Enclosed Trailers?

[OrangeCrest]

Hey Orange,
That is a real pressure washer..... What are you talking about ???? Instead of Orange Crest we should start calling you "POCKETS"..... What is it that you wash that you need so much more ????? Unless you are fleet washers why do you need anything else ???? If you are interested in a real rig , give me $30,000 and I will set one up for you..... It will do everything..... OK Pockets !!!

LOL!!

Actually, that isn't a real rig... I would suggest buying a larger trailer, which won't run but may be a couple hundred dollars maybe, with the intentions of growth.

You don't need to have everything up front, but somethings you don't prepare for in the future can actually cost you big time later.

A burner easily pays for itself in know time. If you use it or not, buying it now will save you money for when you do, and you will because hot water can cut chemical cost dramatically.

I started out with a large trailer with just a 325 gal tank and a P/W with a burner. It looked pretty lonely with all that extra room on the tralier, but as I earned and started to apply profits toward equipment I now have pretty much everything I need to do what I need.

I do agree with not purchasing things you don't need, that's why I didn't include anything else...

That machine looks like a direct drive, possibly a HD special of some sort, waste of money if all you are going to do is turn around and have to purchase a real machine in the near future.

Sometimes you have to buckle down and save just a little bit more money to save thousands in the future.

Having to replace a trailer, P/W and having to pay for a fine because everyone told you that you don't have to worry about reclaim will cost you bigtime in the future, and believe me no one is going to help you pay the fine when you tell them that they were wrong... Ooopppsss!!

I have posted how to build a reclaim system without having to spend the thousands that Jon and Alan spent on theirs.

Look at the pictures and tell me if you think this enough for you guys to get by...

Then notice they are the same location, and then notice their is no reclaim system, and then finally know that they are no longer P/Wing...

Good luck....

 

[OrangeCrest]

I guess if my name is Pockets, their name must be Deep Pockets, LOL!!

 

[oneness]

LOL!!

Actually, that isn't a real rig... I would suggest buying a larger trailer, which won't run but may be a couple hundred dollars maybe, with the intentions of growth.

Actually, it IS a real rig...It all depends on what you're going to be doing. Not everyone needs a 16' trailer with a hot water skid...You can't seem to get that through your thick head.

A burner easily pays for itself in know time. If you use it or not, buying it now will save you money for when you do, and you will because hot water can cut chemical cost dramatically.

The work I've done in the past two years doesn't require hot water.....So having it hasn't saved me a damned thing. Again, you can't seem to get that through your thick head.

I started out with a large trailer with just a 325 gal tank and a P/W with a burner. It looked pretty lonely with all that extra room on the tralier, but as I earned and started to apply profits toward equipment I now have pretty much everything I need to do what I need.

That's what I suggested...going with a larger trailer...But again, not everyone needs a hot water skid. Better to buy a cold water unit now, and then when you NEED it, buy hot water. There's no waste in having a spare cold water unit...In fact, it is necessary if your main unit goes down for any length of time, as I found out this past week.

I do agree with not purchasing things you don't need, that's why I didn't include anything else...

That machine looks like a direct drive, possibly a HD special of some sort, waste of money if all you are going to do is turn around and have to purchase a real machine in the near future.

A direct drive "home depot special" will do just fine. The fact that it came from HD doesn't make it crap. Sure, a belt drive unit is better, but you go with what's in your budget. I know quite a few full time, reputable guys who use DD units from HD...They do just fine. You act as if they're going to quit after the first couple weeks. The ONLY drawbacks to a DD unit is the increased wear on the pump, and the fact that they don't suck water as well.

Having to replace a trailer, P/W and having to pay for a fine because everyone told you that you don't have to worry about reclaim will cost you bigtime in the future, and believe me no one is going to help you pay the fine when you tell them that they were wrong... Ooopppsss!!

If no one is enforcing reclaim in your area, it is a waste of money and time to get and use all that equipment. Whine about it all you want, that's the facts.

I have posted how to build a reclaim system without having to spend the thousands that Jon and Alan spent on theirs.

Look at the pictures and tell me if you think this enough for you guys to get by...

Then notice they are the same location, and then notice their is no reclaim system, and then finally know that they are no longer P/Wing...

That's because they weren't reclaiming in an area where they reclaim was being enforced.

 

[OrangeCrest]

The EPA works in funny ways when they decide on when and where they are going to enforce MPDES Phase II laws.

I wouldn't want to be the example of a bored Mayor or a ticked off one at that because the state just fined the city $25K because they didn't enforce one incident.

If you specialize in wood, I would agree have a Hot Water Machine would be sort of unless, but if you are going to do Flatwork...

 

[squirtgun]

The question is: Why always try to scar ethe newbies with th reclaim issue?We all know that you Cali guys are getting screwed ,but using scare tactics is wrong.Honestly is it so hard to mention to a newbie that they will need to call the EPD or EPA office nearest them and find out what and if they need to reclaim.
I have spent the last year trying to find someone in local govt. that can tell me what is and isn't allowed.I have given most around here an education on reclaiming.they still see no need for it.There isn't a big push for reclaim in communities with a population less than 50k.
I would like to see some more detail pics of what you built.If you don't mind posting some more.

 

[oneness]

The EPA works in funny ways when they decide on when and where they are going to enforce MPDES Phase II laws.

I wouldn't want to be the example of a bored Mayor or a ticked off one at that because the state just fined the city $25K because they didn't enforce one incident.

If you specialize in wood, I would agree have a Hot Water Machine would be sort of unless, but if you are going to do Flatwork...

Well, when I start hearing about the EPA fining a town out of the blue for not enforcing something they've never enforced, and all that, I'll start thinking about it. Until then, it's just a lot of worry about nothing. It's entirely up to each contractor, and before doing, or not doing anything, a person needs to do a good bit of research and checking to see what local municipalities are doing as far as enforcement. I really can't see a ticked off mayor fining someone for cleaning a house or deck. The only runoff I ever have is when I do the driveway, and if I were truly concerned about it, I'd simply use a sump pump and dams to divert the water into the yard.

As far as needing hot water to do flatwork, I agree when it comes to commercial. I do a good bit of residential flatwork and have no problem getting the concrete clean without it. For the rare oil spot on the driveway, I can clean it up well enough with a good degreaser. Maybe I could clean it a bit better with hot, but I'm simply not offering that service. I make it clear to the customer that existing oil stains may lighten up, but they aren't going away.

 

[OrangeCrest]

Hey Squirtgun, I'll take those pics and post them for you as soon as I can...

Oneness... This is the reason the laws have to be past and effect us all because of the few that are to lazy to show common courtisy...

Note, this was after he left...

 

[oneness]

Hey Squirtgun, I'll take those pics and post them for you as soon as I can...

Oneness... This is the reason the laws have to be past and effect us all because of the few that are to lazy to show common courtisy...

Note, this was after he left...

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at here...are you saying that reclaim is necessary because someone left a mess in the parking lot?

There's a hell of a lot more oil and petroleum product that enter the storm sewers from rain runoff on the streets than there ever will be from cleaning a gas station or drive thu a couple times/month. Then there's all the watercraft leaking gas and oil into the lakes, rivers, and ocean. The list could go on and on and on.

I just don't see the need for it, I think it is overkill, and until someone in my area makes me do it, I'm not. Simple as that. I'm not going to go around telling people they need to do it if no one is enforcing in their area. As far as some jerk leaving a mess in the parking lot, that's the owner's fault.

 

[Mike Gwas]

Hey Orange,
Reclaim - No reclaim The question is ????? There getting paid..... Where is your rig ????? Were you just taking pics or working in the lot next door ???? Reclaim away young man water never hurt anyone.....

 

[squirtgun]

Hey Squirtgun, I'll take those pics and post them for you as soon as I can...

Oneness... This is the reason the laws have to be past and effect us all because of the few that are to lazy to show common courtisy...

Note, this was after he left...

Was this water making it to a storm sewer?The way I understand it,as long as it evaporates before reaching a storm sewer,there is no harm,no foul.I understand that in parts of Cali,they don't want the water to make it to the curb,is this the case here?

 

[MR ALAN]

I have posted how to build a reclaim system without having to spend the thousands that Jon and Alan spent on theirs.

Just to set the record straight, I bought what I have for specific job requirements. If I did not have it, I would not be working there and neither would 99% of any other washers.
I have spent more on recovery equipment than some have spent on their entire hot water rig with trailer and attachments, but it has been for a need not a want. I do not use scare tactics with customers, I just state facts that they can research themsleves and find the same thing in print from another source.
Just because water does not reach a drain, does not mean you are in the clear. This is not just about water, it is about the solids as well. If the rain can wash the solids down the drain, you can be held liable. Have fun trying to prove if they were yours or not.

Robert,
You know that California has laws against Stalking right? Wonder which will get you more jail time, washing without recovery, or stalking? I must say that it is not wise that you take these pictures and post it for all to see. One of these guys may just see this and be knocking on your door, or at least throwing eggs over the wall.

 

[squirtgun]

Alan,
I've never seen you use scare tactics when dealing with anyone.I have seen other guy doing it and I think it's wrong.It usually happens when a newbie asks questions about getting into the industry.They are told they will go to jail,loose everything they own etc. if the don't reclaim.I see no need to scare people when we as professionals can explain the why's,what's and where's of reclaim without making threats of huge fines.Are those that do this that afraid of the new competition?
For those of us that don't have to reclaim because it's not an enforcement issue in our area,we are lucky.For those that have no choice,it sucks that you have to spend the extra $$$ to be compliant.You guys will be the experts the rest of us turn to when we are forced to reclaim.

Robert,
Alan is correct taking pictures like those in this post could be considered stalking.Think about this:If you turn in a competitor and they find out it was you that cost them their livelyhood,how do you think they will deal with you?We all like to think no one would show up at our door step over a pic that was turned in to the EDA,but stranger things have happened and people have been hurt because of stuff like this.Also,what if the shoe were on the other foot?If they are breaking the law they will get caught on their own.

 

[Aplus]

Technically we are all supposed to reclaim water, based on current Federal laws.

In many locations there is no money allocated to enforcement, and most of the time the local officials are unaware of the laws.

I'm out and about every day, and I have not seen even one reclaim being used in the past nine years.

When the time comes that I need it, I'll look at it, until then, no way.

Many laws in California are much more stringent than anywhere else in the country, they have too many dang people there!

Regarding the direct drive HD washers.....I have two, both have at least 1500-2000 hours of use. I've only replaced one pump, for about $260. These machines are built with the same quality components as any other machine. The main thing I like about them is they are lighter, which makes it easier to be moved around by one person. I also have belt drives, but they don't seem as well balanced and easy to move.

People who knock these machines are trash talking about things they don't know. Maybe they had a bad experience because the machines weren't maintained properly, who knows. But I can tell anyone flat out a HD machine will do fine for starting out, and even beyond that if properly maintained.

 

[malsdad]

Stalking

The idea of any competitor taking the time to come take pictures of you is simply scary. Usually done by someone that does not have enough work to do themselves and are jealous to the fact that you got the contract and they did not. What goes around, comes around. I would be careful, as the next person taking a picture, could be taking it of you.

To everyone, thank you for all the advice. You have made some very good points and I am going to take all of it into consideration.


Thank you very much! (no pictures, please) [white]

 

[OrangeCrest]

Was this water making it to a storm sewer?The way I understand it,as long as it evaporates before reaching a storm sewer,there is no harm,no foul.I understand that in parts of Cali,they don't want the water to make it to the curb,is this the case here?

You know the saying, "Not in my back yard, your not..."?

Well, this is what I see from my back yard...

I reclaim, so will they or suffer the outcome of their competition that does...

 

[Dave Ott]

I got bored Robert. I couldn't sleep knowing you are still out taking pictures of people. LOL

I have been gone for awhile and come back to see you are still at it. Any death threats yet? Flat tires? Watch your back your going to piss someone off with your new found hobby. These pictures you are posting are seen by everyone on the web. Especially the person you probably took pictures of.
Be safe out there not stupid.

 

[OrangeCrest]

LOL!! Thanks Dave, I will...

Like your sticky notes... Forget how this got started again... Welcome back...

 

[OrangeCrest]

Just to set the record straight, I bought what I have for specific job requirements. If I did not have it, I would not be working there and neither would 99% of any other washers.
I have spent more on recovery equipment than some have spent on their entire hot water rig with trailer and attachments, but it has been for a need not a want. I do not use scare tactics with customers, I just state facts that they can research themsleves and find the same thing in print from another source.
Just because water does not reach a drain, does not mean you are in the clear. This is not just about water, it is about the solids as well. If the rain can wash the solids down the drain, you can be held liable. Have fun trying to prove if they were yours or not.

Robert,
You know that California has laws against Stalking right? Wonder which will get you more jail time, washing without recovery, or stalking? I must say that it is not wise that you take these pictures and post it for all to see. One of these guys may just see this and be knocking on your door, or at least throwing eggs over the wall.

Hey Alan, haven't heard from you in a while... Also, my rinky Dink system would never be able to keep up with your monster sucker, but it will keep some out of trouble...

Stalking? They are in my back yard and I am sitting right there out in the open, perhaps that's why they don't approach me, or is it the Remington 870 at my side? LOL!!

Not really, that's only for the house and surrounding perimeter, LOL!!

This section of my community has more fire power than the Hatfields and McCoys, and most know that around here...

I wouldn't think that would be to wise anyhow because the City has requested license plate photos as well and unless they are just plain stupid they will just move on and be a little wiser in the future...

 

[OrangeCrest]

The idea of any competitor taking the time to come take pictures of you is simply scary. Usually done by someone that does not have enough work to do themselves and are jealous to the fact that you got the contract and they did not. What goes around, comes around. I would be careful, as the next person taking a picture, could be taking it of you

To everyone, thank you for all the advice. You have made some very good points and I am going to take all of it into consideration.


Thank you very much! (no pictures, please) [white]

Since I work in front of public works and code enforcement every day (M-F), they would be the ones that would be taking pictures and writing the violations, so I'm not to worried since most of the time they are kicking back against their cars and trucks while talking shop with the supers, in fact one SWEPPy made the comment, "There's the guy that's making all the money..."

Besides, who's going to be the one who washs off the utility boxes, fire hydrants and signs when the phases are released? Just as a tip, they get a kick out of that...

I have to much of a guilt built in after taking a Eviromental Science course years ago that I kind of go over board and things that I really don't even have to do, I do just because.

You might think you are doing everything right because the city isn't paying attention to you... That is until a SWEPPy or the city's Industrial Waste Enforcers come across you.

What a fun industry, huh? It really doesn't bother me to see others around town or where ever doing their thing, but bring it into my backyard and it is a whole different ball game.

 

[OrangeCrest]

Here is the Discharge laws, rules and what can be imposed on a P/W here in the City of Riverside. Generally, these are the laws across the country, because they are basically drawn from the Federal MPDES Phase II laws.

Take note on this specifically:

Section 14.12.295 B. Any person or user who discharges or causes a discharge in violation of subsection A of this Section, shall be liable to the City for all damages and costs incurred by City including administrative expenses, and <b>fines imposed on City by any state, federal or other regulatory agencies. </b>City shall calculate its administrative expenses as ninety percent of the cost of repairs and personnel time expended by City to remedy such damages and costs. All charges shall be payable to the City within thirty days of invoicing by the City.​

For the above Surface Discharge:
http://www.riversideca.gov/municipal_code/title_14/12/295.html

For others pertaining to our field:
http://www.riversideca.gov/municipal_code/title_14/12/default.htm

Scare tactic or fact? Doesn't matter to me, it is like doing 90 MPH down the highway when the Posted Speed Limit is 65 MPH. (Except the MPDES fines can bankrupt you and they are misdemeanors, not infractions)

It's a fact of life and you take your chances, but when you get caught no matter how much you whine, the out come will still be the same.

You can out swim a shark as long as you swim faster than the person behind you...