Need Help with buying the proper soft wash system for under $2,000

Duluca · June 15, 2019, 9:49pm

Ok I’ll research this before making any stupid decisions. I’m guessing none of the systems I mentioned are being used. Most seem to be using pressure washers or built one.

marinegrunt · June 15, 2019, 9:51pm

As mentioned 12v have their place. If you wash a lot of stucco, pre and post concrete, and do roofs it makes sense. If you’re just washing vinyl and an occasional stucco not so much. It can still be handy to have and make life easier though.

If you want to throw one together yourself there’s plenty of info on here about it. If you hit a snag just ask for help.

anon37135677 · June 15, 2019, 9:53pm

Good call. Just research as much as possible for a while then you’ll have the knowledge to make the right purchases

marinegrunt · June 15, 2019, 9:55pm

I think you’re confusing the term “soft wash” with just a 12 v system. All soft washing is washing with low pressure. The most efficient way to wash a vinyl house is soft washing using a pressure washer. You only need a 12 v if you need a stronger mix for roofs, concrete, stucco, etc. If you think you want to start doing roofs or have a lot of stucco get one. Don’t only get one so you can wash vinyl siding when you already have the equipment that is the most efficient to do so. If you’re only getting it for siding look into an 8 gpm pressure washer instead.

Duluca · June 15, 2019, 10:00pm

There are so many guys out there building systems. I get that believe me. I was just hoping someone would chime in on which system they would recommend if need be. Call me a fool or someone who would consider making the wrong choice. But with limited time and customers who want work done I figured it would be wise to use my downstream injector for now. Since it takes a long time for these systems to arrive I can make things happen with what I have. I’ve had a window cleaning business for over 6 years. With over a hundred and fifty commercial accounts monthly I just wanted to make a big leap of faith. Well thank you very much for the advice highly appreciated.

anon37135677 · June 15, 2019, 10:05pm

You realize you’ll have to rinse with your pressure washer when you use one of these “softwash systems” right?

Allenwagner · June 15, 2019, 10:12pm

I bought a used Maverick. It works great. Yes you have drag two hoses around but it’s simple to work on smaller areas at a time that way.

Infinity · June 16, 2019, 2:02am

Walk before you run. Learn downstreaming with your pressure washer. Focus on easy vinyl houses. Continue to research in your evenings and days off.

Pressure washing is not as simple as window cleaning (I can say that, ‘cause I’m a window cleaner). There are so many aspects to PW’ing, things that can go wrong, so many individual specialties within this field, that you’ve really got to narrow your focus down to the simplest jobs until you start to get the hang of it.

When you finally need it, build a 12v system using one of the kits from PressureTek (they’re real nice to do business with). Rumor has it the 5.5gpm pumps are more reliable than the 7 gpm fatboy. But either one will let you do all the stuff mentioned by @marinegrunt.

dcbrock · June 16, 2019, 2:22am

Oh no, you didn’t say that! Residential window cleaning nearly requires a degree in mechanical engineering.

jljones677 · June 16, 2019, 4:21am

I just bought all my parts to build my own system from bob at pressure tek. 7GPM fatboy, 200ft 1/2" kuritec hose, 20ft extra kuritec for connecting pump to real etc, dipstick assembly, 3-way ball valve for transfer line, gun assembly with J-Rod, accumulator, all fittings, solenoid to replace the pump relay, and a titan hose reel. I think it was around $1200, plus when you build it yourself, and something goes wrong you will have a much easier time figuring out what it is. I have a stucco apartment job next week that will have this paid for four times over right off the bat. But I will never use it on vinyl houses, downstream all day.