Nashville newbie has questions, please help :)

Newbie Questions
1

Hey y’all, I’ve been reading and learning a lot from everyone but I still have a bunch of questions about my setup starting out.

Any recommendations for service add ons? Soft wash is one, I’ll be staining and sealing as well. Thinking about roof cleaning once I can afford the safety equipment if anyone has suggestions about that too!

Here is what I have already:

  1. SIMPSON pro series 4000psi 3.5gpm Honda motor, brand new.

Questions for power washer:

How do I get a soft wash setup running from this washer?

I’ve read the combo of bleach and elemonator works well? Is there a plant/pet friendly chemical mix?

Do I essentially only offer a soft wash on roofs, wood, vinyl, and brick?

I can’t afford a large tank right now, so how far (sq ft?) would a 5 gallon jug with the chemicals mixed and injected usually go?

I’m guessing selling the soft wash is great when possible because I can build in the cost of the added chemicals thus justifying a decent price increase? Preserves mortar joints and disinfects etc etc.

  1. 20’ inch BE Wirlaway Surface Cleaner w/the wheels (in case 4K psi doesn’t let me float).

Good choice? Haven’t used it on a job yet.

Here is what I’m thinking about buying next week:

  1. Vortex Reel by APW distributing 5000psi max and 200 ft hose capacity (3/8 I think).

I want a great quality reel but not anything crazy like the titan reels since I’m starting fresh. Any suggestions?

  1. Goodyear pressure hoses. I heard Goodyear makes great hoses. Should I buy a 100ft and a 50ft hose? Or should I buy three 50 foot sections of hose? What texture is easier to work with (smooth or braided?) I heard 150 feet is pretty much keeping me parked in one spot?

Also, should I buy a Ball valve for easy switching between the surface cleaner and gun?

Thanks for your help in advance guys/gals. I’m really excited about the potential for this business so any and all advice is well received! Have mercy; I’m a newbie still. Thanks again!!

2

I would take the washer back if you haven’t used it. It won’t run your surface cleaner, and the surface cleaner you got is junk. You can soft wash by simply getting a down stream injector and an 0040 soap nozzle. If your machine isn’t mounted on the truck I’d not spend the money on a hose reel until you could get a decent one.

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3

The search bar here always seems to be out of order so here’s a link. Bookmark it. Type in all the questions you have and start learning. You’ll learn a ton.
https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/search
You’ll want to take that machine back and get at least a 4gpm. You’ll never need 4000psi… gpm is king and 4gpm is the very minimum. Things you should be searching for is soft washing, roof washing, concrete cleaning, surface cleaners, hose, etc. The more you read the more you’ll learn while learning other things you didn’t intend to learn while searching.
Best of luck

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4

Thanks for your info, my friend. So, you’re saying the cleaner won’t work at all for a guy that’s just starting out? I wish I’d found this forum before buying lol

I’m buying the business truck today so this news might screw up my cash flow for a while. I’d been slowly saving as a chimney sweep for everything. The washer cost $1,038 after tax from Lowe’s, I’ll see if I can return it.

But in the event that I am stuck with this washer for now, are you saying this $1k machine won’t run a damn surface cleaner with 2 Spray nozzles?

Also, what surface cleaner would you recommend instead? I read everywhere this cleaner is awesome. It has chasers too, which helps. That was $360. Haven’t had a chance to run water through either the washer or the cleaner, since I just got them.

Would really suck to return everything and spend more potentially, cause I was looking forward to christening them this weekend :frowning:

Thank you for any info brother.

5

Man, thank you sooo much. I’d been just scrolling through random topics picking up info here and there lol

As for the pressure washer, if you see my response to innocent bystander above, that’s the situation unfortunately.

Thanks again man, I made a decision on the assumption PSI was the driving force to be considered. Live and learn I guess.

6

You need at least 1gpm for every 4 inches of surface cleaner size to be efficient. 20” surface cleaner, you need at least 5 gpm. Even that is fairly slow. Gpm is king, not psi. With your machine, the small Home Depot surface cleaner would work best.

7

@AceofSpray I have the 20 inch BE I have zero problems out of it. Mine is the metal version. Granted I dont use it everyday. Definitely take the Simpson back

8

You will not spend more money, if you can return it, then you can build your own 4 gpm machine for less than $1,000. I did it, and our dollar doesnt go as far up here in Canada.

Don’t buy a prebuilt pressure washer.

9

I started with a 20" BE Whirlaway. It was fine till I started using it a lot then it crapped out. A real 4k psi 4gpm will run you about $1400 and you usually get a 50’ hose and gun with it. I’m not sure where you live but business doesn’t pick up till spring in most areas. Keep that in mind if you are putting everything on credit.

10

And if I may…get a belt drive unit so it will pull from your buffer tank.

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11

Sounds like experience talking…

12

Belt drive or gear drive pump, they both pull water good. Go atleast a 5.5 gpm, or 8gpm if you can afford it. If you don’t, you will be next year after you finally realize why it takes you so long compared to your competition. Buy the best equipment you can.
And welcome and good luck.

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13

Yup…dealt with a direct drive way too long. I have to admit though it was a real trooper,

14

Guys, thank you all so much for your feedback. I’m soaking it up. I have a hell of an update for you all!

A family friend passed away recently and I didn’t know he owned a pressure business at one point.

He left me this:
Pressure-Pro Professional 4000 PSI (Gas-Cold Water) Belt-Drive Aluminum Frame Pressure Washer w/ Honda GX390 Engine & CAT Pump

It is used but seems to have been stored properly. Literally, the man’s wife didn’t know I was starting my own business or that I was buying the truck on Sunday. She stopped by about an hour and a half ago like an angel from up above. Still can’t believe how his day turned around.

So, how do we feel about this beast?

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15

It’s a great machine to get things rolling. What an honor.

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16

I think he saw himself in me a little. He passed away sober and saw me struggle with my own demons. Happily sober 10 months now and I am getting cautiously optimistic about the future. Time to wash the past away!

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17

Read every topic on here before you get to deep in and ask questions that have been answered numerous times before .
I applaud you for confronting your demons and forging a positive pathway👍

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18

Congrats. Learning this business and starting your own will keep you busy and give you lots of satisfaction throughout. Put that machine to good use. Best of luck @AceofSpray

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19

This is my first post and I’m glad that you are 10 month sober , I’m going in January 20 years and I was drinking everyday so found thinks are coming for you , give it a few more years and you will really see the different , good luck

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