by Dean Dean

PRESSURE WASHER O-RINGS

PRESSURE WASHER O-RINGS

It’s very important to make sure you are maintaining all of your PRESSURE WASHER O-RINGS for all of your fittings.  This includes thing like quick connect or sockets which might also be couplers.  There are two different sizes which are 3/8 and 1/4 inch.  Anything from the bottom of the gun going back back to the machine will require 3/8 inch o-rings.  Then everything from the top of the gun going out will require are 1/4 inch fittings.  In order to properly maintain PRESSURE WASHER O-RINGS, you’ll need a set of picks.

REPLACING O-RINGS

At 4:39 in this PRESSURE WASHER O-RINGS video, I show how to replace them.  The O-Ring I remove is slightly worn, or shredded, so this will negatively impact your spray flow.  Depending on how often you use it, you may need to replace them every two weeks or perhaps monthly.  I also demonstrate how to place the new O-RING into the small seat with the blunt end of the pick.  It’s always a good idea to keep a package of each O-Ring size on your truck at all times.  This way you will be prepared on the job and can easily replace them if they fail.  Occasionally you can hear a unique out of rhythm sound the machine is making which indicates there is a seal breakdown somewhere.  Many times water may be dripping or spraying out from the end of your wand, which is most likely an O-Ring problem that needs attention.  An altogether different fix for particular leaking issues would be to make sure you have teflon tape and loxeal on the threads for a tight seal.   Even though Pressure Washer O-Rings are such small parts, they play a big part in overall success on the job.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

For addition training opportunities, be sure and check out our pressure washing school events page.  I have monthly hands on training in Houston which is ideal for anyone starting out in the pressure washing business.  I also host a “Difference Makers” small business growth conference and would love to see you there!

 

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PORTABLE PRESSURE WASHER HOSE REEL

PORTABLE PRESSURE WASHER HOSE REEL

This week, a few guys sent emails or texts asking me about the same concept.  How can I set up a portable pressure washer hose reel?  In this video post, I cover all the set up and plumbing details for this.  Keep in mind that with a portable pressure washer hose reel, you will not be using a tank.  The customer’s home water supply will provide water through one hose reel into the pressure washer machine.  This is basically a reverse set up from the way you would normally be using a hose reel with a tank.  I use 5/8 flexilla garden hose, but you can use whatever hose you prefer.

CUTTING THE HOSE

At approximately 2:00, I demonstrate how to cut the hose for setting up a portable pressure washer hose reel.  It’s important to remember to cut that hose based on the length needed going from the hose reel swivel to the machine.  For this project, you will need some teflon tape as well as loxeal thread locker.  And you will need two 1/2 inch threaded by 5/8 brass hose barbs.  One goes onto the hose reel manifold, while the other goes into the hose reel swivel.  At 4:00, I provide in depth information about which hose should go in which direction.   This can be confusing so you may want to watch and listen a few times.  I was not able to have the hose wrapped up on the reel for this video.  Since this hose has been cut and re-fitted, you’ll need a complete secondary hose with you for other uses.

  PRESSURE HOSE REEL

Now to set up the other pressure reel, you’ll need two quick connects.  You’ll need one that is male pipe thread, and another that is female pipe thread.  There are a few other items I mention so be sure and watch the entire video.  And everything you need can be found on the Doug Rucker Store website.  I walk you through step by step to set up the pressure hose, as well as the whip line.  I sure hope this video post helps with you portable pressure washer hose reel set up.  Be sure and stay up to date with all of the training opportunities and events that we provide.

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SOFT WASH SKID

SOFT WASH SKID

This SOFT WASH SKID setup from Doug Rucker Store is the result of a customer request.  We provide custom builds for professional pressure washing and would be glad to assist you with any particular need you might have.  While our physical location is in the Houston area, our online store is open 24/7 and we ship all over the United States.  This particular build is heading to ALASKA!

SOFT WASH EQUIPMENT

This SOFT WASH SKID begins with the KINGSLINGER soft wash system.  It has the industrial air compressor, tsunami air water separator, and the GF valve blend setup with 10 GPM pump.  There is a bleach tank and a water tank, and the complete plumbing package is included.  It has the fill hose as well as a vent hose.  Both tanks are 55 gallon tanks.  At approximately 3:00, I provide a little insight into the mixing ratio procedure.  Another option to consider is our SOFT E, which a battery powered or electric soft wash mixing station.  Notice also the bands bolted down around the tanks to keep them secure and prevent swelling.

SOFT WASH HOSE REELS

Finally, the SOFT WASH SKID comes with a Kings hose reel stack kit.  You select your own hoses but this one has ½ inch Flexilla soft wash hose with the Udor Poly Spray Gun.  The JROD nozzle kit is also part of this setup.  There is also a flexilla garden hose to fill up the water tank.  The two Kings hose reels are hand crank, but can also be electric as an option.  This is a very nice complete, compact system that you could put into a truck with a fork lift or 2-3 people helping to move it.  It’s a great for roof cleaning or anything you need a dedicated pump to work with.

CONTACT US

Send an email to Info@DougRuckerStore.com if you have any questions or would like your own custom rig build tailored for your specific needs and desires.  Stay up to date on all our training events at www.PressureWashingSchool.com/events and don’t forget our online video school is a great way to get started in this business.  For any training questions, you can email PressureCleaningSchool@gmail.com.

 

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TOOLS TO CLEAN WOOD

TOOLS TO CLEAN WOOD

This video post about TOOLS TO CLEAN WOOD will help industry pros with things like fence and deck cleaning.  It’s not often that I clean wood, so I’m using my own home as an example in this video.  First off, you’ll want to check out our proprietary ROOF AND DECK CLEANER from Doug Rucker Store.  You can use bleach for wood cleaning as long as you are mixing it properly.  I use our cleaner because I don’t have to worry about vegetation or splatters changing colors on surrounding surfaces.  I mention other mixes that can also be used.  For some jobs that have deeper staining, I’ll use an adjustable dual lance wand.  But for this job today, I’m using our standard pressure wash gun with star shape grip and mosmatic swivel.

8 GPM PRESSURE WASHER

We are using an 8 GPM pressure washer as part of our TOOLS TO CLEAN WOOD line up.  And we use the 2520 tip which is the low rinse nozzle that comes on the JROD.  And for convenience, I’m using a battery operated sprayer but usually rely upon the Kingslinger Soft Wash System on the job.  At about 8:15, you can clearly see the difference in the wood between where the roof and deck cleaner has been sprayed and where it hasn’t.  You’ll also see the difference in before and after photos.  Always take before and after photos of your work and use them on your website and social media ads.  You also get to see what it looks like when applying the solutions with the sprayer.  I explain how the process would be different using the Kingslinger on a larger job.

MY WOOD CLEANING STRATEGY

TOOLS TO CLEAN WOOD certainly includes my own cleaning strategy.  I have found that when the cleaner dries, it is not as effective as when the surface is still wet with cleaner.  What I do is keep the cleaning wand or gun nozzle about 6-8 inches away from the surface.  This is close enough to clean without scarring the wood.  My deck has not been cared for properly, so I’m not as worried about that in this particular case.  My cleaner helps prevent stripes, unless you clean too close to the wood.  At 11:36 you can see on the video the actual cleaning strategy.  It’s critical to ensure you are cleaning with an even, consistent pattern.  There’s more after as well, so be sure and watch the entire video!  Be sure and leave a comment if you have any questions.  And I want to invite you out to Houston for some of our training events if they might interest you, or you think might help grow your business.

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PRESSURE WASHER FITTINGS

PRESSURE WASHER FITTINGS

This PRESSURE WASHER FITTINGS video addresses an option you have as it relates to fittings.  That option is either socket in/plug out OR plug in/socket out.  This question arises from customers ordering equipment from us such as modified xjet, pressure wash gun assembly, and even downstream injectors.  This can get somewhat complicated so I like to try and simplify it as best as I can for those who are new in the business.  It’s basically the orientation of or how to set up your inlet and outlet fittings.  I hope this PRESSURE WASHER FITTINGS video helps clear up some of the confusion.

MY FITTINGS PREFERENCE

My preference has always been to set up my system PLUG OUT.  Early in my training years when I first stared in the business, I was taught that “the plug points the way the water flows.”  So for my ball valve set up, the water is coming into valve through the socket.  This might also be called a coupler or the female fitting.  Then the water flows out from the ball valve through the plug.  So my PRESSURE WASHER FITTINGS set up or orientation is PLUG OUT.  So this set up applies to all equipment.  This set up can easily be reversed for a variety of reasons.  But, either way, it must remain consistent throughout the entire system.  At approximately 2:50 into the video, I demonstrate the importance of water flow direction on a downstream injector.  There are small arrows that must coordinate with the direction the water flows.

PRESSURE WASHER IS STARTING PLACE

Your PRESSURE WASHER FITTINGS orientation all starts with the inlet fitting on the pressure washer.  Most machines arrive with a socket as the initial set up.  So most machines have the water coming out with a “quick connect” or female coupler which is also called a socket.  If this is your initial set up, then everything else needs to be set up the same way.  I also refer to this as the “lead fitting.”  For my preferred set up, I remove that quick connect coupler or socket and replace it with a plug fitting.  This might also be called a male fitting.  I also demonstrate the change I make for my preference on a surface cleaner at the 6:30 time stamp.  There’s so much more to learn about this entire issue so be sure and watch the entire video!

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Our next DIFFERENCE MAKERS CONFERENCE is coming up June 8-9 at Courtyard Marriott in Kingwood, Texas.  We are also looking at bringing the conference in Florida in the Fall of 2023.  I host monthly events featuring hands on training with classroom instruction.  For those not able to get to Houston, check out my online video school.

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PRESSURE WASHER CONNECTIONS

PRESSURE WASHER CONNECTIONS

Thanks for checking out this PRESSURE WASHER CONNECTIONS video post.  The Doug Rucker Store is both online and also has a physical location.  We are in Porter, Texas where I often tell people: “It’s not the end if the world, but you can see it from here!”  If you are even in the Houston area, we hope you’ll stop by to talk some shop.  This video post is in response to questions about how to connect a pressure washer to the battery and the gas tank.  One of the most popular machines our customers seem to like is the 8 GPM cold water skid unit.  This machine does not come with a battery, battery cables, or a gas tank.

 

BATTERY CONNECTIONS

PRESSURE WASHER CONNECTIONS usually start off with a battery.  You will need a positive wire and a negative wire (red and black) with crimped fittings.  The fittings must properly fit the battery terminals as well as the starter on the machine.  The length of these wires must fit how far the location of the battery will be from the machine.  It should be pretty precise so that you are not short, nor do you end up with extra wire.  This is why custom builds are a key piece of our business and why Doug Rucker Store works so tirelessly with our customers on this.  At about the 2:00 time stamp with clear lighting and pictures, I help you identify the starter.  It can be difficult to locate.  I discuss the various options for grounding this connection.  Apply some sort of grease to each of those connections. I also discuss various battery sizes that you can use.

GAS TANK CONNECTIONS

PRESSURE WASHER CONNECTIONS are not complete until the gas tank is also in place.  I use 1/4 inch clear braid hose for the fuel line connection.  This hose is clear enough that it allows you to see the gas flow.  You could also use standard black fuel line if you prefer for other reasons.  You could install a Y fitting to supply a second machine such as our KINGSLINGER SOFT WASH SYSTEM.  I also discuss oil changes so be sure and watch the entire video for all the details.  I hope this helps answer some questions you may have regarding pressure washer connections.

 

 

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Oil Changes

OIL CHANGES

Several viewers recently asked about oil changes for pressure washing machines.  So in this video post, I have three difference machines that I provide step by step instructions for oil changes.  First, for the demonstrations I’ll use a 5 GPM skid pressure washer.  Then I use an 8 GPM machine and also a 4 GPM portable machine.  You need to remember that you have to change oil for both the pump as well as the engine itself.  Refer directly to the owner’s manual for recommended oil change intervals which is usually based on a number of hours.  For the most part, there is an initial “break in” oil change recommendation interval for the first oil change.  After that first change which is pretty quick, you’ll have more time.  The engines usually need changing far more often than the pump.  So it’s very important to read the owner’s manual interval recommendations.

DRAIN PLUGS

Locating the DRAIN PLUGS is the first step to completing pressure washer oil changes.  They can be difficult to reach so I have a few hints and tips you’ll want to watch for each machine.  I also mention how helpful is to have an oil vacuum from Harbor Freight or Northern Tool or similar store.  You can use this to change the oil in cases when the drain plug is nearly impossible to get to.  On any pump, you will notice a sight glass that helps provide the proper amount of oil.  You want to fill only to half way up on that site glass and avoid over filling.  For the engine, there is no sight glass.  It is a matter of watching the actual oil level reach it’s maximum point to avoid over filling.  At the 4:00 time stamp, I actually show you what drained oil mixed with water looks like. Some machines make it much easier by providing drain hoses.

HIGH PERFORMANCE LUBRICANTS

I always only use HIGH PERFORMANCE LUBRICANTS for all my oil changes.  I use them not only for pressure washing machines and pumps, but I also use them for all of our trucks and personal vehicles.  This is the highest quality oil that you can get, and I have found increases longevity and engine performance.  For more training, be sure and check out all the training options at PRESSURE WASHING SCHOOL.  In addition to my YouTube channel, I also have an online video school and monthly training events in Houston.  Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help in any way!

 

 

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Power Wash Van
by Dean Dean

Power Wash Van Setup

POWER WASH VAN SETUP

Our Power Wash Van Setup is the main subject of this video post.  This video is unique as the recording was made with a new set of video glasses.  So I welcome any feedback viewers might have about this particular video.  So first off is the 8 GPM skid pressure washer.  This video post might help you as you consider which pressure washer to select for your start up business.  And then of course, the Kingslinger Soft Wash System is also on board as part of this power wash van setup.  At approximately 1:00 into the video, I talk about some recent changes to the Kingslinger.  For this particular build, the mixing station is not mounted to the compressor as it usually is.  But we were able to customize a wall mount with all the hoses hidden so everything looks nice and clean.  Later in the video, we also point out the Kingslinger drain kit as well.  This makes releasing pressure from the compressor convenient and is a big time saver.

POWER WASH TANKS

There are two 100 gallon tanks in the middle of the van.  One is for bleach and the other is for water.  Both tanks are well vented through the bottom of the van to protect the equipment from bleach gasses creating deterioration and damaging equipment.  There is space between each tank which provides ample room to walk throughout the van.  This makes work on the job and maintaining equipment extremely convenient with easy and spacious access.  Then we also include the Flow Pro Remote System for downstreaming along with the actuator for bypass and three way poly valve.  This valve means fast and easy rinsing of the downstream injector.  This particular custom build is easy to operates and delivers easy access to everything on board.

SIDE DOOR EQUIPMENT

While the previous equipment is from the back door, the side door opens up to the surface cleaner.  This 24 inch Lil’ Big Guy packs a powerful punch for concrete cleaning of driveways, sidewalks, and the like.  Directly behind this surface cleaner are the three Hannay Electric hose reels with circuit breakers.  Then you have the fierce jet pressure hose, and flexilla garden as well as soft wash hoses.  This van is almost brand new and is in excellent condition.  Guns and nozzles are all ready for action for this power wash van setup.  This particular customer attended our school about a year ago and is doing very well in his business.  In fact, this is his second custom build from the Doug Rucker Store.  Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help with any equipment or custom build needs you may have.  You can call or text 281-612-1223 or email Info@DougRuckerStore.com.

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TRUCK SKID

TRUCK SKID

This is a basic TRUCK SKID system video that explores each piece of equipment available at The Doug Rucker Store.  This particular type of set up is extremely popular and we have built many of these in the past.  Keep in mind all of the rig builds are completely customizable.  You design your own set up, and we’ll build it for you.  But this TRUCK SKID unit is a great template to consider for your pressure washing business.  It is a compact system built on a pallet skid that can be moved with a fork lift.  You can move this from truck, trailer or van and then into storage if necessary.  They are adaptable to you particular space, equipment and transport needs.

SKID EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN

This TRUCK SKID starts out with a cold water 8 GPM skid pressure washer.  There is a 14 gallon fuel tank, which will allows you to complete an entire day’s work without running out of fuel.  The FLOW PRO down stream remote system is also on board.  The video clearly shows how the bypass mounts between the pressure washer and the Flow Pro remote box.  The three way poly valve allows easily switching from mix to water.  This enables him to rinse out his downstream injector.  Keep in mind that the owner for this particular TRUCK SKID set up will be using it for downstreaming only.

HOSE REELS

There are two 12 inch King’s reels with a 200 foot fierce jet pressure hose and 100 foot of flexilla garden hose.  And finally, there is a 55 gallon water tank which supplies the pressure washer.  Some may suggest that this is too small of a tank.  However, if you are solely providing residential service, the water tank is continually filling.  At the same time, you are on and off the gun so using the water is somewhat sporadic.  This tank also has the Topaz float valve inside.  Don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions.  We always enjoy an opportunity to build a custom truck, trailer or van rig that you design.

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WATER TANK SIZE

WATER TANK SIZE

WATER TANK SIZE is an important consideration for your pressure washing business.  In fact, I was noticing in recent weeks that several people were asking questions about this through email or my YouTube channel.  “What size tank do I need for my power wash business rig?”  The first important consideration is whether you are doing residential work, commercial work or both?  My commercial rig has a 525 gallon water tank on it.

TANK TRANSPORTATION FACTORS

First and foremost, you will  want to compare the total of weight of your full tank or tanks with how your truck or trailer axles is rated.  A water tank size of 525 gallons is extremely heavy, and it’s very rare that much water would be used on a job site.  Water weighs approximately 7 lbs per gallon.  Don’t forget to include the actual weight of just the empty tank in your water tank size calculation decision.

SWEET SPOT

In my 30 years of experience, I conclude that a water tank size of 225 gallons hits the sweet spot.  This is even for commercial cleaning.  I just never saw the need on a job for a tank larger than this.  We have an 80 gallon bleach tank on the same commercial trailer.  We use the Kingslinger Soft Wash system and caution that if you do not have a mixing system like this, you’ll want a larger bleach tank.  This is because you will be batch mixing, and you’ll also want another thank for your full strength bleach.  Here’s another helpful post on transferring bleach from one tank to another.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE

At about 10:30 into the water tank size video, there is another trailer.  This trailer has two 100 gallon tanks.  This is perfect for doing mostly residential and light commercial work.  This is for an 8 GPM pressure washer.  Much of this depends on the amount and volume of water coming out from your water source.  Be sure and drop a question in the comments is there is more information you need about water tank size.

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