I have a 4GPM pressure washer and want to get something really cheap to start off with. I already have pressure washing guns and a 50’’ garden hose I can use. I just want to get my first job done and then invest more money into a proper trailer setup. Also, what chemicals should I get when I’m just starting out? My main focus is going to be driveways and pavements before I move onto other more profitable things.
Just adding some context here:
I bought the 4GPM machine used for $390US with a broken pump and replaced it with a refurbished Comet pump for another $202, so the total cost of the pressure washer is $592.
The list added is my target equipment list with prices in CAD.
You’re going to want to go back through your pricing list… those dollar amounts seem very low. You aren’t going to find quality, reliable, equipment for those prices even when looking at used. $53 for 1 Gallon of “concrete cleaner” and $25 for 1 Gallon of “Mold and Mildew Remover” is ridiculous (unless you are in Hawaii or Alaska) it should be $10 tops. Always carry spares of everything that can wear/tear… so all of your Qty. 1 double to 2.
That all being said, I’m a firm believer of “buy once, cry once” spend the money on name brand gear off the bat, or you will end up replacing it all in a couple months and spending way more than had you not bought the cheap stuff originally.
Hi, thank you for your reply. All the prices are in CAD. I definitely agree with you on the buying cheap stuff thing, unfortunately I’m on a very slim budget, hence only buying things I absolutely need. My only splurge was the trailer, which I bought today for $400 CAD,
Any chance you can guide me on fitting sizes? Should I be buying 1/4 or 3/8 fittings? Most surface cleaners I saw in my budget come with 1/4 quick disconnects.
That makes even less sense to me… That would mean your spending $390 USD for a Simpson 4/4K that is typically around $1k new, if buying used I’d be surprised if it works. Chems still seem over priced to me, but that might just be Canada.
3/8" fittings for everything between the pump and gun
1/4" fittings for everything after the gun
Save your $90 on your surface cleaner and line up a few jobs on the same day, go to home depot and rent a surface cleaner. You also don’t need an under carriage cleaner unless you are planning to do any mobile detailing.
SH is your mold and mildew remover and I didn’t see it on your list. Its about 3.50 and up a gallon, depending on where you live and the quantities you buy it in, as well as total purchases for discount rates.
You said you have a 4 gpm PW, but you want to get something really cheap to start off with. Well, save the money and use what you have then. Anything decent is probably going to be around 1500. That triplex pump hasn’t received much love on this forum.
50’ of hose is kinda useless, unless you are washing trailers in a trailer park. Even buying two isn’t great, unless you are wheeling your PW around the house.
You need surfactant.
Save some upfront money and go to a dump/auto salvage and get a truck toolbox and use it until you make some cash and upgrade. I’m sure they have some “pull it yourself” type of place in your general area.
Talk to some other Canadians, I believe some were using princess auto for purchasing some items…
See if @PMG can offer you some advice, if he isn’t running his steam genny on roofs.
Hi Anton, thank you once again for your reply. You are spot on about the prices of chemicals, there is a vast difference between the prices on Amazon and at Home Depot. I’ll be buying most of my chemicals from there and will edit the prices on the list accordingly.
I also added some context for the PW in my main post, but I got it with a broken AAA pump, which I had to replace. The engine ran really well when I bought it, but unfortunately it tipped over in my truck, causing fuel and oil going into the carb, I need to sort that out. Thankfully the guy I bought my pump from gave me a free air filter, so I will be fixing the PW today and getting it running.
I wanted the undercarriage cleaner to be able to wash trucks at truck stops, is that a bad idea?
Thank you for your reply! I’'ll be editing my list, I got most of my prices from Amazon, but when I checked Home Depot, the prices are way lower. I’ll also be buying only the basics to get started.
I also added some context for the PW in my main post, but I got it with a broken AAA pump, which I had to replace. The engine ran really well when I bought it, but unfortunately it tipped over in my truck, causing fuel and oil going into the carb, I need to sort that out. Thankfully the guy I bought my pump from gave me a free air filter, so I will be fixing the PW today and getting it running.
Can you please guide on what kind of surfactant I should be getting?
Got it, so about $390 for a Honda GX390, that makes more sense.
Just drain the carb, clean it, and put it back on… as long as you don’t ruin the gasket taking it on/off it should be good to go. These engines are pretty dang durable even with getting thrown around, should be an easy fix.
I don’t do fleet washing, but from what I’ve seen, I don’t think most fleet washers use those.
That statement also goes against what you said previously:
If all you are wanting to do is concrete, it sounds like you have most the things needed already. You will need a way to dilute and apply SH (liquid chlorine, pool shock, 12.5% bleach… it’s all the same) look into down stream injectors, x-jet, or even a cheap pump up sprayer can work if it’s a small enough area. You’ll need to rent or buy a surface cleaner (as previously stated I would rent, do a few jobs, and buy a nice one). If you are trying to present your self as a business and be professional, make sure you have insurance before doing any work on someones property, make sure you follow all laws in your area, and have a way of collecting/recording money for your work. It’s not rocket science, but if you want to be successful, there is more to it then just buying equipment and showing up. There area a ton of resources on here, just hit the search bar with some keywords and you will find everything you might have a question about has already been answered… also if you are a visual leaner videos on youtube are helpful, but be careful of who you listen to… if they try to sell a course/app/product… they aren’t the one. Pink Flamingo has always been one of my favorites to watch. He’s been in business a little over 4 years and watching his videos of him learning as he goes and figures out stuff is really relatable when just starting out. Highly recommend watching some of his videos.
You can try bigshotsupplies.ca. Most of their stuff is quality, but generally high prices, long shipping times, sometimes service could be improved. But i think it’s the easiest option for you to find professional grade products in Canada for the moment. Browse there for surfactant.
