Hey guys got a call to go look at a local business that wants there curb and sidewalk done… I might just pass on it but anyways is 2500 psi good enough to clean sidewalk and curb? No hot water just cold right now, haven’t look at the side walk yet… I have a 19" classic that I can use, but my whole setup right now is kinda for the residential side
Pass on it
That would probably work but may take a while. I use a 3600 psi and a surface cleaner for commercial stuff and it works fantastic.
my gpm is 5.6 but I just don’t think it can get enought pressure to get it clean… I might go look at it if it’s just dirt and mold it will work fine with a pre and post treatment …but if it has a lot of stains and gum I know I can’t lift that up
Why would you pass?
Unless their is a lot of oil or gum which you would need hot water for, you can easily clean it.
It does not take that much pressure to clean concrete, i run my surface cleaners with nozzles to bring the pressure to 1800 psi. After friction loss it probably even less, more pressure will not necessarily clean concrete better.
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@Justin_Treu
Would seem to be more of a headache with your current setup.
Heat, more psi would be required for gum and oil, maybe rubber tire marks on curb but your gpm would be ok.
Also, if you are running a surface cleaner (which you should), your psi will be divided between the number of nozzles.
Yeah I have a 19" ww classic …with a two nozzle bar not the 4 nozzle
If there is a lot of gum on a sidewalk I charge extra as it takes more time even with heat to pop them up. Pressure washing a sidewalk/driveway is just that. If there are heavy oil, gum rust stains on it then its a extra fee as it takes chemicals and time. If they are just wanting the sidewalks clean why pass on the job? Do the best just you can, inform them, and learn what you equipment can do so you know for next time. Just don’t leave them with a bad job, even if it takes longer than expected. What I’m learning is experience in this industry by actually doing the work is what will help your business grow. You can read everything on this site until your eyes shut but it won’t do much unless you get out and try.
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Nailed it. Doers beat thinkers.
“Never mistake motion for action.” -Hemingway
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Dude, just invest the$$ you will earn on the job on a surface cleaner and go slow, and in both directions to avoid the dreaded power stripes. You’ll do just fine!
I’m sure you meant your volume would be divided.
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Let us know and when you go to look at post some pics, will be easier to help you.
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Should water alone be able to remove tire marks in my driveway? I just got my set up all plumbed, was messing with my surface cleaner and water but maybe I need some chemical to remove regular tire marks? Using a 2500psi machine with a 20in hammerhead
Water alone wont really take tire marks up. Heat would be best, with a degreaser.
What’s the best way with cold water?
Just spray on a degreaser, like Purple Power or something?
You could always rent a hot machine. Just price or into your bid.
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Rent a bigger machine if the job pays well. Here in Houston there are companies that will rent you a whole trailer setup for $190 per day
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Pretty much, just degrease then surface clean. D-Limonene is suppose to be pretty good, haven’t used it though. You said its your driveway, so just experiment. If its a customers drive, let them know it may not all come up. The pictures below was on new concrete so i couldn’t use the SC, I just degreaser (i used EBC on this one), and a rinse with cold water.
@Clean1 Where im at to rent a hot machine its $190 a day, and dont see a lot of homeowners wanting to pay the extra for that.
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So just apply the degreaser with a pump spray or something, let sit for a few minutes and rinse with low pressure?
