larryh

Delco's Cold Weather Hints for Pressure Wash Contract Cleaners Delco Cleaning Systems of Fort Worth, 2513 Warfield St., Fort Worth, Texas 76106-7554 Phone: 800-433-2113; Fax: 817-625-2059 Email: delco@dcs1.com, Website: www.dcs1.com By: Robert M. Hinderliter. Last Update: November 4, 2005 DO NOT LET YOUR WASHER FREEZE! If possible, store your pressure washer in a warm place. Automatic bathroom or "Milk House" electric heaters work well in small areas like small garages and inside of enclosed vehicles (vans, bobtails, trailers). For Natural Gas and LP Gas water heaters the pilot lights provide heat at the base of your heater coils. Block off the stack to capture additional pilot light heat. Heat lamps or 500 watt halogen light next to the pump under a tarp or carboard box helps protect the pump. If you cover the entire wash rig with a tarp you can protect the entire rig if it not too cold for too long. Automatic kerosene (torpedo heaters) & Natural Gas heaters will protect larger areas. Connect these to automatic thermostats. Thermostats on short plug-in extention cords are about $35.00 at your local hardware store. Infrared LP gas heaters also work well. Heat from these heaters can be quite intense so watch for fire hazards. Water Tanks can be kept from freezing over night by installing recirculating water pumps to keep the water moving. Install a water filter to clean your water as it is recirculating. If you heat the inside of an enclosed vehicle (Bobtail or Van) with snow or ice on top you may melt the snow or ice. When the water runs down the sides of the vehicle is may freeze again locking the doors and windows in place making it difficult to gain entry. An enclosed vehicle (van, step van, bobtail, enclosed trailer, etc.) offers protection against thieft in addition to weather protection. Insulate the inside of your vehicle for additional protection against the cold weather. If you store your vehicle inside of a heated garage short travels of an hour or less can usually be made without the pressure washer freezing. A lot of garages and garage doors are uninsulated. Insulating the garage and garage doors offer additional protection against the cold weather. Light weight styrofoam panels are easily attached to garage doors. Caution: Do not put combustibles next to your heat source, or items that could melt. If your washer is going to freeze, the best way to protect your washer is with automotive anti-freeze, RV anti-freeze, or windshield washer fluid (Note: Be sure and check the freezing point of the fluid you are using. Some windshield washer fluids do not protect below freezing). Fill up your empty float tank with anti-freeze then start up your washer and push out the water with anti-freeze, (Note, most hot high pressure washers hold about 5 gallons). Remove your spray tip from your wand and insert it into the float tank. Recirculate the anti-freeze for 2 minutes while turning the Trigger Gun on and off to force antifreeze into the by-pass line of the unloader. This will protect your pump, coils, hoses and plumbing. This should protect everything except the chemical line hose which you will need to do separately while recirculating the antifreeze. Use a 5-gallon jug to capture the anti-freeze for reuse. If you start out with 5 gallons of pure antifreeze it should last you all winter if you recapture it each time. If you have any questions on this call Joseph, Tedd, Jerry, Keith, Rachel, Larry, or Robert for customer toll free support at : 800-433-2113. If your unit does not have a float tank, use a 5-gallon bucket and insert the water intake hose into it. For pressure washers without float tanks that are hooked to water tanks you can install a 3/4" or 1" 3-way ball valve (T-valve) with a short piece of hose in the inlet water line to introduce the antifreeze with. This way it is not necessary to disconnect the water line from the water tank. The next best way to protect your unit from freezing is to blow out the water with air pressure. Be careful with this method. Water will collect in low places and still break your washer. This is especially true if you move your washer after blowing out the water on vehicle mounted pressure washers. The vibration will collect water droplets in low places, especially in the heater coils. The packing and the valves in the high pressure pump may not completely dry when blowing out the water with air. If you start up the pump before it thaws out the valves may stick closed and the packing may stick to the cermanic plungers and tear it up. An emergency supply of air is the "canned air" sold at auto supply stores for emergency tire inflation. Your washer will freeze going down the highway with a reported air temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit. That is because of the cooler temperatures in low places. Remember that air temperature varies normally 2 to 6 degrees in a given region going up and down high and low places. In calm air hot water washing can be done to 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It depends on how your customer can tolerate ice on the ground or pavement (See the next item). In blowing wind hot water washing can be done to about 34 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible wash in direct sunlight to take advantage of thermal heating. If your wash water runs across sidewalks or driveways and freezes, salt or sand these areas down for safety. Always carry a bucket of rock salt or sand for your customer's safety. Note: Rock Salt will give the people a rough surface to walk on for better traction. Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride are also use for melting ice. However, these products leave an oily residue and present a "slip" hazard. Magnesium Chloride is a naturally occuring salt that is mixed with anticorrosive agents and sprayed on roads prior to winter storm to prevent ice from forming and bonding to road surfaces. There have been some health and corrision issues with Magnesium Chloride which is used primarily in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Utah, and Washington. Rock Salt presents a maintenance and corrosion issue. And the dyes in some ice melters can stain shoes, side walks, door frames, carpets, etc. Aluminum brightening and acid cleaning do not work well below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember the sun, direct sun light will raise surface temperature several degrees. You can pull open trailer wash rigs with water tanks down the highway in freezing temperatures by putting your wash wand into your 500 gallon water tank and firing up the water heater and recirculating the water as go down the road. If you are only going a short distance or if the temperature is not very cold (like 15 to 20°F) it may not be necessary to turn on the water heater. In this case this procedure will also work for cold water pressure washers connected to water tanks. Keep your water supply hoses flowing with water, water out of the ground will be about 50 degrees Fahrenheit in most areas. If your water supply or high pressure hoses run across the cold ground they will freeze in a few minutes in sub-zero temperatures. The average ground water summer to winter water temperature variation is about 30°F. Most oil fired high pressure water heaters raise the inlet water temperature 120 to 140°F with the burner running continuously. With the reduction inlet water temperature in the winter you need to increase your fuel nozzle one or two sizes. Then in the spring you need to change the fuel nozzle again and reduce the fuel nozzle by one or two sizes. Chemicals work slower in cold weather. Plan on using more chemicals and extra dwell time for the chemicals to work. Do not let your chemicals freeze. Store in a dry, warm place. Liquid chemicals will usually separate upon freezing. Protect yourself in cold weather with: 1) rain suits, 2) over shoes, 3) hard hats with rain troughs to keep water from going down the back of your neck and with face shields to protect your eyes and face, 4) thermal underware, and 5) gauntlet gloves with jersey inserts. Turn the gauntlet back so that water will not run down you arm. 6) Keep extra dry gloves available. Exercise caution as ice may form on your gloves, hard hat, shoes, etc. Winter clothing generally arrive at stores in September. If you wait until cold weather occurs your store may be out of the items you need. Plan ahead and buy while the selection is the greatest. On days you cannot wash do sales calls and equipment maintenance. Call Delco at 800-433-2113 and order spare parts. Plan ahead and save time. Below freezing work: vent-a-hoods; in-plant cleaning; produce warehouses, limo garages, inside factories, automotive garages, car dealer repair shops, de-icing of: aircraft, oil field drilling rigs, refineries, manufacturing plants with outside water piping, etc. Look for anything that will be inside cleaning with a pressure washer. You can drain your water hose by disconnecting it at each end, laying it out in a straight line, then walking down the hose passing the hose over your shoulder. Be careful where you point your spray: door locks, brake drums, door jams, and steps will freeze after you spray water on them. If you use 180 degree to 200 degree Fahrenheit, hot water evaporation will help minimize the icing problem. Sometimes you can minimize the freezing by opening and closing doors and operating the locks. Also you can spray with WD-40 with the long red needle adapter into door locks and mechanisms. Put some WD-40 on a rag and wipe on the rubber weather seals of the doors. Sheathing Wax added to the rinse water like W-200 Spray Wax will help the water slide off faster, speed the drying process, and reduce icing. Depending on the temperature a leaf blower may also help in blowing off the water to reduce icing. This also can increase the freezing rate if not used propertly. When washing reefer trailer make sure the units are running, this will help minimize icing. Avoid washing in the shade. Direct sun light heats up skin temperature rapidly. Try to have get the fleet owner to park vehicles in the sun. The hottest part of the day for Deck Cleaning is 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. If you walk on a lot of ice, use boot chains or shoes with spikes. Remember water and ice are really slick. Caution: The force from the surge of pressure at the trigger gun from a pressure actuated unloader can slide you backwards on ice or knock you down! While the force at the trigger gun from flow actuated unloaders may slide you backwards. Mount your pressure washing equipment in an enclosed trailer, Bobtail Truck, or Step Van and insulate the inside. Start your washing activities later in the day after the sun has had time to warm items up, like after 10:00 a.m. Drop a small electric water pump (like those used for waterfall displays) with a 3' hose attached into the water tank. Water in motion will delay the freezing of the water tank. Also small submersible water heaters work good in water tanks for keeping the water above freezing. When traveling short distances you can disconnect your pressure washer from the water tank and only antifreeze the pressure washer, hoses, etc. Put a plug into the water tank. When you arrive at the job site remove the plug and use a screwdriver and knock out the ice. Where practicable cover exposed piping with heat tape. Freeze protect outside faucets with heat tape or freeze proof valves. You can remove ice from house gutters by heating up the gutter from bottom and sides then removing the ice by hand in 3 to 5 foot sections. Average size home can be done in about an hour. Use indoor fittings with garden hose hook up for the sinks for when outside faucets are frozen. If at all possible never travel with your water tank half full. The surging of the water can push you out into an intersection or make you lose control under slippery conditions. Always check the brakes at the beginning of each day! Common add on businesses for supplementing income during the winter months: 1) window washing, 2) New construction cleanup of houses for final walk throughs, 3) snow removal, 4) chimney cleaning, 5) carpet cleaning 6) yard work and maintenance cleanup, & 7) painting. The best way to keep air lines from freezing is to have one continuous line with a moisture filter at the Compressor. Be sure and drain the Compressor Air Tank regularly to remove the condensation. Window washing can be done in the winter time in below freezing weather. Be aware of the following: Double pane windows freeze faster than single pane windows because single pane windows get heat from the inside; use warm water but not hot water because you may crack the window from thermal stress; add 1/2 to 1 gallon of windshield washer fluid or methanol to a 5 gallon bucket of wash water. Window washers commonly add "Methanol" to their wash water to keep it from freezing. This solves the water freezing problem but not the hand freezing problem. Some Power Washers also use this technique and add Methanol to their wash water. They purchase the Methanol from their Oil or Diesel Fuel Supplier or a Solvent Specialty Company by the 55 gallon drum. How much to add. Depends of the ambient conditions. Start out at about 5% and adjust from there. Winter Storage of Pressure Washers: A. Antifreeze your pressure washer per instructions above. Use automotive anitifreeze for storage of your pressure washer. I have personally seen units stored over 5 years with automotive anitifreeze with no problems except to pop the pump inlet valves. B. Get a Fuel Stabilizer from an auto parts store and add to the fuel tank to keep your fuel from turning into varnish and having the gaskets in the carburetor go bad. However it is still better to drain the tank and run the unit out of gas. C. Remove the spark plug wires; spray WD-40 into the carburetor while turning over the engine to coat everything with oil. D. Remove the spark plugs and spray with WD-40 into the cylinders or put in some "Marvel Mystery" brand oil. Turn over the engine a few times to coat the cylinder walls. E. Change the engine oil, oil filter and fuel filter. If you do not change the engine oil the sludge will collect on the bottom of the oil pan and solidify. If there is any water in the fuel filter it may freeze and break. F. Top off the Fuel Tank to keep moisture from condensing inside the fuel tank. This will cause rusting of steel fuel tanks and water in the fuel. G. In the Spring put in fresh fuel, replace the spark plugs, and start it up. If it is hard to start spray WD-40 into the carburetor intake the same way you would starting fluid. This gives an easier ignition than starting fluid. H. Disconnect the battery to avoid a trickle discharge. I. In the spring de-lime the coils with "Scaleaway Deliming Acid" and add "Red Devil Soot Remover" to your Diesel or Kerosene for your burner. Put a trickle charge on your battery for a couple of hours assure a full charge before starting with WD-40 to establish fuel flow. Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning. When finished have one person turn on the fan on while a 2nd person sprays deicer on the fan. Then leave the fan on. This assures that the fan works and is not out of balance when the morning kitchen crew arrives. Use fall protection equipment when on roofs. You may want to hose down the roof and melt the ice and snow. Sealing Decks: You need 12 to 24 hours of drying time above 50°F before sealing a deck. Use a moisture meter to be sure the deck is dry enough. Follow the manufacturer recommendations of your Deck Sealer you are using. Some Contractors have cut off dates like October 31 of each year to stop sealing wood (Decks, fences, roofs, etc). Decks will be warmest from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. At what temperature do you quit washing? This is a safety issue. 1) Is it safe to drive on the roads? 2) Can you arrive at the job site safely and without the equipment freezing up? 3) Will you have a safe surface to walk on? Will you be on a roof? Sidewalk? Ice or Snow? Scoffolding? 4) Can your employees drive to work OK? 5) Will the freezing of the waste wash water be a problem? 6) Can the washing be done safely? 7) What will other traffic be like and how skilled are other drivers? What are the chances of a traffic accident? For the latest version of "Delco's Cold Water Hints for Pressure Wash Contractors" go to http://www.dcs1.com/del/weather.html The National Weather Service "Wind Chill Chart" is at http://www.pressurewash.com/images/windchill.jpg When removing large chuncks of ice from vehicles use your zero degree nozzle to cut the ice into small sections. Then direct your spray to break off these smaller sections. This is faster than simply melting the ice. Caution: Beware of flying chuncks of ice! Preventing your Bay Doors from Freezing: A. If you have steel rollers change them to magnum type rollers. B. Install proper weather stripping around the door. C. Make sure the door is well lubricated and serviced. D. Insulate the door with styrofaom panels is not insulated. E. Install a heater at the threshold of the door. H. Keep only one door open at a time to avoid a creating a wind tunnel. Keep pressue hoses and airlines in the cab of the truck to prevent freezing on the way to the job if needed. If you suspect that your pressure washer is frozen proceed with caution: A. Try to rotate your pump by hand to see if it will turn freely. Practice this during warm weather so that you will know what the resistance feels like and you can recognize a frozen pump. Disconnect the spark plugs when doing this to avoid the engine accidently starting. B. Do not turn the burner on until water flow established. Frozen controls may allow the burner to fire without water flow. This could result in a steam explosion. C. It will take about 12 hours in a heated area to thaw out a frozen pressure washer. D. Failure probability due to freezing is: 33% chance of no damage, 33% chance of delayed failure which will occur in 90 days, 33% of immediate failure. E. Caution: We have had Contract Cleaners add gasoline to their kerosene and diesel fuel in order to make the burner hotter. This has resulted in a melt down and failure of the burner assembly. If you need more heat increase the size of your burner nozzle one or two sizes. Hair Dryers and Heat Guns are safer than tourches when thawing things out. Tips for pouring concrete: A. Order concrete made with hot water and increase the cement content by about half a bag. Exact amount will depends on the conditions and thickness of the concrete. B. Order air-trained concrete. This provides additional protection against freezing. C. Order low-slump concrete to ease finishing. D. Do not pour concrete on a frozen surface. This includes frost, ice, and rebars that are covered by frost or ice. When poured on frozen ground the concrete will settle as the ground thaws. F. Surfaces and concrete can by insulated with straw, plywood, insulating blankets, or fiberglass insulation between 4 or 6 mil polyethlyene sheeting. Polyethylene Sheeting alone may be OK if the temperature does not get much below freezing. New concrete should be protected from freezing to avoid cracking or flaking off. H. Place extra insulation around the edges. Faster cooling here can cause cracking. Make sure the concrete cools slowly over two or three days. I. Calcium Chloride flakes or pellets may be placed under the insulation to produce heat. Caution: Calcium Chloride tends to discolor and produce efflorescence. J. Under severe conditions a heat enclosure may be required for several days before the ground is thawed out. Caution: Excessive direct heat can blister the top layer of concrete and cause personal injury. Make sure the enclosure is properly vented. K. Concrete needs to be at least 55 degrees at pouring and 50 degrees for two days.

My guess is that your pump is an FW 5530 S. The following web link should help you find the part numbers that you need. http://cometpump.com/MB_Pompe.pdf

"Shotgun" or "Artillery" Fungus, Mold and Mildew By Bret A. Lambdin Provided by: Delco Cleaning Systems of Fort Worth 2513 Warfield Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76106-7554. Phone: 800-433-2113; Fax: 817-625-2059 URL: http://www.dcs1.com; email: delco@dcs1.com Last update: January 13, 2005 Artillery or shotgun fungus has been a ever increasing problem in Ohio. In 1995 when we started our pressure washing business, we saw no cases of this on any homes, in 1996, three cases were observed, and as of 6/25/97, we have looked at over a dozen homes with the spores from this fungus on them. So what is Artillery fungus?Occasionally we get a call about tiny, "mysterious black specks" appearing on a homes siding, a wooden deck, or other surfaces. The spots seem impossible to completely remove. Though the specks appear to resemble insect feces, scale crawlers or possible air-borne pollutants, they are actually mature spore masses expelled from fruiting bodies of a fungus known as "shot gun" or "artillery" fungus. This fungus develops in organic mulches. It is usually a greater problem in spring and fall, under cool, moist conditions under a temperature of 50 to 70 degrees. This very small type of mushroom Fungus is a cream or orange-brown cup containing a black round mass of spores which is very difficult to see. The mushroom fungus opens up like a flower, and seaks out bright light sources to shoot the spores at. Spores can be "shot" as high as the second floor of a building (about 20 feet), and can spot downspouts, soffits, windows, cars, sun reflecting glass and other bright surfaces. According to some scientists, the fungus can generate up to 1/10,000 of a horsepower when expelling these spores. These spores are one to two millimeters in diameter, black, sticky, and globular in appearance. The spores can also ruin the appearance of a wooden deck, though in these situations, it is easily cleaned and re coated. If you scrape the top of the black specks off with your finger nail you will reveal a reddish or cream color. We recommend using only non chlorine based cleaners, in conjunction with a coating which contains an EPA registered fungicide, such as Wolman F&P. It is theorized that artillery fungus can complete its life cycle only on wood (as in hardwood mulch), but not on bark, which has a lower carbon to nitrogen ratio. How can the Artillery Fungus be removed?Attempting to remove the black tar-like spots from surfaces is generally futile, and extreme care should be used on aluminum siding and car paint since the finish may be damaged. In our experience, removing the fungus is possible through the use of a high flow rate of water (at least 5.5 g.p.m.) at 3000 psi, with hot water, at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, however, this process is only suitable if the fungus has not been in place for an extended period of time. The longer the fungus has been in place, the harder it is to remove from the siding. Generally, the time span for fairly easy removal, we feel, is approximately 2-3 weeks. Also this process will not work on most aluminum siding as the paint will not hold up to the extreme heat and pressure. Caution must also be taken on PCV coated siding, as the PCV surface does not withstand extreme temperatures well If the fungus has set in to the point that water removal is not possible, on vinyl, we have found that by washing with the same process, (thus removing the tops of the fungus, leaving only a tan or light brown spot) then rubbing with a fine grade of steel wool will remove the spots. This process is very time consuming though, and is only a last resort to removal of the fungus. This process should not be used on aluminum or PCV coated siding. What if we have this problem? Can it be prevented?For locations plagued with this problem, consider switching to an inorganic mulch such as stone, pea gravel, etc. Or, a yearly addition of fresh mulch, so it completely covers old mulch, may lessen the problem, though it still may reoccur. We recommend complete removal of existing mulch prior to the application of an inorganic mulch, in order to lessen the chance of reoccurrence. It is also theorized that bark mulches may reduce the problem. If possible remove the mulch or place the mulch at least 30 feet away from any surrounding bright surfaces. Also Shotgun Fungus does not grow on cedar, redwood, or cypress which are on rot resistant woods. Avoid mulches made of wood chips or ground up wood pallets. Stirring up the mulch regularly to keep it dry retards the growth of Shotgun Fungus. We also recommend treating the surrounding area with a fungicide, as well as cleaning up any animal droppings and rotting wood, as these are also prime conditions for the artillery fungus to grow in. One other alternative is to apply a specialty coating to the surface, designed to inhibit the ability of the fungus and mold from growing on the siding. Though some spores may still appear, it will be much easier to remove as the spores will adhere to the coating, and not actually on the siding. For additional information go to the following http://msucares.com/newsletters/pests/infobytes/19970407.htm http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/ipm/disease/mulchfun.htm http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/3304.html http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/artfungus/artilleryfungus.htm

I want to thank each person in our industry for your support in our efforts to raise the bar of professionalism one more notch. This effort would be virtually impossible without your help. We at Delco wish you all of the very best in the coming year. Good Luck and God Bless You! Happy New Year Robert M. Hinderliter, Loree Foreman, Larry Hinckley and the Delco Team

Currently the only IGX available is the 15hp single cylinder. It is due for release to OEMs in July 07. Suggested list price is $1624.00. It does not come pre programed for the auto stop/start. The OEMs will have to purchase a software program to do this The ECU {Engine Control Unit} monitors and controls engine functions including throttle, choke, ignition timing and oil alert. When this is perfected it should be nice. As a technical advisor I see the potential for many headaches until the wrinkles are all ironed out.

The Cleaning Zone is a special part of The Expo designed to assist entrepreneurs in the cleaning services industry wanting to fine-tune their currently operating business. For those considering going into the cleaning services business, the Cleaning Zone offers information and lots of support. For 2007, the United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners (*****) joins Ministry of Property Services, LLC (M.O.P.S.) as a Cleaning Zone sponsor and is offering several fee-based ***** Certification classes in conjunction with The Expo. Seminars are also being offered in conjunction with The Expo on a variety of timely topics important to cleaning services. The Cleaning Zone will also have an exhibit area in the Exhibit Hall. Please review registration information for details and pricing. Course Schedule Thursday, March 15 Certification Classes Please see class description below 8-9:30 a.m. PW112 IKECA Kitchen Grease Exhaust PW102 Advanced House & Building Washing PW106 Advanced Truck & Fleet Washing PW108 Advanced Awning Cleaning 10-11:30 a.m. PW112 IKECA Kitchen Grease Exhaust PW102 Advanced House & Building Washing PW106 Advanced Truck & Fleet Washing PW108 Advanced Awning Cleaning 1:30-3 p.m. PW112 IKECA Kitchen Grease Exhaust PW102 Advanced House & Building Washing PW106 Advanced Truck & Fleet Washing PW108 Advanced Awning Cleaning 3:30-5 p.m. PW112 IKECA Kitchen Grease Exhaust Friday, March 16 Seminars Please see seminar descriptions below 8-9:30 a.m. PW105 Truck & Fleet Washing PW111 Kitchen Grease Exhaust Cleaning 101 VL102 Pricing Jobs for Profit AD101 Air Duct Cleaning Business CC101 Methods of Carpet Cleaning 10-11:30 a.m. PW101 Pressure Washing 101 VL101 How Does an INcome Statement/Profit & Loss Statement Help my Business? CC102 Residential vs. Commercial Carpet Cleaning 3:30-5 p.m. PW103 Environmental Power Washing Update PW107 Awning Cleaning 101 JA101 Starting a Janitorial Business101 EL101 Equipment Purchasing & Financing IN101 Insurance for the Mobile Contract Cleaner CERTIFICATION CLASSES SEMINARS PW112 IKECA Kitchen Grease Exhaust Certification Test Review and Examination. Instructor: Scott Hyde, CECS, CESI. IKECA Certified Instructor, Texas Vent-A-Clean. International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (www.ikeca.org & www.ikeca.com ) classroom review course for the “Kitchen Grease Exhaust Cleaning Contractor” to prepare for the IKECA “Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialists” (CECS) Exam for certification to NFPA 96 standards. Price includes CECS Exam, 1-year membership in IKECA, NFPA 96, and Delco DVD # 404 on Kitchen Grease Exhaust Cleaning. Pre-requisites: Must have experience doing Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning. This is a review course not a how-to course. For the experienced Kitchen Grease Exhaust Cleaner. $845.00 PW102 Advanced Course in House and Building Washing Instructors: Walt and Rhonda McCarty, Patriot Power Wash Covers the power washing of houses and buildings including parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, parking garages, one and two story homes, decks, masonry and concrete surfaces, roofs, gutters, pricing, bidding and marketing of these services. Includes Delco’s DVD Instructional Videos DVD-505 “House & Deck Washing” and DVD 105 “Flat Work.” Pre-requisites: Must be an experienced power wash operator. $345.00 PW106 Advanced Course In Truck and Fleet Washing Instructor: Michael D. Hinderliter, Steamaway, Inc. Covers advanced truck pressure washing techniques including sales and marketing, equipment, time saving techniques, business management, waste water recovery and environmental compliance techniques and issues. Includes Delco’s DVD # 504 “Fleet Washing” and DVD # 611 “Pressure Washer Safety.” Pre-requisites: Must be an experienced power wash operator. $345.00 PW108 Advanced Course In Awning Cleaning Instructor: Wayne Shockey, Specialized Maintenance & Awning Cleaning Advanced awning cleaning techniques and procedures including sales and marketing, equipment and time savings techniques, business management, the cleaning of different types of fabric and vinyl materials and the removal of dirt, mold, mildew and bird droppings. Includes Delco DVD # 509, “How to make money cleaning awnings.” Pre-requisites: Must be an experienced power wash operator. $345.00 PW101 Pressure Washing 101 Instructors: Walt and Rhonda McCarty, Patriot Power Wash (http://www.dcs1.com/DEL/DelcoSch.html) A basic class in the diversity of power washing and adding it to an existing business. Includes sales and marketing, equipment, time savings techniques, business management, and environmental issues. PW103 Environmental Power Washing Update Instructor: Robert M. Hinderliter, Delco Cleaning Systems of Fort Worth (http://www.dcs1.com/DEL/DelcoSch.html) Covers the latest techniques for complying with the clean water act that Power Washing Contract Cleaners are actually using. Includes Phase I and Phase II rules and regulations and what municipalities are actually enforcing. PW105 Truck and Fleet Washing 101 Instructor: Michael D. Hinderliter, Steamaway, Inc. (http://www.steamaway.com/) Learn equipment needs and different methods: bucket and brush, single step, two step, and good rinsing techniques. PW107 Awning Cleaning 101 Instructor: Wayne Shockey, Specialized Maintenance & Awning Cleaning (http://www.dcs1.com/DEL/DelcoSch.html) Learn the basics of awning cleaning techniques and procedures, samples of awning materials and equipment needed. PW111 Kitchen Grease Exhaust Cleaning 101 Instructor: Scott Hyde, CECS, CESI. IKECA Certified Instructor, Texas Vent-A-Clean. (http://www.dcs1.com/del/kitsch.html) Explains the potential market, insurance and NFPA 96 requirements for cleaning and cleaning techniques. JA101 Starting a Janitorial Business 101 Donna & Robert Griffin, Ministry of Property Services, LLC (M.O.P.S.) The basics of a janitorial cleaning business for those thinking of starting or wondering how to start in business and for those in business but in need of help. The motto of the cleaning business is ‘Trash is Cash’ when done right. VL101 How Does an Income Statement / Profit & Loss Statement Help My Business Instructors: Vicki and John LaPlant, Vital Learning Experiences, Inc. (http://www.vitallearningexperiences.com/) Helps the contract cleaner understand how an income statement can help him/her make decisions for the company that increase profits. Focuses on a chart of accounts with explanations for each category and a sample income statement for a contract cleaner company. VL102 Pricing Jobs for Profit Instructors: Vicki and John LaPlant, Vital Learning Experiences, Inc. (http://www.vitallearningexperiences.com/) Shows the contract cleaner how to recover direct costs of a job and the all important operating expenses and profit. Defines gross margin and explains the difference between mark-up and margin. Plus how to recover operating expenses as a dollar amount added to labor and how to recover operating expenses based on required gross margin dollars per day per crew. EL101 Equipment Purchasing and Financing Instructor: Ed Beaudette, Endeavor Business Services (http://www.endeavorleasing.com/) Learn equipment purchasing and financing options available to the mobile contract cleaner. IN101 Insurance for the Mobile Contract Cleaner Instructor: Joseph Walters, Joseph Walters Insurance Agency (http://www.dcs1.com/jwalters/) Covers the risks and liabilities of the mobile contract cleaner. AD101 Air Duct Cleaning Business Opportunities Instructor: Patrick Hyland, Rotobrush International (http://www.rotobrush.com/) Learn why your customers are interested in indoor air quality as well as the different types of technology needed. Examines different business opportunities for commercial and residential markets CC101 Methods of Carpet Cleaning Instructor: Rob Smith, Professional Carpet Cleaning Supply (http://carpetcleanersupplies.com/) Covers the equipment needed and the pros and cons of each of the five different methods of carpet cleaning as recognized by the IICRC. CC102 Residential vs Commercial Carpet Cleaning Instructor: Rob Smith, Professional Carpet Cleaning Supply (http://carpetcleanersupplies.com/) A close look at residential and commercial carpet cleaning markets and their potential. Covers commercial contract or maintenance cleaning, apartments, or contract residential, and high end residential. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • Home • Seminars • Exhibitors • Luncheon • Registration • Awards •

I'm sorry for not keeping the flow of information going. I know the world is full of people with excuses for failing to do as they should but if you will forgive me this time I shall do better in the future. That having been said the following is a quote from the Board President "The ***** 2006 convention and most extensive training program ever will be completed and announced within the next 30 days." I will report any new happenings regarding this organization as I receive the information. Respectfully Larry Hinckley

If you are using spray tips that were manufactured by Spraying Systems they are designed to be used at a distance of 8" to 12" from the surface being cleaned. I know that this isn't possible in this case, but considering the circumstances the water from the spray tips will not have enough distance in which to form its' intended pattern. Probably at 1 1/2" there won't be much difference.

***** United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners http://www.*****.org Free Trade ***** Show Pass. For a Saturday free trade show pass to the “United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners” please call 817-529-6630, or 800-211-0290. The trade show includes exhibits for the following trades: Pressure Washing, Window Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, Air Duct Cleaning, Water Blasting, Janitorial Supplies, and Insurance. This association will fill the need for those contract cleaners that already provide or wish to provide services for more than one trade, a typical growth progression for "Contractors on the Move™". For more information ***** Convention at the Radisson Fort Worth North on the May 4-6, 2006 go to http://www.*****.org/ .

$69.00/night***** Seminars for May 4 - 7, 2006 http://www.*****.org/ Last chance for big saving for the ***** May 4, 5, & 6 Convention! The Holiday Inn is changing over to a Radisson on April 20. The Holiday Inn has agreed to hold the ***** rate ($69.00 per night) through Friday. Make your reservations now. Note: You can cancel your reservation 48 hours before your reservation date with out penalty. For Convention Information go to www.*****.org .

***** United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners http://www.*****.org/ The *****: The Multi-Trade Association that Helps You Grow By Drue Ann Hargis-Ramirez, Write Right Enterprises If you could easily incorporate other services into your business in a seamless way and leverage these other services into your existing customer base, wouldn’t you? Of course you would. Professional business owners are always looking for ways to expand their customer base and grow their companies while endeavoring to compete and thrive amongst their respected competitors. Now you can achieve these goals by joining other Contractors on the Move™. Perhaps you’re a window cleaner who wants to expand into pressure washing. Or maybe you’re a pressure washer who is considering adding industrial water blasting or carpet cleaning to fill in downtimes. Or perhaps you’ve been cleaning carpets and want to add air duct cleaning to offer more services to your customers. Then again perhaps you’re tired of working for someone else and want to explore becoming an independent business owner, but aren’t sure which contract cleaning niche or niches you want to focus on. The United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners (http://www.*****.org) is the first multi-trade association of its kind, and as such it can help you grow your business. Members will gain from the experience and guidance of its founding members and advisors who encompass a broad range of similar industries and its valuable multi-trade networking and convention workshops all in one place at the same time. And for an extraordinarily low price that even small business owners can afford. The *****’s first convention will be on May 4-6, 2006, in Fort Worth, Texas. Read on to learn more about the ***** and the upcoming convention. Who are the Founding Members and Advisors? The *****’s founding members and board advisors offer its members unique exposure and a breadth of knowledge and experience on multiple but related trades that logically and inexpensively provide the opportunity to expand and grow your business. Here’s who they are and what they have to say about the *****’s unique benefits. Delco Cleaning Systems Delco Cleaning Systems (http://www.dcs1.com) has been doing business in the pressure washing industry for more than 30 years. Its president and owner, Robert Hinderliter, knows firsthand what small business owners need to succeed. And as founder of the Power Washers of North America (www.pwna.org), he also knows what it takes for an association to successfully serve its members. From residential to commercial pressure washing and from kitchen grease exhaust cleaning to truck fleet washing, Delco offers the equipment, training and superior knowledge for mobile contract cleaners who need assistance in this field. “The *****’s mission is to help the business owner who wants to expand his business but isn’t sure in which direction he wants to go,” says Robert. Rotobrush International For nearly 20 years Rotobrush International (http://www.rotobrush.com) has been in the air duct cleaning business, manufacturing equipment with patented technologies and offering air purification products for the indoor residential and commercial air quality industry. “This association is a one-stop shop for service providers,” says Pat Hyland, Senior Vice President of Sales. “[The *****] is a unique organization in that you will be able to work with so many industries and pick the ones that suit your business.” Professional Carpet Cleaning Supplies Rob Smith, president of Professional Carpet Cleaning Supplies (http://pccsdfw.com), has been in the professional carpet cleaning business for nearly 30 years and supplying equipment and products to the professional carpet cleaning contractor for nearly 20 years. They also provide supplies to clean other floor surfaces such as natural stone, and offer training and equipment for the restoration of carpet and upholstery damaged by fire or water. Their facility in Euless, Texas, has a unique training setup with a mock three-bedroom house where they can provide hands-on training. The upcoming ***** convention, he says, is a unique opportunity to find out more about “other related trade industries that contract cleaners with their existing equipment can diversify into that they are not currently taking advantage of now.” Diversifying your carpet cleaning business by adding cleaning of natural stone or restoration work is one way, he says, to increase your revenue steam. Dallas Window Cleaning Supply Seven years ago Dallas Window Cleaning Supply (http://www.dallaswindowcleaningsupply.com) opened its doors to serve professional window cleaners throughout Texas. They have whatever professional window cleaners need to clean glass, and unlike other suppliers they can deliver at ground rate in one day anywhere in Texas. Christine Keniston, president, notes too that her husband has been in the window cleaning industry for 22 years and brings hands-on experience to their customers. The convention, Christine notes, will afford small business owners the opportunity “to talk to more experienced business owners who’ve been through the stages of growth they need to tackle.” Freemyer Industrial Pressure This founding member company has been around for nearly 20 years, and has been providing services to contractors for oil service and industrial cleaning for the last ten years. Freemyer Industrial Pressure (http://www.indpress.com) offers pressure washers ranging from 10,000 PSI to 36,000 PSI. Pressure washers at this higher level offer a range of applications from removing scale or rust from tanks, coatings on ship hulls instead of sand blasting which isn’t as environmentally safe, or striping and burnt rubber on concrete at airports, as well as cold cutting at refineries. Greg Leos, Partner and Sales Manager at Freemyer, says business owners “need to know they have other tools at their fingertips and know what is available out there for them. It [the convention] will be a great opportunity to take advantage of all the seminars to gain information about other industries and see how they can apply them into their line [of services.]” Joseph D. Walters Insurance Agency Joe Walters started his insurance agency nearly 30 years ago. The agency (http://www.dcs1.com/jwalters) focuses on specialty insurance primarily for contract cleaners, such as general commercial liability, automobile, equipment protection, umbrella policies, and bonds. He says his agency knows the needs of the contract cleaner and the importance of a quick response. “The ***** gives the opportunity to add on to their business and make more money for their family.” For the new business owner, he adds, the ***** can help with community involvement, marketing, and looking better than your competitor. Advisors to the Board The ***** currently has two advisors to its Board to provide knowledge and experience on window cleaning and pressure washing. Steamaway, owned by Michael Hinderliter, is a mobile truck washing and industrial power washing company. Michael also owns Hood Specialists, a kitchen grease exhaust cleaning company. As a mobile contract cleaner for the last 21 years, he brings to the Board the insight of the contractor’s perspective and needs. “The ***** offers a new structure for an association, one that has not been done before, where there are a number of trades that are aimed at mobile contract cleaners, and it will present different trades in one place so business owners don’t have to attend and pay for multiple shows.” B.A. Autery owns Black Wolf Window Cleaning (http://www.blackwolfwindowcleaning.com) in Arlington, Texas. More recently, he spearheaded the formation of the Association of United Window Cleaners (http://www.auwc.org), a nonprofit association exclusively focusing on residential, route and low-rise (three stories or less) window cleaners. As an advisor, the Association of United Window Cleaners and the UMaCc can complement each other to assist business owners grow their businesses. “Under one roof, different trades that are part of mobile contract cleaners can network and learn from each other and help build their professional trades,” he says. Membership – Annual Fees & Benefits The annual membership to join the ***** is only $97. With your membership you’ll receive more than $100 in cleaning equipment and supplies from the sponsoring vendors, such as an air filter and training DVDs. A quarterly newsletter is in development and will include how-to articles and industry news. The membership also includes huge discounts to the upcoming convention and technical seminar scheduled for the fall. And finally it brings you access to the knowledge and experience of the founding members and advisors. Convention and Exhibit Details The *****’s first convention will be Thursday through Saturday, May 4-6, 2006, in Fort Worth, Texas. The Holiday Inn North (http://www.holidayinnfwn.com) is the backdrop for this not-to-be missed convention. The hotel (which will soon be renamed the Raddison) recently underwent a $6 million renovation with improvements in every area of the facility. The ***** has arranged a special nightly rate of $69 plus tax through April 4 (Phone: 817-759-4614); mention the ***** when making your reservations. Discounts with American Airlines and Avis Rent-A-Car have also been arranged for ***** conference attendees. The convention registration brochure, which can be downloaded in PDF format, includes discount codes for airline and car rentals, at this link http://www.*****.org/forms/Convention_Brochure.pdf. The cost to attend the convention is a very affordable price of $247 for ***** members who register by April 4. “This is a very affordable event for small businesses,” notes Christine Keniston. “Other events are often targeted for the bigger established businesses, [but] this is priced for the small business owner.” Joe Walters agrees. As a past convention chairman for the PWNA, he realizes many business owners can’t afford to attend conventions. “We’re trying to give you as much as we can for the least amount of money so you can afford to go. This is the best bang for your buck.” The exhibition has 38 booths and tabletop displays including but not limited to the following vendors: Aaladin Cleaning Systems, Dallas Window Cleaning Supply, Delco Cleaning Systems Freemyer Industrial Pressure, Joseph D. Walters Insurance Agency, Professional Carpet Cleaning Supplies, Ready Seal, Rotobrush International, General Pump, Nick’s E-Z Truck Mounts, Prochem, Dri-Eaz, PWNA, AUWC, *****, WRAPI, Steel Eagle, Source 1 Packaging, Ministry of Property Services, Medcalf Insurance Agency, Vital Learning Experiences, Endeavor Business Services, Ettore, Ram One International, Jim Manufacturing, IKECA, and Unger. A complete list of exhibitors can be found here: http://www.*****.org/exhibitors.htm. Check-in registration begins on Thursday, May 4, at 7 a.m. with workshops commencing at 8 a.m. Lunch is provided courtesy of the ***** on both days. The Friday night banquet is an additional cost of $35 per person. The convention concludes with outdoor demonstrations and trade show on Saturday, May 6, at 7 p.m. World-Renowned Speaker to Present Keynote Address “Not many associations can attract the speakers we have [lined up] for its first inaugural kickoff convention,” comments Pay Hyland. Most notably, on Thursday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. Steven Wiley, a world-renowned speaker, will present the keynote address “Training that Pays.” Steven Wiley (http://www.stevenbwiley.com) is an entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker, who has trained tens of thousands of executives from around the world. Convention Workshops Offer High Quality Instruction and Training While the majority of the seminars and workshops are included in the registration fee, there are a handful of certification and training courses that require additional fees. However, as Joe Walters emphasizes, “the caliber of the instruction at this convention will be unsurpassed.” Christine Keniston points out the broad spectrum of seminars offered in the convention line up. “The seminar program is very broad, not limited to just technical aspects of each industry, but it includes marketing, insurance, and a multitude of aspects that are involved in growing a successful business.” For the full convention schedule, see pages 18a,b,c & d of the April issue of the Delco Blaster, or visit the conference brochure on the ***** website at www.*****.org . Networking Joe Walters points out that while your neighboring competitor might not share ideas, competitors across the country are only too willing to sit down and tell you how they make their money. Christine Keniston agrees. “Networking is everything – this convention is full of opportunities.”

Jon, If you get people like me started sometimes you can't get us to stop! Yo? Larry