Hello to all!!! So I am going to be starting a new pressure washing business on a minimal budget until things get rolling. So to start out I have 2 Troy Built 3100psi 2.7 gpm with the Honda 190 motor. I have an 18-20 ft telescope wand that I use for reaching the high peaks. Any and all tips and advice would be appreciated. What are some of the best solutions to use and what are the ones not to use. I have been doing my own houses for years and have experience with your basic stuff. Thanks to all and I look forward to all the responses.
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Get at least 12 hours of read time and then come back. Most of your questions will be answered.
Come back with designated questions in a numbered sequence. Then we will be able to help
Merry Christmas
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Where are you located?
Guys, I know it gets redundant when about 1000 new guys come on the forum this time of year looking to be spoonfed information. But it does no one any good to tell them to read and search for awhile, and then move the conversation to the lounge where they are unable to see that advice. So I ask that we all please refrain from moving stuff into the lounge unless the topic is really getting out of control and requires moderator attention. Thank you 
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Translation: William, quit putting crap in the lounge, not everyone is a troll. Love ya Alex 
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You’re enjoying the quote button aren’t you 
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Now someone tell me what make wiki means andc what the little chain means
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I’m still waiting to find out where he’s located so I know whether to help or not. Patriotspwashing is right though. I spent countless hours on old threads before I even introduced myself on the forums. If you do that you know better than to mention telescoping wands as a tool in your arsenal.
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I own one 
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You don’t have to tell everything lol
A wise mentor(sponsor) told me long ago that the first step to solving a problem is accepting that there is one.
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Hey guys, you probably don’t realize that you can mute whole categories. So, for example, if you don’t want to see any threads in “Newbie Questions” then you can mute the entire category and never again will you be annoyed with a new person not doing enough research before asking dumb questions.
I’m sure this won’t be as fun as scaring off new people with sarcastic responses 
, but the forum owner might appreciate picking up a new customer or two for his online store by having us treat people with a minimal level of respect when they first join. To be clear, I’m not saying that anyone is breaking any rules etc… but give it some thought and consider muting the category if these kinds of posts bother you.
Merry Christmas!
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Take those two pressure washer back or sell them. You will spend more money and time trying to make them work than you would just buying you a belt driven 4+ gpm machine.
Columbus Ohio area
Hello @Joseph78
Personally, I would take their advice and do A LOT of reading before asking questions. a lot of your questions have been answered. As for the telescoping wand. I haven’t tried one but I can just imagine how bad that would turn out. broken windows, stripped paint, etc. I use a 48in Extention wand only when I need to get a super awkward angle, or need JUST a little more height on some 3 story gutters or sofets. the 36in + 48in = 84in, which is 7ft, and that’s about as far out as you should go with it being “safe”.
I am new to this field of work as well, but before evening joining I read for about 3 months, and yes I still have a few questions but pretty much all the basics have been asked and answered over the years.
I started out with a 3200psi, 2.7gpm machine, stupidly spending precious start-up money on that, only to end up buying the recommended 4gpm MINIMUM belt drive, seeing that if I wanted to get serious about this, it was necessary.
What I have Learned so far: 12.5% bleach is your best friend. Dont use DAWN, get some pro surfactant, (at the minimum arm and hammer w/ oxi clean) soap cleans, pressure don’t. get a surface cleaner if your doing flat work. get a 4gpm machine, at least. check out Pressure Tek for a J-rod(amazing for soaping and rinsing at low pressure) Don’t let soap dry(god please don’t!) and bust some ■■■and you’ll get what you want out of it.
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My tips would be 1. get rid of the telescoping wand if you want to be professional 2. Buy good equipment. 3. You can wash from the ground and reach the second story with low pressure. 4. Search 1, 2, 3 as well as the words : “insurance”, “softwashing”, “surfactant”, “safety”, “how to clean a driveway”, “advertising”, “marketing”, “surface cleaners”.
If you search and read through the subjects, you will be doing yourself a service! While learning about these subjects, many others you didnt know about will be covered. New questions will be raised. Your learning at the PERFECT TIME!
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You have about 4 or 5 solid well established company’s in the columbus area. I know of at least 2 that hire summer help. Just an idea if you want some hands on experience. I’ve heard great things about Stillwater. I think the owners name is Brad? I dont know him personally but I hear hes a solid dude.
I’m not going to lie I have a telescoping wand that I bought before I found this forum. It’s still in the box and I’m still pissed that I spent $110 on it haha.
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