Welcome aboard! I’d keep any hvac certifications you need to do work in that field. Pressure washing is part time here in IL so it would give you something to fall back on during the off season.
1 Like
Hi My name is John and i’m from north of Boston. Like most people I’ve been following this site getting great info and trying to learn from all your experiences, Thank You. Ive washed a few houses last year pulling around a PW, 5 gallon bucket and 50’ of hose. This year I’ve stepped up to a trailer with hose reels and a 12V pump system also, (all used). Started out slow just easing into it part time, sings and word of mouth. Hoping to start doing a little advertising soon. Ive learned a lot here but nothing beets on the job experience. So far everything gone good except for a little problem today. Thanks again for your help.
9 Likes
Hello Pressure Washing Community
I’m Jason from Miami,FL I’ve read this forum for 3 months before joining a year ago after losing my job as a warehouse associate. (forklift/pallet jack operator, etc.)
Since then I’ve been reading and studying here and youtube as much as possible. I have been wanting to start a pressure washing business for 10 years (I bought a machine in 2010). At that time, I studied for a day with an old pro from Homestead, FL who showed me his business and equipment. I had been working as an applicator out in Homestead area spraying herbicide (not good causes cancer) and a co worker connected me with the professional. The guy told me to start doing friends and family to gain experience. I still didn’t know what a surface cleaner was and well I ended up doing other things. But this time I’ll do it. Life is short and getting shorter but I still have the desire.
I’m not on social media or anything like that by choice. But here, I would imagine that folks deserve to know a little about who they are helping out and possibly preventing the fly by night"contractor" from bringing the industry to a lower standard. And who knows, this could be an opportunity to pay it forward if I gain experience and have any success at this. Thank you for your time and generosity.
6 Likes
Hi and Welcome to the forum! Your experience and your decision making on upgrades will be helpful to a lot of members.
Hi and welcome to the fourm. People on here say that Florida is a tough market to crack, but I don’t know I live in the north. Please take time in the future to share your experience in your market and your experiences with houses in the area. I personally find it interesting when people in different climates with different building structures show me their issues. As an example, I have not seen a concrete roof or terra cotta tiles in my area (except for a very small facade above a mexican restaurant entryway).
Hello everyone, my name is David Keys. I have spent a lot of time reading through the fourm and would like to thank y’all for the wealth of information.
I am currently a landscaper/handyman and looking to transition to softwashing and power washing. I really need to niche down and get into a line of work that is easier on my body and easier to train employees.
The business will be based out of fredericksburg va. Which is just south of northern va. If your not familiar with northern va there is a lot of high end homes around here, so finding customers willing to pay top dollar should not be hard.
I will be building a softwash rig on a 5x10 dump trailer I already own. I have a 13 horse honda with a direct drive 4gpm/4000psi cat 67dx pump. I’m most likely going to peice together a 7gpm 12v system with a ball valve proportioning system for roofs and possibly house washing and use the power washer to rinse. Although the more I read the more I’m leaning towards a xjet/downstream that way I’m only dragging one hose. I picked up a 125 galling tank yesterday for sh and will be getting a 275 for freshwater and drawing soap out of a 5 gallon bucket.
I look forward to chatting with everyone and thanks again for all the help you have already provided.
-David Keys
2 Likes
Welcome David.
Welcome aboard. Down streaming is definitely the way to go for house washing. It’s the easiest and most efficient.
I think @Firefighter4hire is around Fredericksburg.
1 Like
Thanks for the reply! My main concern with down streaming is hose length. I would like to run as much hose as possible. The gated lake front community I work exclusively in now has some huge houses with poor trailer access. Has not been a problem with the landscape/handyman work, except hauling lumber further than I’d like lol. But it’s nothing more searching red reading can’t take care of. Thanks again.
Hopefully I can get a chance to talk with firefighterforhire I would I’ve to see some setups I person. I’m sure I’m forgetting something lol.
1 Like
Most of us have 225’ of hose and have no issue pulling through that. Every now and then I’ll have to add another 50’ section so have pulled through 275’ too
1 Like
Hey everyone. I’m Phillip from Virginia. Not far from Fredericksburg actually. I’ve been a Hvac/R tech for 15+ years. Have done some pressure/soft washing in the past and looking to get more into it. I’ve been lurking and reading for month or so and joined couple weeks ago. Have been enjoying just randomly flipping through posts and learning a lot and searching a lot. Thanks to everyone that has posted all the information here.
2 Likes
Hello………longtime reader of this forum………and love the recommendations and answers to all questions
From Boerne Texas and just now getting into the power washing business…Getting two sons to take over and they will be learining with me………Company is called TyLeeCo Pressure Washing……
Have a 5.5 gpm Hotsy …with 19 in WW surface………ordered Bandit softwash…coming in a few weeks…….this is to be installed in Ford F 150 truck…slowly but surely gathering equipment…next is hose reels…and chemical stockpile…
Do appreciate all the information I gather from here…and appreciate the ‘giver’ of information also…
2 Likes
Excellent choice, She’ll serve you well.
@MidAtlanticCleaners I’m in Fredericksburg if you need help PM meI will be happy to help you.
5 Likes
Thank you. I may take you up on that offer. I’m hoping to have some free time here soon.
Good to hear that was my main concern about down streaming.
It’s no problem buddy. I build my own equipment also. More than enough work for all of us. In fact if you want some I can help with that also
2 Likes
I’m running a pressure washing business out of north texas, specifically DFW area and surrounding suburbs. been self taught going for a little over a year now. starting browsing reddit a few weeks ago until i found this forum which has now become my go to place for all inquiry’s related to the business.
2 Likes
Hi everyone, I’m Nick and I’ve been a reader/lurker for about a year and a half now. I saw several Virginia guys posting and figured I would introduce myself. I’m in Northern VA, based in Arlington. I started a business in the Fall of 2018 with my partner, Shane. We both previously worked in the DC consulting bubble and needed to get out. I love being able to work outside and own a business, and we wouldn’t have been able to without you all.
This forum has been invaluable for me and I want to thank everyone who contributes so much time and information. I’m looking forward to being able to contribute now that I’m less afraid of making a fool of myself!
6 Likes
