mikejjmay

Hey all, I don't really know what to look for in a used unit. The PSI and GPM are in my range, but I don't know about this brand or condition. Any input would be great. Thanks! http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/grd/2155123786.html -Mike

I realize a hot unit is not a necessity, but I am also looking to do ice dam removal up here in MN in the winter months, so would need a hot water or steam source. I suppose I could just get a hot water add-on box and add that to my existing unit (2.5gpm 3000psi cold) to use it as my ice dam machine. Any thoughts on the hot water add-ons? Are they a good option?

Is that a bad thing in itself?

First off, i have been reading a ton on here and learned so much so thank you all! I am up to page 66 in the residential section, and it has answered so many questions for me, but I have a few of my own. For residential house washing - it seems like everyone has their own mix, but a very common one is something like (for a 5er): 2.5 gal 12%, 8-16oz simple cherry, squirts of dawn, and the rest H20. I am wondering, is this for downstreaming, or X-jet (I will be starting off downstreaming)? I have seen some people say not to mix H20 in at all for downstreaming, and just run it straight, so that is where the confusion is for me. Also, how can I know or calc what final % I am laying on the house in terms of the 12%? I want to end up only laying like 1-2% right? Is there a straight formula for this so I can make sure I am not overly aggressing on someones house? Next question - for roof washing, is the best way to apply your chems with a low PSI high gpm pump (shurflo), not your pw? Do these pumps just mount to their own lance, or is it basically through a garden hose and nozzle? then just use your pw only for the rinse? From my reading it seems like the roof chems need to be much stronger, like a 50/50 of the 12% and the h20. Is that sounding right? I am honestly not trying to be lazy, and I do use the search button and have read tons, its just there are so many conflicting reports, so I would love to get some help from the pros (all of you). Thanks in advance all! FYI, since I am in MN, I am planning on researching all winter then hitting it hard in the spring. Starting out very small with the machine I already have (3000, 2.5gpm), and then moving up after the first few jobs land me some $ hopefully :)

Hi All, first off let me say this is a great site. I have been lurking for a while, just reading up and learning as much as I can from all the experts on here! So thank you!! I have had a pressure washer for several years now, just a cold water machine, 3000psi, 2.5gpm, nothing fancy at all but it is a commercial (although small) model, so great reliability and performance. I have used it for the last few year for odds and ends, and always enjoy the work. I would love to start it up as a part time revenue source, and use it to make a little money and keep upgrading my equipment. Not trying to undercut anyone here, or be a low price weekend warrior, I really want to learn, and take alot of pride in my work. The good news is no competition in my area, but that's also bad news because there is no one I can shadow. Im hoping you all can help with some advice of how I could start small with the machine I have? What are some of the easier services I could perform that the capabilities of my machine could handle? I am just wanting to start out simple, because i realize I have much to learn and there is some money that needs to be earned before I could upgrade to a 4+ gpm hot water machine. any advice on what area of pressure washing you feel would be great for a newb and a smaller machine would be much appreciated. Thanks much everyone! Looking forward to learning more!

Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone! Yea, i most definitely will just be starting with residential siding and roofs til I can build up a bankroll to upgrade equipment. I have been reading so much here, and learning a ton, and still have some questions. If you feel like helping out the new guy some more, check my other post out about chem mintures and applicaiton for resi. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/residential-pressure-washing/20947-been-reading-have-some.html Thanks all!