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
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.
For those just starting out in the pressure washing industry, you might be using an air compressor for the very first time. So we want to take some time to explain some of the mechanics of the Kingslinger Compressor. So by defining various parts and demonstrating how it all works together, we hope to enhance your experience. There is an “unloader valve” which controls the pressure going to the tanks and then to whatever tools are in use. Always make sure the unloader valve is in the up position when starting the machine. Then turn it down after starting so that pressure build up can begin in the air compressor.
AIR COMPRESSOR GAUGES AND HOSE
We use a quick coupler to connect the hose to the system near the gauges. There are two different gauges. One is the reading for pressure in the barrels of the Kingslinger Compressor. The other is for reading the pressure going to the tool that is in use. This would typically be the 10 Gallon per minute air diaphragm pump. This gauge should never exceed 90 psi. Use the adjustment knob to reach the level of pressure you desire. Exceeding 90 psi is possible and will result in greater distance, but the risk is causing damage to the pump. In addition, this unit has a fuel pump which will allow running fuel from an auxiliary tank. Otherwise, the smaller tank of the unit means you have to fill the tank with gas more often.
BASIC OPERATIONS
Of course, always make sure you have gas and oil before starting the KINGSLINGER COMPRESSOR. When the unit arrives brand new, it does not contain oil. One quart of cheap 10W30 oil will be included with the shipment. However, we strongly recommend using a better grade oil found here so that the machine will last much longer. The oil will need to be changed less frequently and you will surely save money over the long run. Make sure the choke is out, the unloader valve is up, and it should start right up on your first or second pull. Once it’s started and running, choke goes back in and unloader goes back down. Holding your finger on the stop button will bring the machine to a complete stop. If you are just starting your business and need website assistance, consider this as an option.
At Doug Rucker Store, we have made several quality improvements on the Kingslinger Soft Wash System. In this video, we cover these upgrades extensively. In fact, some of the concepts could help with any soft wash system you might be using presently. These KINGSLINGER UPDATES are changes and modifications we have made over the Fall months of 2020.
MOUNTING PLATE UPDATES
We transitioned the pump from a 5 GPM to a dual 10 GPM pump, which in reality is two 5 GPM pumps working together. The original plate was not sufficient to secure the pump rightly, so we have upgraded to a stronger plate. This new plate is all set up for both the 5 GPM or 10 GPM pump, and will improve performance either way. It is a wider plate and much more stable, which enhances the entire mixing system. These Kingslinger Updates are covered in detail in the video below.
HOSE UPDATES
Another one of the KINGSLINGER UPDATES is the hose we now use for it. We switched to a new poly braid hose, which is transparent. This is very nice to able to see the amount of water present in the lines. Previously, the yellow curly hose was a harder and more brittle hose. In addition, the look was less than appealing, and hooking and unhooking was more challenging. On the back, you find all stainless steel hardware attached for securing the Kingslinger to the compressor. Another great update option is the GF valves. You will have the option to choose between pentair or GF valves.
PLUMBING KITS
Plumbing kits are now available as an option. It’s always a great idea to have extra hose because you never know when it might come in handy. You can choose between 1/2 inch or 3/4 for the inlet fittings. If you plan to use a soap tank, you can choose between 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch. They will come with a bulkhead fitting which goes to the tank. Also, here is a link to the soft wash gun I always recommend along with these Kingslinger Updates.
There are several unique challenges that arise with COMMERCIAL PRESSURE WASHING projects. These challenges are generally set apart from an average residential home. However, some of the challenges can be found on larger mansions and larger residential properties. These COMMERCIAL PRESSURE WASHING tips and tricks will help better prepare you for cleaning commercial properties.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
Any time you clean close to grass, plants, or landscaping, it is very important to PRE WET the surface and the ground below. So as you pre wet the surface with 100% water, you also pre wet the grass, plants and landscaping. After pre wetting, you apply your cleaning solution, which is usually about a 40%-50% mix. Do not flood coat with this solution, but rather provide a nice medium coat of mix. When we rinse the building, that water will also help dilute the mix and protect the plants. You will then spend even more time watering the grass to ensure that solution does not damage any plant life. The area will most likely be pretty soggy when you walk across it. Special attention should be paid to any shrubbery or trees that are close to the building. Previous amounts of rain water will also affect the amount of water needed for pre wetting to prevent damage to plant life. If sprinkler systems are present, this would also be an important factor for commercial pressure washing. Get even more property protection tips here.
PREVIOUS CLEANING SERVICE
Are there any signs of previous exterior cleaning? In this particular case, we notice the use of a wand. While sections closer to the ground are clean, how high they were able to reach was limited. It’s important to document this in the event that damage was caused previously that you are not responsible for. Commercial Pressure Washing surface damage is fairly common so be on the look out for this.
COMMERCIAL CLEANING SOFT WASH METHOD
Our cleaning starts with the KINGSLINGER soft wash system. We apply a 50% mix after pre wetting in a cross way pattern. It’s important to apply a nice even coat to avoid dry spots on the surface. Depending on the severity of the stains, it may take two or three coats to reach maximum clean. Using a soft wash strategy is the best approach for commercial pressure washing jobs.
COMMERCIAL CLEANING SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS
When evaluating commercial pressure washing projects, consider whether the property has been well maintained. If that is not the case, there may be damage to the surface which exists under some stains. In fact, some organic and biological growth may have penetrated the paint, exposing the surface. So it’s important to document and communicate this to the customer. This way, you are not held responsible for preexisting damage which might show after cleaning. Again, this is why the soft wash method is critical for cases like this.
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 thisinclude 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.
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/
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.
We are adding a different kind of school to our schedule this year. For the past 6 years I have been offering a 2 day monthly Pressure Washing Training Houston Texas school. This October I and we will be hosting a 2 day school October 19-20, 2019.
The last few years I have noticed that many start up companies are not comfortable with proper cleaning techniques and how to price jobs. There are far to many that think soft washing can only be done with a 12V pump. Because most assume a pressure washer can only be used for cleaning concrete or porous surfaces. Knowing how to sell your services and how to create value gives way to bidding a low price just to get the job. Once this happens your company is not profitable and therefore not sustainable for the long term.
Power Wash Training That Makes A Difference
Not only are we going to teach you proper cleaning techniques, we are also going to spend time on the Business End of your company. Pricing commercial and residential jobs, creating value in your services at fair prices for you and your customer. Managing Customers, Property Protection, Chemical Mixes and Ratios, How to save time on the Job Site, Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing and how to identify surfaces, stains and application methods are just a few of the classes we will be teaching on.
This school is being held at the Country Inn & Suites located at 20611 US-59 Humble Texas. We have a special room rate of 70$ a night. Just mention that you are attending the Doug Rucker School. You can call the Hotel directly at 2814464977. If you are flying in, I suggest flying into the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, (IAH). The hotel has a free shuttle that can pick you up and take you back when the school is over.
It is my desire that this Pressure Washing Training Houston Texas school will be a Difference Maker and help take your business to the next level. The cost of this two day training school is $359.00 and you can register by CLICKING HERE.
Please check out my You Tube channel and SUBSCRIBE HERE.
Hey, everybody! Real quick. I’ve see some post with people having problems
with their bleach tank getting degraded for various reasons. Pressure Washing Strainers degrading bleach can be the biggest cause for this.
A lot of the time it’s caused by these metal strainers. Your bleach will degrade these pretty quickly.
It can cause your bleach mix to turn orange or black. All these metal shavings will get left down
at the bottom of the tank. Every time you put bleach in it, it’s going to continue to degrade it. We
use our bleach fast enough that it doesn’t have time to degrade.
Get rid of these! Don’t use them on anything that’s going to come in connect with bleach. We
don’t even use them with water. They come with the X-jet. Use the pail system on the X-jet and
get rid of this. You won’t have that problem.
PVC Pipes are great Strainers
If you’re downstreaming or using a dedicated pump, there are a couple of different ways you
can do it. These are two different types of PVC pipe. You have the female threads on the inside.
You can screw you pipe onto those. These are plastic, it won’t degrade it. I don’t like these
because I feel like these can starve your pump. I don’t think you get the flow you should. People
disagree with that and that’s ok. It’s what I feel so I don’t use these. I’ve had these sitting around
for years. If I ever did use them, I’d cut them off here.
Mainly, what we use, depending on if it’s a dedicated pump or if it’s downstreaming, we’ll use
something like this. It’s cut of and angled. We’ll actually run our dip hose or our braided hose
down through there. We’ll fasten these black strainers on if we’re downstreaming. That’s what
we use. There is a little weight in there.
I’ve never had a problem with these degrading our mix or the black causing it to turn a color.
They’re pretty safe. What you will have is the bleach will eat this cap our. The weight or
magnet will fall out. That’s why we have the pipe on there to keep it weighted down in the
bucket or the tank. We use those.
On our dedicated pumps, we don’t use a strainer. We actually use a PVC pipe and a 90. That
way we’re getting full flow.
Keep Your Pressure Washing Tanks Clean
One of the things we do is we keep our tanks clean. We have a bulk head that runs at the
bottom of the tank. We’ve been doing this for three or four years. It doesn’t hurt anything. The
bleach doesn’t hurt the bulk head fitting. At least, we’ve never had that problem. We run a hose
off of that bulk head fitting.
We use that for filling up X-jet buckets if we ever need to use and X-jet. Mainly we use it for
filling up pump up sprayers when we need to use pump up sprayers. We also use it to keep the
tank flushed out. It’ll get empty and about every 2 weeks we’ll take a water hose in there. We
don’t get a lot of grit in there. We keep it clean.
The other thing that could cause your problem is the type of soap you’re using. Sometimes
different types of soap can cause your bleach to degrade. It can cause it to turn colors. You
might switch your soap and see if that’s the issue.
Metal Causes Rust Issues
When you got a tank and bleach that’s degrading/changing colors, you’ve got to find out what is
different in that tank. What’s in my water tank(if your water tank is not doing it). Bleach will
attack anything.
I hope that helps you guys. That’s various different ways to get rid of these. You can use these if
you feel safe. We don’t sell them. I don’t recommend them. You can get them at many of the
other vendors around that sell those. This is what we use for downstreaming. Then just regular
PVC, we cut and angle or we put a 90 on it. We get our full flow. The key is keeping your tanks
clean for whenever you have a problem, isolating and figuring out what’s caused it. Using the correct Pressure Washing Strainers will help to solve this.
I hope that helps you guys!
If your just starting out in the pressure washing and roof cleaning business be sure to check out our online video school.
