Archive for the ‘Pressure washing equipment info’ Category

Surface Cleaners

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Save money. Save time and increase your profits on any (and every) pressure washing job. How? By choosing and using just the right surface cleaner products for the job ahead.

Powerful and reliable, pressure washer surface cleaners can be used to strip nearly any surface (driveways, concrete, floors, parking lots, roofs, boat decks, and more), of all kinds of dirt and grime in a fraction of the time as other cleaners.

Since they offer industrial strength cleaning, surface cleaners work faster, meaning that you can finish a job quicker and move onto the next; are more efficient; and have a longer useful life. Plus, your customers will love what a great job you’ve done and call you back to tackle their next big cleaning job.

What are some other benefits of pressure washer surface cleaners? Here are just a few:

They offer a huge time savings (for both you and the customer)
They’re easy and effortless to use
They cost a lot less (especially when you factor in reduced labor costs)
They offer a greater look of cleanliness
They are universally applicable
They can be used with either hot or cold water
A circular design allows for a zero wall clearance
A hovering action allows the leaner to “float” above the ground
Streaking and fatigue are virtually eliminated
So, what are pressure washer surface cleaners best used for? Here are just a few of the most basic applications they are great at handling:

Removing deposits, mass, algae, fuel, oil and grease from drive through pads, boat ramps, tennis courts, roofs, pools, decks , walkways, factory floors, semi trailer floors, fishing docks, and loading docks
Cleaning stubborn stains from asphalt and concrete surfaces
Disinfecting saunas, bathroom areas
Cleaning hard to treat driveways.
How Surface Cleaners Work

Able to remove dirt and grime from flat surfaces 15 time faster than a standard pressure washing telescoping wand, surface cleaners work by spinning their arms in a counter clock wise direction for up to 1800 RPM (rotations per minute), while spraying the path from 16” to 30” in diameter. These arms rotate/spin with the flow of the water (greater the water volume – the faster the spinning times), which creates a scrubbing action with the water coming out. Since the spray nozzles are only1/2” to 2” away from the surface, it can clean with a much greater scrubbing capacity. This is why it takes less time and energy to finish those more difficult jobs with a pressure washer surface cleaner than a traditional pressure washing spray nozzle.

Still not convinced that investing in a pressure washer surface cleaner can save you valuable time and money, plus allow you to fit more clients into your schedule? Consider this fact: It takes about an hour and a half to clean the average 400 square foot driveway using a regular pressure washer nozzle; and only about 10 minutes to the same (or better) cleaning job using a surface cleaner. Now, just imagine how many more driveways you can complete, and paychecks you can receive in a typical workweek by switching from a rotating spray nozzle to a surface cleaner.

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Gas Pressure Washers

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Gas pressure washers are taking the work out of cleaning for homeowners and businesses alike. If you think of the fact that they give you 15 times the pressure of a garden hose, and use 1/5 of the water while doing it, it begins to make a lot of sense to own one. They can cut your cleaning time in half, and save you money!

Light homeowner gas pressure washers offer 1,000 – 1,500 PSI. Many cleaning jobs around the home can be done with this system, and cold water. However, stronger gas pressure washers will handle larger jobs when necessary and do them all quicker. Smaller units are generally cold water only, but it is easy to add hot water capability to any gas power washer. Hot water capability will aid in removing oil and grease substances. (Never use hot water in a cold-water-only system!) The important thing for any power washer is a good flow rate and adjustable pressure capability. (Not all models have adjustable pressure.) With a good flow rate, and a unit that has adjustable pressure, you can manipulate the output for many needs and keep the efficiency up.

Although gas pressure washers need more maintenance, use fuel, lubricants, and are a bit noisier than electric models, the smallest gas power washer is stronger than the largest electric washer…and it is portable. Gas pressure washers can be used in remote places and generally have more durable pumps than electric models.

When purchasing a pressure washer, always consider the pump. Is it commercial grade with a brass head? Does it have ceramic plungers and stainless steel valves? Preferred industrial pumps for pressure washers are Cat, General, or Comet pumps. They are triplex pumps with above-mentioned ceramic plungers and stainless steel valves. Always improving, there are now Cool-drive pumps that reduce heat build up 25% more than belt driven pumps. If you are planning on going into the business, or are already in business, you may want to consider a Cool-drive pump the next time you purchase a pump.

Good gas pressure washers should come with chemical injection capability and have several different size nozzles (one adjustable tip sounds handy, but it is nice to have more options), and pneumatic tires. The Briggs & Stratton engine or Honda engines are the most popular power sources for pressure washers.

There are at least eight gasoline models to choose from. Most have stainless steel mounting and thermal relief valves to prevent pump overheating, large gas tanks, insulated lances, hi-rated trigger guns, and 50’–100’ of non-marking pressurized hose. There are also units that are made to mount in the back of a pick-up truck. Other options are power washers that come with their own water storage tanks with 50–300 gallon capacities, swivel hose reels, and roto-molded tanks with automatic shut-off in case the machine runs dry.

Whether you are a homeowner needing only 2,000-4,000 PSI pressure washing power, or a contractor or industry requiring from 3,000-5,000 PSI capability, there is a power washing system for you. From cleaning gutters and toys, to stripping paint or unclogging drains for customers, to industrial duct, sewer, and equipment cleaning, gas pressure washers are real time and money savers for everybody.

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Steam Cleaning Systems

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

If you have ever tried to clean oil or grease with cold water, you know it’s pretty much a losing battle. The grease / oil just turn into globs. The same thing will happen if you’re using a pressure washer that is not steam pressure washers. Steam cleaner pressure washers give you the strength of pressure with the added power of steam. Together, any cleaning job will be done more thoroughly and quickly with a power steam cleaner.

Steam cleaner pressure washers come in various models. There is gas or diesel powered steam pressure washers, or electric models. But you will actually have to decide on two systems of generating power to a power steam cleaner. One will run the steam pressure washer motor itself, the other will be needed to heat the pressurized water in the heating coil.

The pump and motor of the power steam cleaner powers the flow and pressure of the water. The burners and coils of steam cleaner pressure washers are separate systems and utilize a separate motor. This motor can be electric, propane, gas, or diesel, and its sole purpose is to heat the water in the heating coil of the power steam cleaner.

For contractors who need steam cleaner pressure washers that are portable, because they often work away from electrical sources, a 12-volt battery is sometimes used to supply electric to an electric burner motor. This adds weight to the unit, but the value of having a steam pressure washer is worth it. Heat and pressure combined are the best ways to effectively clean in almost every circumstance.

An electric steam pressure washer is available with a diesel (#1 home heating oil, kerosene, or #1 or #2 diesel) fired burner or a natural gas or propane fired burner. These electric models offer 2,000 – 3,000 PSI and up to 4.5 GPM. Electric power steam cleaner offers adjustable thermostats with up to 240° F steam. Downstream detergent injection systems or upstream chemical injection with metering valve systems are available. A steam pressure washer kit includes 50’ of wire braided pressure hose, schedule 80 coil (1” insulated blanket), burner, motor, cart or fork lift tines, split stainless-steel outer coil wrap, and more.

Diesel or gasoline steam cleaner pressure washers offer up to 3,000 PSI with 3.5 GPM and the burners are fired with diesel. The steam pressure washer comes with adjustable thermostats, downstream injection systems, 50’ of wire braided pressure hose and schedule 80 coil, motor, burner, and frames with fork lift tines, also.

The power steam cleaner product page at Ultimate Washer has a steam pressure washer to suit any need. All of these units comes in belt driven with a split stainless-steel outer coil wrap and are ready to work.

If you are in the cleaning business and have hesitated to make the investment of steam cleaner pressure washers, you should reconsider. Hot water/steam cleaning is at least 50% faster than cold-water pressure. Realize, too, that many commercial applications require hot water. You can greatly add to your customer base when you have steam or hot water power. When you add up the labor cost savings, you will see that you will make up what you spend on heating the water in your system very quickly!

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Water Containment Systems

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Some jobs are more difficult than others. Especially those that require water containment and capture on the job site. The EPA has strict standards regarding the capture and containment of site water, making it more important than ever to have the right equipment.

Luckily, today’s pressure washing business owner has a lot of options to choose from in regards to the equipment they use to capture, contain, reuse or even extract water from a job site. Plus, water containment system equipment can allow you to bid on those environmentally friendly jobs you’ve been unable to land in the past.

Depending on the type of cleaning job you’ll be doing and the chemicals you’ll be using, you’ll need to find a water recovery system that works for you. Available in a variety of water capture and containment options, here are just a few basic styles to choose from:

Water containment systems
Water recovery systems
Clean and capture tools
Filtration systems
A variety of vacuums
Wastewater treatment systems
Clean & Capture Tools
One of the best investments you can make for your pressure washer business when it comes to containing and capturing runoff water is to buy the right clean and capture water containment system.

Self contained units that work in conjunction with your pressure washer are essential if you plan to take on environmentally sensitive jobs. They are reported to recover up to 98% of the water you use with no run-off (or damage) to the environment.

The unit works by connecting up to 200′ of 2 inch vacuum hose to a Primary Separation Tank, to hold large debris, after filtering out smaller particles in the vacuum unit itself. The captured waste water can then be discharged, up to 200 ft away through a 1” garden hose into either a storm drain or separate holding tank. By using a unit that provides a one-step process to washing, rinsing and recovering waste water, you can save time and money when working on those “green” jobs.

These water containment systems usually consist of:

A surface cleaner
A separation tank
A vacuum recovery unit
At least 600 ft. of hose
Containing Sensitive Wastewater
When working on job sites that require a complete clean-up off all wastewater produced by your pressure washing equipment, consider investing in a vacu-Boom water containment system. Easy to use, it can save you time and money when cleaning up environmentally sensitive chemicals and wastewater.

Vacu-Boom
A highly effective way to contain any type of wastewater, the vacu-boom features a flexible tube that is placed directly on a hard surface to form a downslope side dam or to completely encircle the wash or containment area, the vacu-boom features a C shaped cross section with the open side down with small inlet openings around the edge to contain the water until if can be vacuumed up with a portable recovery unit.

By tightly sealing itself to the surface like a giant suction cup, the vacu-boom creates a barrier to contain the liquid until it can be pumped into a safe holding tank.

Great for containing toxic chemicals or water, the vacu-boom is an economical addition to your water containment system equipment.

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Picking The Right Pressure Washing Contractor

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Finding a qualified pressure washing business can be a daunting task for the homeowner. The following guide has been developed to help you locate a quality pressure washing contractors.

Educate Yourself. First and foremost, realize that education is your best line of defense. With pressure washing, the possibility for damage exists. Take the time to understand potential risks and how to minimize them. This will help you distinguish cut-rate pressure washing contractors from quality professionals.

Meet the Contractor. Meet the contractor during the estimate and take time to evaluate the site together. This will better communications and reduce errors in the estimating process.
Get Consultation. A qualified pressure washing contractors will take time to review your site, ask questions and seek out areas of concern. They will listen carefully and interpret the service you desire and expect. In turn, they will also review with you, the strengths and limitations of their service. As you consult with various contractors, ask them specific questions on service, procedures, expected outcomes, and possibilities for damage. Together you will develop a more complete picture of the service, weeding out obvious inconsistencies in service. In all this is a great way to judge professionalism.
Get A Procedure Listing. This list briefly outlines the steps that will be taken during your particular job. It may be a separate sheet or part of the estimate. In either case, this is a very helpful tool when comparing one pressure washing service to another.
Inquire about Equipment. Is it owed or rented? Owed or leased equipment is evidence of a long-term commitment to the field of pressure washing. Renting may indicate only an occasional need for equipment.
Most pressure washing businesses will have power washer equipment that can supply 11-15 HP (horsepower, strength), 3000-4000 PSI (pound per square inch, force) and 3-6 GPM (gallons per minute, flow). A rating of 2000 PSI and 2 GPM or less is a residential grade of equipment and will not perform at the level of doing business.

Ask for a Demonstration. This is not always feasible. Demonstrations can take an enormous amount of time to setup and perform. Often contractors will forgo demonstrations and ask the client to be present at job startup. This is not uncommon. If you are not satisfied with results or question work performance, do not hesitate to inform them.
Get Written Estimates. Having a written estimate protects both you and the pressure washing contractors. A written estimate should detail the desired service, expected outcome and complete costs in labor and material.
Get Referrals. When you get referrals, be sure that they represent the service you desire. For instance, someone seeking deck cleaning should receive deck cleaning referrals, not vinyl siding cleaning. Once you have referrals, use them. Ask specific questions concerning cleaning procedures, job outcomes, workmanship and professionalism.
Satisfaction and Billing Policies. Familiarize yourself with the contractor’s satisfaction and billing policies. Understand deposits and payment schedules. Ask them, in the event of dissatisfaction, what their policy is.
Insurance. Check to see that your contractor has liability insurance. All pressure washing contractors should have protected both themselves and their clients from possible on-site accidents, injury, or damage.
Analyze Cost. Cost of service will be a factor in your decision. Keep in mind less cost frequently means less service and less quality. Basically, you get what you pay. Be wary of $49 deck and $99 house washes.
Be Present During The Job. Observe work as it takes place. Quite often, cleaning results are remarkable and you should experience this process first hand. Likewise, be ready to consult with the contractor as any problems or potential damages arise.
Be Present At Job Completion. Thoroughly inspect and evaluate the job site upon completion. List any problems or concerns and review them with the contractor. A contractor is more likely to address problems now, than returning in the future.
Overall, build your knowledge base, research each pressure washing contractors and use common sense when choosing a contractor. Understand the entire cleaning process, analyze cost comparisons, and weed out possible low quality service providers. A quality pressure washing contractor will encourage and assist in helping you in all these areas.

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Recovery systems

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

California started requiring pressure washing companies to recover there water in 2001. Water recovery is a major part of pressure washing. With out water recovery water that is filled with oil, grease and other contaminates would run in to our cities storm drains and run in to our oceans. There are several different ways to recover your water a few are. Dual stage vacuum with a boom attachment, a simple sump pump that has an automatic shut off when water is below a certain level. Your dual stage vacuum system is much more complicated and much more expensive. the simple sump system you can pick up at any local hard wear store. We also use a filter system our filter system consist of 7 different filters. Our dual stage vacuum sucks up the water and sends it through 7 filters which is mounted on the trailer then pumps the water into a separate tank on our rig. After pumping the water in to our extra tank we are able to then reuse the same water. It’s one of the best systems on the market. Here are a few pictures

Recovery systemrecovery system

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