# What to expect when upgrading from 5-8gpm...? **URL:** \ **Category:** Supplies & Equipment\ **Created:** [June 28, 2020, 2:33pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345 "2020-06-28T14:33:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/softworks)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 2:33pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/1 "2020-06-28T14:33:46Z")
For those who have gone from 4 or 5 gpm to 8 gpm, I’m curious to know what you didn’t expect when upgrading from 4 or 5gpm to 8gpm. I think I’ve covered the obvious stuff…new fittings for the SC, 1" supply line, bigger chem injector, bigger buffer tank (100 gallons is plenty for my area), etc. Am I missing anything? Secondly, how did the upgrade affect employees? Obviously (hopefully) they are able to finish the job quicker and with higher quality. But how much quicker? Going from 5-8gpm is a 60% jump in water volume but that isn’t going to translate into 60% higher employee productivity (wouldn’t that be nice!). In YOUR experience, how much quicker can you do a house wash, for example? Lastly, any input at all when going from 5-8gpm would be appreciated. And yes, I have done a significant amount of reading before I posted this 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![dcbrock](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/dcbrock/32/38857_2.png) [@dcbrock](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/dcbrock)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/2 "2020-06-28T15:17:18Z")
I just went through the whole shebang starting with a 2.4 in 2018. 4-5.5 was nice, I noticed a big difference with rinsing speed and concrete went a little faster, but I was getting frustrated with striping. SH pull from the injector was about perfect with 5.5. 5-8 jump was a real shock. I can now get 3 story peaks from the ground using my 1’ wand and shooter tip. Surface cleaning is night and day speed wise, I almost walk normally behind my 19”. Rinsing speed is ridiculous. Drawbacks, my 2.1 injector doesn’t draw as much as I’d prefer so it usually takes two applications, especially on gutters. I’d use a 1.8 but as I use a remote, trying to rinse with it still on cuts down on GPM. Also the sheer volume of water can pile up quick when rinsing off concrete so low spots need to be dealt with. I personally have to watch my 65 gallon leg tank so it doesn’t run dry when people’s spigots are lower flow. My biggest regret is not spending the extra $500 to get the 8/3500 instead of the 5.5. I could have avoided so many problems. ---
**Author:** ![softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/softworks)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 3:29pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/3 "2020-06-28T15:29:53Z")
How do you deal with water pooling in low spots on concrete? sludge sucker? push broom? Man it can be frustrating when there’s no where for the water to go! lol ---
**Author:** ![DJPWS](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/djpws/32/36461_2.png) [@DJPWS](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/DJPWS)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 3:45pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/4 "2020-06-28T15:45:04Z")
There are so many topics answering the exact questions you are asking. I love the want to learn but research more. You will find the answer a lot faster and avoid creating repeat topics ---
**Author:** ![dcbrock](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/dcbrock/32/38857_2.png) [@dcbrock](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/dcbrock)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 3:50pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/5 "2020-06-28T15:50:07Z")
Or, I can just answer him.👍 Suttner sucker works very well but really plasters the surrounding foliage with mud. I really consider it a ‘must have’ though. A leaf blower also comes in handy when you’re trying not to lay down the water you just got rid of.😆 ---
**Author:** ![softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/softworks)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 4:33pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/6 "2020-06-28T16:33:21Z")
Haven’t tried the leaf blower yet…thanks! ---
**Author:** ![softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/softworks)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 4:34pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/7 "2020-06-28T16:34:50Z")
Fair enough, I’ll keep that in mind. I would be interested in your input on the original question I posted… ---
**Author:** ![dcbrock](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/dcbrock/32/38857_2.png) [@dcbrock](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/dcbrock)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 7:31pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/8 "2020-06-28T19:31:04Z")
Which one was that? ---
**Author:** ![softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/softworks)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/9 "2020-06-28T20:38:35Z")
I was trying to ask djpws for his input but maybe I hit the wrong reply button? I’m new at this lol ---
**Author:** ![TexasPressureWashing](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/texaspressurewashing/32/27941_2.png) [@TexasPressureWashing](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/TexasPressureWashing)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 8:47pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/10 "2020-06-28T20:47:10Z")
You need to put the @ in front of someones handle to tag them like this @softworks, cheers! ---
**Author:** ![softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/softworks)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 8:52pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/11 "2020-06-28T20:52:46Z")
ok bear with me…so right now all I did was hit “reply” to TexasPressureWashing. But that doesn’t let you know I replied to you? So I need to use the @ …Think I got it ---
**Author:** ![softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@softworks](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/softworks)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 8:53pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/12 "2020-06-28T20:53:26Z")
@TexasPressureWashing Now this goes directly to you… ---
**Author:** ![TexasPressureWashing](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/texaspressurewashing/32/27941_2.png) [@TexasPressureWashing](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/TexasPressureWashing)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 9:12pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/13 "2020-06-28T21:12:44Z")
Both worked. I’ve seen that sometimes the reply tags someone and sometimes it doesn’t. ---
**Author:** ![DJPWS](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/djpws/32/36461_2.png) [@DJPWS](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/DJPWS)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2020, 11:00pm UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/14 "2020-06-28T23:00:44Z")
> [@softworks](#): > > I would be interested in your input on the original question I posted… > [@Making the switch to 8gpm](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/making-the-switch-to-8gpm/26292/6): > > 1 inch supply hose, 2.1 injector, different jrod / quad rod tips with larger orifice, make sure spray gun can support 8 gpm (most do), a float valve for the tank is a good idea. Surface cleaner 25025 tips are good for more flow. If you x jet, get the one meant for 8 gpm. Also, I don’t have any employees. One man operation. I’m getting the 8gpm in the off season this year. ---
**Author:** ![MuscleMyHustle](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/musclemyhustle/32/25298_2.png) [@MuscleMyHustle](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/MuscleMyHustle)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2020, 1:29am UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/15 "2020-06-29T01:29:36Z")
Depends who you ask. I prefer 5.5’s for residential and keep the 8s for large concrete work and commercial. They say gpm is king, I’ve looked really hard to find some 35 horse Kohler builds for the folks that love efficiency, I’m still looking to this day, hmmmmm ---
**Author:** ![marinegrunt](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/marinegrunt/32/9556_2.png) [@marinegrunt](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/marinegrunt)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2020, 1:49am UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/16 "2020-06-29T01:49:08Z")
> [@MuscleMyHustle](#): > > looked really hard to find some 35 horse Kohler builds for the folks that love efficiency, I’m still looking to this day, hmmmmm I never got involved in this discussion but anything over 8 gpm can be hard to feed since most spigots don’t put out enough. An 8 gpm is the sweet spot. Plus, you get up to 10 gpm and above you need 1/2" hose. You already know all of this though. It has just been kind of boring around here and you’re wanting some good conversation. 🤣 I know I said I never got involved in this discussion but you do realize you saying a 5.5 gpm can wash as fast as an 8 gpm is like someone saying a 3 gpm can wash as fast as your 5.5 gpm? 😂 ---
**Author:** ![dcbrock](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/dcbrock/32/38857_2.png) [@dcbrock](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/dcbrock)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2020, 1:57am UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/17 "2020-06-29T01:57:40Z")
I just like the extra reach my new 8 puts out. My first wash job with it was a two story house on a hill, so the peak was easily 30’ off the ground, and the sucker got it no problem. ---
**Author:** ![TexasPressureWashing](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/texaspressurewashing/32/27941_2.png) [@TexasPressureWashing](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/TexasPressureWashing)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2020, 2:00am UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/18 "2020-06-29T02:00:59Z")
This is @MuscleMyHustle today 🤭 ![image](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/uploads/default/original/3X/e/6/e67e9530aed40609eaa19abc750606876e5968f2.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![MuscleMyHustle](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/musclemyhustle/32/25298_2.png) [@MuscleMyHustle](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/MuscleMyHustle)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2020, 2:28am UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/19 "2020-06-29T02:28:03Z")
This threads like an auction, just needed an opening bid lol, your welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Clean\_Blue](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/user_avatar/pressurewashingresource.com/clean_blue/32/8971_2.png) [@Clean\_Blue](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/u/Clean_Blue)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2020, 3:04am UTC](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345/20 "2020-06-29T03:04:50Z")
I built an 8.6, 3k psi machine and love it. My motor recently broke down and I thought about cancelling jobs because I didn’t want to use my 5.5 because I am 8 gallon privileged now. I hate my 5.5 except for small 2nd and 3rd story decks when the 8 is too much. [Next page](https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/t/what-to-expect-when-upgrading-from-5-8gpm/26345.md?page=2)