Elements to Consider When Starting a Pressure Washing Business

Your best bet before you jump into your new venture is to conduct as much research as you can. Talk to other people in the pressure washing business, suppliers and potential clients to determine the market and what your position in it will be.

Assess the type of applications that are in demand and what type of services you will be able to offer. Assess the costs of the equipment you need. Make sure you are buying the right pressure washers, cleaners and attachments for the jobs you take on.

At the start up level, you are likely to be wearing many hats at the same time. Managing a pressure washing business will require of you a wide set of skills including marketing, sales, record keeping, equipment selection, employee relations, and pricing of projects. It will require a great deal of dedication and time.

If you have a family, make sure everyone is onboard and understands the demands that you are about to face and that they share your vision for a prosperous future. The more you know before you start the better your chances of making it through the first tender years of a new business.

Selecting and Maintaining Pressure Washer Hoses

No doubt about it, the humble hose is key to your pressure-washing operation. If you have a worn or defective hose, you will have trouble taking care of business. You can save yourself a lot of grief by selecting the right hose, knowing the limitations of your washer, and taking the time to maintain it. Just follow these common-sense guidleines.

* Select a hose that operates within the temperature range of your pressure washer. If a hose runs with water that is too hot, the hose core can become brittle and crack.

* The same holds true for the external walls. A hose should never be dragged over a hot surface or allowed to lay on a surface that is above its temperature rating.

* If cleaning by chemical injection, use a chemical-resistant hose.

* Choose an appropriate length of hose and allow for "pulse shortening" or sufficient slack to accommodate the change in hose length when operating at full pressure.

* If coupling more then one hose, consider spring guards to protect the hose from bursting where coupling and flexing can weaken the hose.

* Follow manufacturer's specifications on hose selection, and never substitute a hose that is intended for another purpose.

* Make a visual inspection of the hose, checking the whole length for abrasions, cuts and damage that could be caused by improper storage, chemical deterioration or extreme temperature exposures. Pay close attention to coupled joints or damage from kinks.

* If the inspection reveals any damage, replacing the hose is the surest way to avoid potential failure and injury. Destroy worn out or damaged hoses so they won't be used by mistake.

* Drain hoses after each use and flush hoses that have been used for chemical cleaning thoroughly.

* Wind hoses carefully and loosely. Careless or tight winding of hoses can cause kinks or flat spots.

* Leave nails, pegs and hooks for tasks other than hanging your hose. Always store your hose on a reel to avoid cuts or flat spots.

* Avoid storing your hoses in temperatures below freezing. To avoid possible cracking or bursting, always let a cold hose warm up before using it.

Pressure washers are designed to run at specific pressures. Use a hose that has a rating above the maximum operating pressure of the washer. Never override the safety controls on a pressure washer. Overriding the flow, temperature, vacuum or pressure switches can create a hazardous situation. Following manufacturer's guidelines and paying close attention to proper storage and maintenance will let you start your next pressure washing task without fear of getting "hosed."

Flat Surfaces Suitable for Power washing

If used according to the manufacturers instructions, power washing systems are ideal for keeping concrete surfaces looking like new.

Most concrete surfaces are suitable for pressure washing. Avoid, however, any stenciled or imprinted areas as the pressure of the spray can wash off the design. You will get great results power washing pavers and stone but you should be careful on laminar sandstone as the more powerful washers could scrape off the thin layers.

When in doubt about whether your particular surface is able to withstand the water pressure from your high pressure power washing equipment, it is a good idea to test a small area beforehand. Chose a section that is not very visible and see how that reacts to the spray.

Safety Guidelines for Pressure Washing

Whenever you are about to operate your pressure washer, keep in mind the following power washer safety tips.

*Always wear proper eye, face and hand protection when operating your power washing equipment.
* Wear non-slip shoes and also wet weather outer gear if you do not wish to get wet.
* Never point the power washing spray at a person or animal.
* Never try to wash your hands or feet with a pressure washer because the force of the spray will peel your skin off.
* Read the manual carefully before starting the equipment.
* If operating a gas pressure washer, as with any time that you will be manipulating fuel, be familiar with the location and operation of fire extinguishing equipment.
* If you are using an electric pressure washer, beware of shock hazards.

Clean as a Whistle Inside and Out

In the restaurant biz, cleanliness is pivotal to keeping and attracting customers and staying on the right side of the health department. That's why it is so important for eating establishments to pressure wash both the exterior and interior elements of their business on a regular basis.

* Start inside by using your pressure washer to give the kitchen hood, duct, and filters and fans a good cleaning. This will allow for better exhaust and ensure against flash fires.
* Augment your daily mopping at day's end by pressure washing the floor.

By using a pressure washer in these two areas you will get rid of excess grease that was otherwise missed using other methods.

Starting an Uncooperative Gasoline Pressure Washer

If your gasoline powered pressure washer doesn't start, there are usually very simple reasons why that have almost nothing to do with your IQ. Here are a few common symptoms and solutions you can use the next time your unit doesn't feel like firing up.

• No gas in fuel tank or carburetor. Fill tank with gasoline, open fuel shut-off valve. Check fuel line and carburetor.
• Low oil. Check oil level. Fill if necessary.
• Start/Stop switch in “stop” position Move switch to “start” position
• Water in gasoline or old fuel. Drain fuel tank and carburetor. Use new fuel and dry spark plug
• Dirty air filter cleaner Remove and clean
• Spark plug dirty, wrong gap or type Clean, adjust gap or replace
• Spray gun closed Trigger spray gun
• Other causes See engine owner's manual

How to Clean Paved Lanes and Parking Lots

Overflowing garbage cans after a busy day in the park can create a mess of garbage and debris flying all over. A pressure washer is a great way to round up the litter into one spot to speed up the cleaning job.

Additionally, once the debris is rounded up and removed, a power washer will remove bird dropings, spills, pet waste and a multitude of other messy substances - even chewing gum stuck on the pavement!

Make sure there are no people around when you are operating the pressure washer as these small objects may become airborne and cause injury.

Things to AVOID when Pressure Washing

There are some operator pitfalls that you should avoid when using your power washer.

* Don't leave your pressure washer nozzle closed for more than one minute while the pressure washing equipment is still running as it may cause stress to the pump.
* Don't spray brittle surfaces like stucco, or laminar flagstone because it may lift the surface of the material.
* Do not use bleach, as it will damage parts of your pressure washing equipment.
* Do not use hot running water in your cold water pressure washer.
* Avoid spraying windows or glass doors because the force of the jet might break the glass.
* Do not spray light fixtures, flowerbeds or mailboxes.
* Finally, do not leave the pressure washer running unattended.

Safety Guidelines for Pressure Washing a Fence

There are a few basic power washer safety tips to follow around pressure washing equipment. Remember that it is a power tool and as such it should be safely away from the reach of children. Wear eye protection and appropriate clothing and never point the power washer nozzle at another person or yourself.

Industrial and Commercial Cold Water Pressure Washers

There is a very extensive line of cold-water power washers that varies in pressure from 2000-5000 psi and 2.3 to 5 GPM. Commercial and industrial applications such as pressure washing services, garages, services shops, agricultural establishments and construction companies use these models every day to great results. Electric units are lighter and adaptable to many uses, whereas gas or diesel powered units offer a higher power rating and degree of portability and durability.