Hi, I started pressure washing in 05 and only used it about 10 times in a town that had a population of 3,000. Now living in a city of 34,000 and it is summer of 06. Just decided to make a living out of it and support my wife and soon to be new baby girl in october.Learning as i go but gaining information quickly from searching your written experience.I am 21 and my partner is also my brother who is 20. I now own a cold water 3700psi with 4.0gpm ar pump(home depot) but waiting for the money to invest in a good hot water trailer mount.
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Walt Edwards
New Member
I have read many posts in this forum off and on for a couple of years. The information that is provided is priceless. I did part time PWing for additional income when I was a Deputy Sheriff here in NC from 1999-2001. In 2001, I re-joined the Miltary and have had very little time to devote to PWing. I miss it and plan to go full time at it when I retire (38 months and counting). I still have the first rig I purchased (trailer mounted Tuff Skid Hot water unit) and am anxious to get it fired up again.
To all the posters out there, thanks for all the great and professional advice. As I mentioned earlier, I've read this forum and others (no names) out there. This forum is by far the most professional I've read. Yes, you guys do sometimes disagree and sometimes the discussions are rather heated, but in the end professionalism pevails.
Good Luck to all
PS- To you guys in Graham, Carolina Pro Wash, You guys sent me a reply about a year ago welcoming me back from Iraq and you extended an invite to stop by and visit. I haven't forgotten and plan to stop in and say hello soon.
Thanks again to all
Walt
To all the posters out there, thanks for all the great and professional advice. As I mentioned earlier, I've read this forum and others (no names) out there. This forum is by far the most professional I've read. Yes, you guys do sometimes disagree and sometimes the discussions are rather heated, but in the end professionalism pevails.
Good Luck to all
PS- To you guys in Graham, Carolina Pro Wash, You guys sent me a reply about a year ago welcoming me back from Iraq and you extended an invite to stop by and visit. I haven't forgotten and plan to stop in and say hello soon.
Thanks again to all
Walt
New guy here
Hi all my name is Jeff and I am in Northwest Louisiana. I am a Fulltime Paramedic and PW as a side....which now actually exceeds the time I spend on my FT job. I currently do commercial lots and structures, and some residential, however I am looking to expand into Vent hoods, as there are only about 3 services currently providing cleaning to this market and we are in a population base of approx 400,000 in a 50 mile radius. I am always open to tips/suggestions and will provide the same if I am knowledgable on the topic. I currently move about 80,000 a year in revenue after 1.5 years in business as an owner/operator, and I am actively seeking to grow that number so my wife can stay home(or I can fish all the time
) with our two children. I look forward to getting to know you guys and gals. Also looking to network with other services in the Ark-La-Tex so that in times of need(read: overloaded) I could call on you to help me or vice-versa.
Hi all my name is Jeff and I am in Northwest Louisiana. I am a Fulltime Paramedic and PW as a side....which now actually exceeds the time I spend on my FT job. I currently do commercial lots and structures, and some residential, however I am looking to expand into Vent hoods, as there are only about 3 services currently providing cleaning to this market and we are in a population base of approx 400,000 in a 50 mile radius. I am always open to tips/suggestions and will provide the same if I am knowledgable on the topic. I currently move about 80,000 a year in revenue after 1.5 years in business as an owner/operator, and I am actively seeking to grow that number so my wife can stay home(or I can fish all the time
) with our two children. I look forward to getting to know you guys and gals. Also looking to network with other services in the Ark-La-Tex so that in times of need(read: overloaded) I could call on you to help me or vice-versa.Hey Jeff my name is James and I'm from Minden. I do a lot of commercial fleets in the Shreveport-Bossier area. I can't really help you with the vent-hoods but I know that my supplier could. Just give him a call at 318-746-2090. His name is Tom Rider and he's located on Jeter street just off of highway 80 in Bossier. Every once in a while I get asked about vent-hood cleaning and if you get into it I'll be more than happy to refer you. Hope this helps you out...let me know if you need anything else.
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Jeff, feel free to give me a call. I'm out in Joaquin, Tx, just over the Sabine River from Logansport, La.
I'm working a full time job, and don't have alot of free time, but I'm still operating parttime. (Couldn't get the jobs fast enough to pay bills, and they just wouldn't wait.)
Anyway, my contact info is in my signature. Let me know if I can help.
Randy
I'm working a full time job, and don't have alot of free time, but I'm still operating parttime. (Couldn't get the jobs fast enough to pay bills, and they just wouldn't wait.)
Anyway, my contact info is in my signature. Let me know if I can help.
Randy
paul smith
New Member
hi everyone
My name is Paul smith and i live and operate in Gloucestershire United kingdom have been in the cleaning industry for over ten years mostly window cleaning but now over the past twelve months have moved into pressure washing and gutter cleaning. serve as an executive council member for the Federation of Window Cleaners here in the UK for the past three years.I hope you guys & girls will help me grow my new side of my business and if there is anything i can help you with just ask. have recently purchashed a gutter vac system with cctv for cleaning the gutters as Health & safety here in the UK is getting tighter and we can no longer use ladders for gutter cleaning.
all the best Paul
My name is Paul smith and i live and operate in Gloucestershire United kingdom have been in the cleaning industry for over ten years mostly window cleaning but now over the past twelve months have moved into pressure washing and gutter cleaning. serve as an executive council member for the Federation of Window Cleaners here in the UK for the past three years.I hope you guys & girls will help me grow my new side of my business and if there is anything i can help you with just ask. have recently purchashed a gutter vac system with cctv for cleaning the gutters as Health & safety here in the UK is getting tighter and we can no longer use ladders for gutter cleaning.
all the best Paul
jetstream1
New Member
been a member
Just wanted to say hi to all and good luck in the power washing biz
any one out there wash big trucks I like to hear from you
ONE thing I have to add is any one know how to get in with a goverment work I see a lot of rip off sites but nothing set in stone
I live in florida and run a large truck washing biz
Jet Stream Pressure Washing
Orangecity FL,32763
(386) 775-6301
Just wanted to say hi to all and good luck in the power washing biz
any one out there wash big trucks I like to hear from you
ONE thing I have to add is any one know how to get in with a goverment work I see a lot of rip off sites but nothing set in stone
I live in florida and run a large truck washing biz
Jet Stream Pressure Washing
Orangecity FL,32763
(386) 775-6301
Here's the bio
Hey everyone,
Let me first start by telling everyone what a wonderful resource this has been in researching. I'm currently a nurse working in the middle tennessee area, and have been for some time now pondering the idea of getting into this line of sidework. Money to some point isn't such the issue, as I can make a good living just doing what I am, yet the fact remains I am just not happy sitting on my butt at home when I feel I can be productive. Working overtime is good $$$ but one get's really burned out and patients run thin when one really overdoes it.
My current startup budget is around 7k which must include a means of transporting the equipment. Adding a trailer to my 06' Accord isn't really a viable issue as I would burn the tranny up in no time beings it has a 1000lb towing capacity with a 200lb max tongue weight. So a truck.. I figure in 4k for a decent 01 Ford Ranger, leaving me 3k to play with in equipment.
My main focus while starting is going to be cleaning, and sealing driveways and other various flatwork, Eventually moving into deck/wood work as well. I've searched and searched for over 2 months now trying to find the right setup for a reasonable price.. I keep hearing everyone saying a min of 4gpm 3200psi..for flatwork and a higher gpm for woodwork as possible with lower pressure. SO... while looking online without a single result I ask the forum for help. My ideal setup is based on simplicity. I would like to find a unit that would have the tank and everything included as a complete rig. Yes, i understand that I would need to purchase things such as attachments and chemical reserviors. I would just like a setup that could basically squirt water after I apply gas and fill the tank up with water. I did however come across this in my searches and would like to hear anyones opinions. If you can think of something to fit my needs better I would greatly appreciate it as well. Experience is the best teacher, so I'm looking to those with lots of it.
4.0 GPM at 4000 PSI
Engine : 13 HP Honda (2 year warranty)
Pump: General (5 Year Warranty)
16000 Cleaning Units
Chemical Injector
Adjustable Pressure
100 Gallon Water Tank with Bands (tie downs)
Aircraft Aluminum Skid Frame
Aluminum Hose Reel Support Assembly with Mounting Hardware
Float Valve Assembly (tank auto fill and shut off if machine runs dry)
Trigger Gun and 36" Wand
50 FT Steel Braided Pressure Hose
Hose Reel (100 FT x 3/8" Capacity) with Hardware
3 Quick-Connect Spray Nozzles and 1 Chemical Nozzle
Thermo-Sensor (Prevents Overheating in Bypass Mode)
Tank Feed Unloader Bypass Return and Jumper Hose Assembly
Direct Drive
Weight: 260 lbs
4.0 GPM at 4000 PSI
Engine : 13 HP Honda (2 year warranty)
Pump: General (5 Year Warranty)
16000 Cleaning Units
Chemical Injector
Adjustable Pressure
100 Gallon Water Tank with Bands (tie downs)
Aircraft Aluminum Skid Frame
Aluminum Hose Reel Support Assembly with Mounting Hardware
Float Valve Assembly
Trigger Gun and 36" Wand
50 FT Steel Braided Pressure Hose
Hose Reel (100 FT x 3/8" Capacity) with Hardware
3 Quick-Connect Spray Nozzles and 1 Chemical Nozzle
Thermo-Sensor
Tank Feed Unloader Bypass Return and Jumper Hose Assembly
Direct Drive
Weight: 260 lbs
So. now as I just completed my last shift for the week I'm anxiously awaiting everyone replys.. You all are awesome, and taking the time to help someone is a good gauge of a persons charecter. [hello]
Hey everyone,
Let me first start by telling everyone what a wonderful resource this has been in researching. I'm currently a nurse working in the middle tennessee area, and have been for some time now pondering the idea of getting into this line of sidework. Money to some point isn't such the issue, as I can make a good living just doing what I am, yet the fact remains I am just not happy sitting on my butt at home when I feel I can be productive. Working overtime is good $$$ but one get's really burned out and patients run thin when one really overdoes it.
My current startup budget is around 7k which must include a means of transporting the equipment. Adding a trailer to my 06' Accord isn't really a viable issue as I would burn the tranny up in no time beings it has a 1000lb towing capacity with a 200lb max tongue weight. So a truck.. I figure in 4k for a decent 01 Ford Ranger, leaving me 3k to play with in equipment.
My main focus while starting is going to be cleaning, and sealing driveways and other various flatwork, Eventually moving into deck/wood work as well. I've searched and searched for over 2 months now trying to find the right setup for a reasonable price.. I keep hearing everyone saying a min of 4gpm 3200psi..for flatwork and a higher gpm for woodwork as possible with lower pressure. SO... while looking online without a single result I ask the forum for help. My ideal setup is based on simplicity. I would like to find a unit that would have the tank and everything included as a complete rig. Yes, i understand that I would need to purchase things such as attachments and chemical reserviors. I would just like a setup that could basically squirt water after I apply gas and fill the tank up with water. I did however come across this in my searches and would like to hear anyones opinions. If you can think of something to fit my needs better I would greatly appreciate it as well. Experience is the best teacher, so I'm looking to those with lots of it.
4.0 GPM at 4000 PSI
Engine : 13 HP Honda (2 year warranty)
Pump: General (5 Year Warranty)
16000 Cleaning Units
Chemical Injector
Adjustable Pressure
100 Gallon Water Tank with Bands (tie downs)
Aircraft Aluminum Skid Frame
Aluminum Hose Reel Support Assembly with Mounting Hardware
Float Valve Assembly (tank auto fill and shut off if machine runs dry)
Trigger Gun and 36" Wand
50 FT Steel Braided Pressure Hose
Hose Reel (100 FT x 3/8" Capacity) with Hardware
3 Quick-Connect Spray Nozzles and 1 Chemical Nozzle
Thermo-Sensor (Prevents Overheating in Bypass Mode)
Tank Feed Unloader Bypass Return and Jumper Hose Assembly
Direct Drive
Weight: 260 lbs
4.0 GPM at 4000 PSI
Engine : 13 HP Honda (2 year warranty)
Pump: General (5 Year Warranty)
16000 Cleaning Units
Chemical Injector
Adjustable Pressure
100 Gallon Water Tank with Bands (tie downs)
Aircraft Aluminum Skid Frame
Aluminum Hose Reel Support Assembly with Mounting Hardware
Float Valve Assembly
Trigger Gun and 36" Wand
50 FT Steel Braided Pressure Hose
Hose Reel (100 FT x 3/8" Capacity) with Hardware
3 Quick-Connect Spray Nozzles and 1 Chemical Nozzle
Thermo-Sensor
Tank Feed Unloader Bypass Return and Jumper Hose Assembly
Direct Drive
Weight: 260 lbs
So. now as I just completed my last shift for the week I'm anxiously awaiting everyone replys.. You all are awesome, and taking the time to help someone is a good gauge of a persons charecter. [hello]
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PressurePros
New Member
You should start a new thread with this topic as it may get lost here.
Your budget is VERY tight. Mark at www.pressurewasherzone.com would be the guy to talk to. You are going to need at least 200 ft of hose (non-marking) if you are going to keep your machine on your truck.
If I were you I would spend less on the vehicle and budget more to equipment. A '98 E350 extended van might run you $2500. Four gpm/cold water machine $1500. Hose reels, supply hose, pressure hose, wands, guns,a decent downstreamer, and an X-Jet will set you back about $750. Insurance is going to be another $1200. Graphic design for your logo and business cards, printed marketing material and a decent starter campaign are going to be $1200. QuickbooksPro will be another $200. Starter chemicals, figure about $250. Oddball accessories like chemical application pumpups, extension wands, brushes etc factor about $200. Optional: Surface cleaner for concrete add $600.
This is a mediocre setup that will get the job done for housewashing and residential concrete. Your total is already $8400 if you include the surface cleaner. If you are going to do decks you will need tools specialized for that (sanders etc)
I also didn't factor in any licensing costs or legal fees to set up your business entity. It sounds like you want to do things right. Do it right now, write a business plan and you may actually be still around doing this next year and making money.
Your budget is VERY tight. Mark at www.pressurewasherzone.com would be the guy to talk to. You are going to need at least 200 ft of hose (non-marking) if you are going to keep your machine on your truck.
If I were you I would spend less on the vehicle and budget more to equipment. A '98 E350 extended van might run you $2500. Four gpm/cold water machine $1500. Hose reels, supply hose, pressure hose, wands, guns,a decent downstreamer, and an X-Jet will set you back about $750. Insurance is going to be another $1200. Graphic design for your logo and business cards, printed marketing material and a decent starter campaign are going to be $1200. QuickbooksPro will be another $200. Starter chemicals, figure about $250. Oddball accessories like chemical application pumpups, extension wands, brushes etc factor about $200. Optional: Surface cleaner for concrete add $600.
This is a mediocre setup that will get the job done for housewashing and residential concrete. Your total is already $8400 if you include the surface cleaner. If you are going to do decks you will need tools specialized for that (sanders etc)
I also didn't factor in any licensing costs or legal fees to set up your business entity. It sounds like you want to do things right. Do it right now, write a business plan and you may actually be still around doing this next year and making money.
hello from canada
[hello]
Have found various forums for pwing (learning lots). My wife and I do property maintenance up here in BC. Have used c/w up til now, got an older very low hrs -clarke hw (99hr) 16hp vanguard, ts2021 pump, 100g tank presently on a trailer. Picked up a van, hope to have it inside and mounted/plumbed ready for next year. Doing mostly residental (roofs, concrete and vinyl siding). Having fun.
[hello]
Have found various forums for pwing (learning lots). My wife and I do property maintenance up here in BC. Have used c/w up til now, got an older very low hrs -clarke hw (99hr) 16hp vanguard, ts2021 pump, 100g tank presently on a trailer. Picked up a van, hope to have it inside and mounted/plumbed ready for next year. Doing mostly residental (roofs, concrete and vinyl siding). Having fun.
New guy on the block!!!
Hello, my names is James and I live about 7 miles north of Fort Knox, Kentucky. I have been playing around with the ideal of power washing for the past 8 years. Do to a recent lay-off, I have decided to take the bull by the horns. I started a small business called Intense Cleaning Solutions. I have'nt even got my first job yet, but looking forward to being my own boss. I can't afford a hot water pressure washer so, I'm going to rent a 3,000 psi cold water pressure from a company down the street for $60.00 per day. I'm currently in the process of getting some business card's made-up and going to try to market myself to the ARMY,DOD, ect. I know this goal may seem pretty high for a new guy but, I have nothing to loose. Would anyone have any insight on how I could market myself to the government.
Wish me luck,
James
P.S. The PWN and the PWNA has been a major inspiration, THANK YOU!!!
Hello, my names is James and I live about 7 miles north of Fort Knox, Kentucky. I have been playing around with the ideal of power washing for the past 8 years. Do to a recent lay-off, I have decided to take the bull by the horns. I started a small business called Intense Cleaning Solutions. I have'nt even got my first job yet, but looking forward to being my own boss. I can't afford a hot water pressure washer so, I'm going to rent a 3,000 psi cold water pressure from a company down the street for $60.00 per day. I'm currently in the process of getting some business card's made-up and going to try to market myself to the ARMY,DOD, ect. I know this goal may seem pretty high for a new guy but, I have nothing to loose. Would anyone have any insight on how I could market myself to the government.
Wish me luck,
James
P.S. The PWN and the PWNA has been a major inspiration, THANK YOU!!!
Newbe Help
Be advised if you want to do any work for the DOD, you will have to bid on there contract if there is one. Also be advised, the DOD will expect you to carry at least a couple million dollars worth of liability Insurance or they would not even consider you for any job with them. They will also check your business out before you ever get a foot in the door. You better get yourself established with your own equipment before you ever try to get jobs with the DOD. Just hate to see you get all pumped up just to be shot down, good luck! Hugh
Be advised if you want to do any work for the DOD, you will have to bid on there contract if there is one. Also be advised, the DOD will expect you to carry at least a couple million dollars worth of liability Insurance or they would not even consider you for any job with them. They will also check your business out before you ever get a foot in the door. You better get yourself established with your own equipment before you ever try to get jobs with the DOD. Just hate to see you get all pumped up just to be shot down, good luck! Hugh
New 2 the business
Hi everyone, I dont know if this message will get through but I trying anyway. I as well am new to the business. Currently I'm doing fleets and have one account of 15 trucks. I have ran into some obstacles as far as how to present the service to new customers. My sales skills need major work. If anyone have any suggestions I would appreciated. Thanks Troy F.
Hi everyone, I dont know if this message will get through but I trying anyway. I as well am new to the business. Currently I'm doing fleets and have one account of 15 trucks. I have ran into some obstacles as far as how to present the service to new customers. My sales skills need major work. If anyone have any suggestions I would appreciated. Thanks Troy F.