December 10, 2022 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing School December

Learn how to start and operate a Pressure Washing and Soft Washing business. Invest 1-1/2 days at school with Doug Rucker. You’ll gain practical, hands-on and classroom training and benefit from Doug’s years of experience as a pressure washing contractor! You will significantly shorten your learning curve. Register for The Pressure Washing School December, located in the Houston, Texas, area, and owned by Doug Rucker. Doug owns PowerWash.Net, a Kingwood, Texas-based Pressure Washing Company.

Any questions please call or text 281.883.3630 use our Contact Form

Feel free to check out my You Tube Channel.

December 8, 2022 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing School June

Learn how to start and operate a Pressure Washing and Soft Washing business. Invest 1-1/2 days at school with Doug Rucker. You’ll gain practical, hands-on and classroom training and benefit from Doug’s years of experience as a pressure washing contractor! You will significantly shorten your learning curve. Register for The Pressure Washing School June, located in the Houston, Texas, area, and owned by Doug Rucker. Doug owns PowerWash.Net, a Kingwood, Texas-based Pressure Washing Company.

Any questions please call or text 281.883.3630 use our Contact Form

Feel free to check out my You Tube Channel.

December 6, 2022 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing School May

Learn how to start and operate a Pressure Washing and Soft Washing business. Invest 1-1/2 days at school with Doug Rucker. You’ll gain practical, hands-on and classroom training and benefit from Doug’s years of experience as a pressure washing contractor! You will significantly shorten your learning curve. Register for The Pressure Cleaning School, located in the Houston, Texas, area, and owned by Doug Rucker. Doug owns PowerWash.Net, a Kingwood, Texas-based Pressure Washing Company.

Any questions please call or text 281.883.3630 use our Contact Form

Feel free to check out my You Tube Channel.

June 4, 2022 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Figuring Downstream Bleach Dilutions

I am often asked about figuring downstream bleach dilutions when pressure washing. I have never really cared to know what the exact precise percentage of bleach to water is coming out of my gun. What I am concerned with, is one important fact, is the bleach mix strong enough to change the color of the organic stains or not. If it isn’t then I know I need to use my dedicated pump, like our Kingslinger Soft Wash System, or a pump up sprayer. Always remember, that all a Soft Wash System is, is a pump up sprayer on steroids. It allows you to get a stronger mix, like with a pump up sprayer, without having to re-fill the canister and continuously have to manually pump air into the sprayer.

STRONGEST MIX

The strongest bleach solution you can usually achieve using a General Pump Downstream Injector is around .8-10%. If you have green algae which is easy to remove, then downstreaming will work for that. Once you get in to the darker and black mildew stains, then you need a stronger mix than downstreaming can deliver. A pump up sprayer or soft wash system that can get you 20% or higher, is great for that. For Roof Cleaning, you definitely need stronger mix ratios then what downstreaming can deliver.

If you are one that likes figuring downstream bleach dilutions, then here is a bucket method test you can perform. Also be sure to check out my Online Pressure Washing Video School if you are starting a pressure washing business.

How to manually figure out your dilution ratio on your pressure washer.

Step 1:

Check your flow rate on your pressure washer for 1 minute to see how many GPM your pressure washer is putting out. Use a container that measures gallons along the side of it and fill the container up for 1 minute and try to make sure to not allow any water to get out of the container as you are doing this test. (Ideally you will want to do this test with your rinse tip on the end of your wand)

If your container doesn’t have the markings, or a graduated scale, then you can manually mark them by using a measuring a cup to pour desired amounts into the container, and then mark them.

Step 2:

Test your upstream or downstream injector by getting a metering jug that measures ounces and fill it with water and put your soap line into the metering jug and draw the water for 1 minute. This will allow you to see how many ounces your soap injector is drawing in a minute.

Step 3:

Doing a little math

For example:

If you have a 5 GPM pressure washer then you will do the following math to figure out your dilution ratio on your pressure washer.

5 X 128 (128 ounces in 1 gallon)=640 ounces

Draw rate in a minute: 40 ounces

640/40= 16 total parts, 15 parts water to 1 part chemical, so your dilution ratio would be 15:1 or some in the industry will say 1:15.

I am also including a link to a calculator that you can play around with, and may help you as well.

https://jansson.us/mixingratio-concentration.html#pressureWasherCalculator

October 9, 2021 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

BLEACH TANK VENTING

I was doing some work on my commercial trailer rig and getting it ready for my monthly school. This trailer has an 8 GPM hot water machine as well as another 8 GPM cold water machine. In this video I do a walkaround so you can get a feel for all the pressure washing business equipment on this rig. But my main focus for this post and video is dealing with BLEACH TANK VENTING. This is especially important if you are using a van or enclosed trailer to prevent deterioration of your equipment.

PLUMBING AND HOSES

There BLEACH TANK VENTING setup begins with one hose that is connected to our air diaphragm system. But there is also a hose which is solely for the purpose of ventilation. It has a 90 degree thread to barb fitting on a bulkhead fitting on top of the BLEACH TANK. This allows the fumes and off gassing to come out from that dedicated hose. This hose goes through a small hole in the bottom of the trailer.

FILLING THE TANK

In this BLEACH TANK VENTING video, I also provide instructions on how we fill the tank with bleach. We use a 10 GPM flow jet pump, which is the same pump that comes on the KINGSLINGER soft wash system. I also explain the purpose of utilizing a dip tube when filling the tank. This prevents bubbles and suds from forming in the bleach tank when soaps are also in the tank.

NO NEED TO OPEN LID

The point of BLEACH TANK VENTING is that there is never a need to open the lid. And in this video I provide details on this as well as some of the history behind this idea. It works very well. Once I began venting my bleach tanks, I immediately could see my equipment deterioration was no longer the issue that it was. I can’t recommend this approach strongly enough and hope it will save you time, effort and dollars as your business grows.

August 12, 2020 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Ball Valve Installation

BALL VALVE INSTALLATION

All of our trucks and trailers now have a ball valve installation that we recommend. It is a three way valve that allows us to make a switch. We can switch from the tank fill to a garden hose quickly and easily. Some of examples for using this include filling a bucket, or the need for a high wash station. If we need light pressure for anything like rinsing off the truck or anything else, it’s much easier than using a drain hose.

HOW BALL VALVE INSTALLATION WORKS

Water arrives to our rigs through the garden hose reel. It then flows directly into the ball valve. It can easily switch from filling the tank to a rig mounted garden hose. With several different nozzles, you are able to use it in different ways. For example, we have a fireman’s nozzle that can be purchased from Home Depot or Lowe’s. This nozzle provides a wide range or garden hose pressure from a pretty long, straight stream to nothing more than a trickle if needed. It’s ideal for filling a soap bucket without creating a lot of splashing suds. In addition, we have a second nozzle that provides stronger pressure and a longer stream. It’s the same nozzle that we use for just rinsing houses using a dedicated pump.

TRAILER VIEW

In this video, we also provide a quick view of the entire trailer. I have been testing a booster pump, but eventually concluded it’s not really worth using. I was not impressed at all! So if you have any questions about this ball valve installation, just shoot me an email and I’ll answer as quickly as I’m able. Be sure and subscribe to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL for more helpful videos. Perhaps you would enjoy another post about a newer pressure washing truck rig.

June 17, 2020 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Downstream Injector Check Valve

For about the last eight months to a year I have been using a Downstream Injector Check Valve for Soft Washing. These not only help the injectors last longer, since we are removing the ball and spring, but they also actually make the mix a little stronger. We have been able to clean some porous surfaces that have the black algae stains on them, a little faster than using the injectors how they come. They are available on my store HERE .

Very easy to install, you simply remove the hose barb from the Downstream Injector. Then you remove the ball and spring, which will pop out anyway. Attache the check valve where the hose barb was, and you are ready to attach your hose and start downstreaming.

For the last few years there has has been a lot of mis-information about what soft washing is and isn’t. As long as y9u are using low pressure to apply your chemical mix, and rinsing under low pressure, you are Soft Washing. The use of a dedicated pump does not dictate that you are soft washing. Downstreaming is the original soft wash method that I was taught to use way back in 1979.

While a dedicated pump will allow you to apply a stronger mix than downstreaming, just like a pump up sprayer will. In fact, thats all a dedicated pump is, a pump up sprayer on steroids. If you want to clean buildings and houses faster, then using a downstream injector check valve is the way to go. Your mix will be much stronger than a traditional injector.

I always encourage people starting a pressure washing business, to learn how to downstream first. This will help you learn to clean in a traditional way, and help prevent damage to landscape.

For more educational options, be sure to check out our online video school. You can also check our class schedule page.

May 24, 2020 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing Hose Care

How you take care of your Pressure Washing Equipment plays a big factor in how long it will last. One of the most often overlooked is Pressure Washing Hose Care. We all try to prevent cars from running over them, dragging them through rough terrain, and other obstacles that our hoses face. One of the easiest ways to prevent damage is in the rolling up of your hoses onto hose reels.

In this video I show you a kink I found in one of our pressure washing hoses that was caused by the hose not being stretched out straight as it approached the hose reel. When at all possible always make sure the power washing hose isn’t twisted or kinked when rolling them up.

On our residential rig’s we install the hose reels on the passenger side of the trailer or truck. This makes it easier to roll out and roll up because we position the reel to feed down the driveway. When parking in front of a house, we always block the driveway with the trailer or truck. The hose reel can then easily feed down the driveway. Blocking the driveway also prevents cars or trucks from rolling over our hose.

On our commercial rig, our hose reels feed off the back of the trailer. With wide open parking lots, or areas to park, this makes it easier. Especially if you are cleaning large concrete areas or need to move the truck and trailer while working. Disconnects at the hose reel allows us to drop the hose from reel before moving. Dragging a hose while moving the truck or trailer can cause damage to your hose.

Be sure to watch the Pressure Washing Hose Care video, and subscribe to our You Tube Channel and hit the like button. Leave a question or comment and I’ll be sure to respond as quickly as I can.

Starting a Pressure Washing Business? I have a great online pressure washing school with over 215 videos. I also have monthly Hands On Pressure Washing Training here in Houston that also covers Soft Washing and Roof Cleaning. If you have any questions bout our training please contact me at pressurecleaningschool@gmail.com or HERE.

January 3, 2020 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing Business Start Up

Doing a little playing around with iMovie the past couple weeks. Hope you enjoy. It was a quick put together, not perfect but I kind of like it. Developing one of these can be as challenging as a Pressure Washing Business Start Up

If you are planning to start a pressure washing, soft washing, or roof cleaning business, please consider attending one of my training events. Next year we will celebrate our 10 year anniversary, training and mentoring new business start ups. March 2011, Pressure Washing School was born after I saw a need to help new guys wanting to start a business. Over the last 10 years I have trained, taught, mentored, and coached, a few hundred businessmen and women in the exterior cleaning industry.

Hands On Pressure Washing Training

My school was the first to offer hands on training, and I have been doing that every month for the last 10 years. Since that beginning, I have also added two different online video training options, one at Online Video Training and the other at Cleaners University.

My schools are designed for anyone that is starting out or has been in the Pressure Washing Roof Cleaning Soft Washing industry for 3 years or less. My passion is helping the new guys start and grow a business, and I love watching them take what they learn, put it to action and watch them succeed. Once you attend one of my schools, you are a student for life, and I am available to you, at no extra charge, anytime you need me. Remember, just because the school is over, doesn’t mean the education is.

Contact Us Call or Text 2818833630

If you would like more information, please visit my web site at https://www.pressurewashingschool.com, or contact me by email, pressurecleaningschool@gmail.com, or call or text 2818833630…. Be sure to check out our February 2020 Difference Makers School at https://www.pressurewashingschool.com/event/2020-february-difference-maker-school/

October 25, 2019 by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS

Paying close attention to PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS is vital for new start up companies. We understand that some believe simply buying a pressure washing machine is enough to start a business. But nothing could be farther from the truth! To be successful, PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS must be given adequate consideration before you begin investing in equipment. Specifically, there are three PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS to vet fully and carefully in order to succeed.

IN THE OFFICE

You will need to consider who will answer the phone, and how will they convert inquiries into business. Another factor is the process of estimating. Each potential customer will need to provide specific details regarding the scope of work needed. And of course, this will need to be recorded carefully and completely. Is there a gate code? Are there any pets? Will the customer be home or away while work is completed? And how will you write the estimate? Will you be using google maps street view and other online tools? Or do you plan to see the property before writing up an estimate? Will it be a paper or digital estimate? You will also want to keep a customer database. In addition, a marketing strategy is a major component of PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS in the office. And did we say accounting? How will you receive payment?

ON THE JOB

You will need a clear statement of policies and procedures guiding actual work on the job. From the moment you arrive until you leave after completing the work, what are the critical, common steps to take. How is the property prepared for work to protect from damage? A plan must be in place for things such as light fixtures, furnishings, plants, and windows. Not to mention electrical outlets and boxes, a/c unit and even possible existing damage to the structure itself are important considerations. PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS on the job is an immense help when it comes to completing the work efficiently, professionally, and profitably. Time for these systems must be factored into every estimate.

FOLLOW UP

Once the job is the complete, how will you follow up? Will you send each customer a thank you card? Do you plan to utilize a survey to improve customer service? Will a return visit be scheduled? Do you provide a satisfaction guarantee? If so, this means some customers may require a return visit to touch up any missed areas. If the customer is disappointed with service, you’ll want to make it right. This will help ensure future business with them and increase the chance of a positive referral. Speaking of referrals, will a referral strategy be part of your PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS follow up? A customer database will allow you to reach out to them again in the future. Recording vital contact information such as name, address, phone numbers and emails is imperative for a successful PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS follow up strategy.

We are fully convinced that all of the equipment you invest in will sit idle without PRESSURE WASHING BUSINESS SYSTEMS. These systems need to be in place for the office, on the job, and follow up before you complete your first project. If not, you will find yourself scratching your head and wondering what to do next!

Through out the year we have several Pressure Washing Training Events that you can attend. If you live outside the Houston area, you can also become a member of our Online Video School. For more information on the training we offer feel free to email me at pressurecleaningschool@gmail.com. Be sure to visit our You Tube Channel and subscribe.