use traditional and wfp systems)

Many thanks in advance!  :

[Nathanael Jones]

A hot system is basically just your normal wfp setup with a heater fitted after the pump and before the reel.
The advantages are quicker and easier removal of tough marks (Insect spots, bird muck etc) and much easier cladding cleaning and first cleans.
Also, there's no longer a need for a heater in the van on those frosty winter nights!

[Dave Turley]

i've been hot for 2 weeks and will never go back. it's easier (less scrubbing) on first and imo subsequent cleans. snail trails, bird cr@p, sticky finger marks, dog slobber and paw prints etc just disappear.glad I took the plunge in a stead of just talking about it.

[Nathanael Jones]

I know some people say they only use hot on first cleans etc,... but I use it on everything now,... if it makes my life easier and costs me only £1 or so a day, then why would I bother switching it on and off?

I only ever use cold on single glazed windows now,.. and i've very few of them on my round.

[niceandclean]

i've been hot for 2 weeks and will never go back. it's easier (less scrubbing) on first and imo subsequent cleans. snail trails, bird cr@p, sticky finger marks, dog slobber and paw prints etc just disappear.glad I took the plunge in a stead of just talking about it.

What system have you got?

[groundhog]

I've never tried using hot water, but I am interested, how hot do you heat the water?

[Dave Turley]

mine's a self built system, and i'm using the lpg chinese on demand heater  mentioned  in the thread on diy hot water from a few months ago.

until winter i'm using it at 40-45 degrees at the brush.

imo you could use any caravan lpg water heater.

window cleaning is so easy "hot" it is unbeevable (imo) 

[groundhog]

Thanks Dave, I may have a go at cobbling something together!! 

[Nathanael Jones]

If you're a Guild member (www.mgwc.org) there is a free "how to" e-book available for download about DIY'ing a hot wfp setup, with a few pics of my own attempt.

The download is in the Guild members only section of ACS forums btw.

It really is quite easy to do, and the benefits are huge. I'd recommend it to anyone with a vanmount setup.

[jampot]

hi Nathanael
please can you email me some info about joining the guild ive been meaing to ask you but havent seen you on here,

also i know you need public liablity which i need to sort out (run out)

cleanandsheen@talktalk.net

thank you 

[Nathanael Jones]

Hi Jampot.
The Guild is open to all pro window cleaners with public liability insurance. Just go to www.mgwc.org and apply using the online form.

The member fee is £1 per month (or part of) and ALL memberships are due for renewal on Jan 1st. So if you joined today, once your application is approved you'd be sent a bill for £8 covering the remainder of the year.

The benefits are simple:

Use of the Guild logo on your stationary/ website/ advertising/ vehicle livery
A company listing on the Guild website
A decal for your van
Free download of the "how to" hot WFP e-book
Free entry into a draw for a 24' HXtel (kindly sponsored by Arthur @ surecleansystems)
Discounted shipping for orders over £50 from surecleansystems


Its a far cry from the AWPC or the FED,... but so are the prices!!! 

[Clive McDonald]

Have you got anywhere with the reel yet Nathaneal?

[Nathanael Jones]

I haven't even looked at it yet,... too busy with work and other projects!

I'm doing a complete re-fit of my van in a couple of weeks (New tank cage & fiberglass floor seal) , and once all that is done I'll have a look at it.

I have to say the drill idea is a non starter for me,.. whatever I use will be 12V, powered from the WFP battery and will be a permanent fixture to the reel. I'll also be adding the remote control gizmo when it's working.

My main concern is the self layering mechanism, as all the ones I can find are weak looking plastic and are made for 1/2" hose. What did you use Clive?

[Clive McDonald]

I use a damp towel and allow the hose to run through it with me holding it. Does that disappoint?

I'm busy too and would prefer something better. Someone posted on here using those hoselock guides.

We have a different approach, and in my opinion mine is better. You think too much. I do things then think on the fly and use trial and error.The reason is that it is allways different to how you think it will be. Intelligence alone won't get you there.

I could have done what you suggest, but the drill (a two speed drill on the lower speed ) is perfect. It draws the reel in in seconds. I haven't found that layering is an issue, but admit it would be nice not to have to hold it myself.

Someone else tried this but didn't  have the gumption to figure it out properly and  gave up saying that the snatching involved hurt their wrist and hands. It is true it can snatch, but I got on with this fine for about two weeks before I had a chance to put the clutch on.

[Nathanael Jones]

I like the idea of the powered reel,.. but having to stand at the reel while pulling the trigger on the drill and guiding the hose isn't the perfect solution IMO.
Also, charging batteries for the drill etc seems an unnecessary hassle when a 12v motor could be used.

I'm going to take my time with this project and do it right,... I might even make my millions out of it!!!!
 

[steve.ternent]

  Window cleaners after my own heart, I used to be a Royal Engineer... over come obstacles  and all that... 

You guy's should be proud of yourselves 

electric reels,  Caravan heaters...great!

Thanks for all the comments, I have a plan / new project after-all ! 

[ok cleaning]

ionic price is nearly £15 000 for hot water system fully fitted exluding the van

[Nathanael Jones]

ionic price is nearly £15 000 for hot water system fully fitted exluding the van

£15k???

You could DIY one for £1500!!

Or get me to build it for you for £5k!

 

[Clive McDonald]

Complete van mount hot system (but purifying off the van), best  branded equipment.Rinnai heater,Varistream, 650l,tank100m mininbore etc...... £900. Parts from cleantech or other supplier.

Self fit or pay someone local.

[windowwashers]

Nat or discount do one of you have pics and details to make this ?