Hello!
I’m adding pressure washing services to my handyman business and seeking advice on getting started.
I plan to start with driveways, patios, and walkways. However, after reading many posts, I realized I may also get asked for fence, deck, and siding services. My area is largely suburban and urban, so I don’t anticipate many extra long driveways.
Equipment wise, I was leaning toward Harbor Freight’s Predator Pressure Washer, 3200 PSI at 2.8 GPM. Also, it seems I must have a water reclaim system, and I have found how to make one with a shop vac, a 55 gallon drum, and a pump. The idea is to have all the equipment set on a utility trailer. I have a truck, but it seems cumbersome to lift this equipment in and out for each job.
Reading through posts has got me second guessing a few things. Is 2.8 GPM not enough? Should I only be looking at pressure washers with a minimum of 4gpm? Some posters have suggested that it’s not long before one would be upgrading to an 8gpm PW, but does that have more to do with the types of jobs?
Additionally, I keep reading that Honda engines are the best way to go and that I may regret the Predator.
I would appreciate any advice on the equipment, hauling, water reclaim, etc. Further, I am confused about when I would need to carry away reclaimed water to a hazardous waste site if the wash water contains chemicals, such as SH, Ox, etc. Maybe I’m overthinking it because I have yet to read anything from anyone in the business about dumping at a local hazardous waste site.
I’m starting up in the Seattle area and I’m researching water reclamation as well. The consistent theme I’ve found so far pertains to storm drains that flow into rivers, streams etc.
Diverting through vegetative sites, gravel lots so long as the water doesn’t pool is one method. Another other is to capture water and take it to a municipal sanitary sewer facility where is introduced into the water cleaning system. One common theme with all of it is to ensure sediment is filtered out.
I’m going to call the Washington state department of ecology on Monday for clarification on things; it may be worth doing the same in your area.
Federal Clean Water Act is in the equation though my perception is largely ignored. Perception being driven by limited information.
As far as GPM yes, you will want more. GPM is a major factor driving efficiency. End of the day we all start somewhere. Get what you can afford or consider renting.
Be sure to resolve licensing and bonding requirements. Good luck
You need to find the CA laws as well as the Federal laws. I live in PA, couldn’t tell you what the CA laws are. Ultimately it is your business and you are responsible. I haven’t done reclamation in my area.
Don’t cheap out on equipment, the saying here is buy once cry once. Now the size of your rig will depend on your budget, but as Qons said, shoot for a min of 4 gpm with a decent pump or build it yourself. Predator has nothing on a honda, which most people on here swear by. Sure, maybe the predator is a little cheaper in the short term. I never buy any equipment for the short term, with the exception of items that degrade quickly like brushes.
The difference between 4 gpm and 8 gpm can be argued as economy of scale. If you aren’t cleaning concrete, and you aren’t doing large areas or taller areas, maybe shoot for a 5.5-6gpm unit as midway. If you are only doing it as an add on service for your business, then maybe get the 4 and see if you get enough work to make the upgrade pay for itself.
Oh and please be sure to get a belt drive so you can use a small buffer tank, otherwise you’ll have to be on the trigger at least once a minute to prevent the pump from overheating.
