Im considering starting my own pressure washing service just curious what equipment is recommended for residential and commercial use I have no idea what’s a good brand and any advise for a newbie would be really appreciated
I have very little experience in this business so don’t take what I say as gosspil. From the research I have done you will need at least a 4GPM (Gallon Per Minute) pump, the PSI is not nearly as important as the GPM. In addition, you will need a downstream injector if the pressure washer you buy does not come with one. The pressure washer should come with pressure washer line and a spray gun. Other than that you will need a decent garden house, something that will not crimp easily or wear out under extensive use. You will need to do a lot more research about chemical mixtures and other things but that should get you started.
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8gpm cold water unit isn’t that much more than a 4gpm. If you get a 4gpm, you will just end up upgrading. The 8gpm will rinse quicker and will be better for SC aggregate. Get on pressuretek, water cannon, etc websites and search for the best deal on a unit.
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I get by just fine with a 4 gpm and down streaming is optional.
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Getting by doesn’t make money and ds is a necessity
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Thank you very much for the advice, I’ve been reading a lot of different threads and topics, and I don’t want to be spoon fed all the info on getting the ball rolling I know I need to put my own time in on research and trial and error so again thank you for the info provided
Bnew you are on the right path. Everyone of us has our own system as you will to. I use a xjet m5 for applying chems. I dont know if thats considered downstreaming or not but I love it. Your going to hear from some that you need the biggest and best P.W which is total B.S. I myself have a 4000 4gpm direct drive which works for me. I hook up to the customers water and when I have to, I use a water tank and a 12 volt pump to pull water from. But I also only use it about 20 hrs a week as I do other services. When it gets to worn out I just go buy another. It cleans everything I need on the jobs I take. Just my two cents now im ready for the crucifixion. Lol
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There is no crucifying. He wash asking for advice. He got it from someone that does it part time and someone that does it for a living. He can decide which to follow or which parts of both he likes. If you do this as a profession it would behoove you to have the best, most efficient equipment possible.
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This is a forum. Bottom line is he has to figure out what best works for him. Your way isnt the only way that works neither is mine. Im sharing my experience and what works for me.
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With all due respect…you can buy a 4gpm unit for around $1000…cheapest 8gpm unit goes for about $3000…that sure seems “much” more expensive, to me.
That’s a days worth of work to get a machine that provides double the output and production. Expensive is relative to what is important to you.
I agree…but…if you are limited in funds or credit and cleaning jobs…that is a LOT of difference.
I will say this, many people on these washer forums talk bad about buying equipment on credit…yet most of them will use credit to buy other things…like a car, that will never make a dime. Despite many posts to the contrary…well used credit is an asset to business.
I’m all for credit. I lost 3 trucks and 8 machines and everything in my shop overnight in a flood last October. I spent 100k in about 48 hours buying trucks and machines. I was nervous when I called my bank the next day and told him I was going to be writing a lot of checks I needed him to cover and could I come in the next week to fill out loan papers. I cashed a retirement in from the fire dep’t to buy my first trucks. Do what you have to but get good equipment.
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@Tim4 We have reversed roles. You are now the innocent bystander and I have been sucked into this quagmire of internetdom.
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Highjack alert but got it running and washed two and a deck today Page. I hate decks but anyway got to work on the mix cause it’s a little weak coming from 4 GPM.
To the OP, honestly here it is my opinion only…I bought a used 4 GPM machine. Mistake yes but I have always tried to not have payments. Part time only. Now I have an 8 and a 4. Difference in price was about $1300. I promise that I have cost myself that four times over taking forever with that 4 GPM to finish jobs. Plus you will have to spend more on items like nozzles, injectors and such or be content spending money twice. So a lot g winded answer to say save up or borrow the money and get the 8.
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The levels of braindeadedness and hardheadedness get me down but I appreciate that you have the clarity, desire and motivation to try to help the lost see just a little bit of light. You have been an inspiration to many, you wise old curmudgeon you.
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He is a smart and I am glad he is willing to help. I already owe him more than I can afford to pay him.
Your grandma fed us some good meals at Station 6 so you owe me nothing. You can be my executive administrative sales procurer for off duty rafting enterprises inc llc
There you go! We can start setting up a sales network. Should surpass the Jon boat industry in one month.
A good middle of the road option is the 5.6@2500 from KECsupply:
I swear I’m not getting a commission from them (but I probably should, lol).
My 2¢ on what has already been stated:
Credit is not evil if you’re using it to make money, or protect yourself from greater future loss. Sure, it’s nice to avoid credit cards when possible, but don’t mistake saving money for making money.
Buying a machine that you know will wear out quickly with regular use seems crazy and wasteful (i.e., direct drive machines).
Your biggest expense, once you get jobs rolling in, will be unplanned downtime. Take every precaution to avoid downtime. Keep extra parts, chemicals, hoses, gas, and tools with you on the job. Invest in equipment that won’t break down.
Your mantra should become, “Better to spend too much, than too little.” When you spend too little, you end up with something inadequate for the job at hand, and you have to pay twice for the mistake. If you overspend, you may waste a little bit of money, but not nearly as much as if you underspend.
Put emphasis on marketing. Having decent equipment is important, but the majority of your spending (time and money) should be put into getting more business.
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