Aplus

I'm not doubting what you are saying Everett. I just would not be comfortable up on a ladder tying to control 1500-2000 psi. It may be a little better if you're using a flow actuated unloader, so that big start up kick doesn't play into it. For myself, I'm not comfortable to powerwash off a ladder, and I'm even less comfortable to give others the idea to try it. I totally agree that the closer one can get to the work surface, the better chance he has to get it cleaner. In some cases, I do go up a ladder, and onto a garage roof or such to get better access at something, but I don't wash while standing on a ladder. I guess it's just a matter of comfort, and one's view of safety procedures. I see too many opportunities for disaster washing from a ladder. Am I alone with this thought?

I have used Cascade rinse aids, and I'm not sure I could tell any difference. Have not used Steve's yet, maybe someday. Actually as I think about it, water conditions in different geographic regions may play more of a role in whether or not rinse aids are a benefit. There is no one size fits all. What works for you may not work for me.

To be quite honest here, the only one who benefits from using Steve's rinse aid, is Steve. A quality house wash mixture has all the necessary ingrediants to facilite rinsing.

2000psi? On a ladder? Are you sure about that Everett? I use a #9 or #10 tip, which for me equates to around 700-800 psi, and that's more than enough pressure for almost everything I encounter. With an extension, the lower pressure is almost a necessity to be able to control it effectively. The only time I use a ladder is in cases where I can't get a good angle at the siding, like an instance of attached garage on a two story. The ladders are always in the trailer ready for use, but I don't figure that I have to use them every time. While I understand how a homeowners perceptions of value could maybe increase if they see you working harder, or longer, the bottom line to me is when they come out and check the finished product, and are pleased with the results.

If you had streaking, my initial reaction is that you allowed the house wash mix to dry, which is a definite no-no. I apply the mix to an entire side of a house, and within 30-45 seconds, completely rinse the windows. You should not have streaking. The other thought is the windows leaked a bit, and the streaks you saw were inside the house. I've used Cascade Rinse additive, normally used in automatic dishwashers, and it helps a bit, but really, under normal circumstances, no rinse aid is needed.

Hey Lou, Have you been using the recipe I gave you for the house wash? From the looks of the pics you seem to be doing well. Regarding the fungus, I've seen it a few times, and occasionally a little can be gotten off, and I'd have to agree it's because it hasn't been there long. Keep up the good work and you'll have plenty of work in the future!

I use Steve Rowletts RPC 2000 concrete cleaner as well. Does everything I need it to.

I switched to Mobil 1 and installed a K&N air filter. I've seen a slight improvement in fuel economy, maybe .5 to .8 mpg. That translates to an extra 20 miles per tank of fuel, which saves me $5 per week. That adds up to about $260 per year. To me it would be foolish to NOT consider ways of saving fuel. Imagine how much fuel could be saved if every driver did what he could to reasonably & cheaply increase their fuel economy by 1mpg. I accept that I have to spend a lot of money on gas to drive the truck I chose. If I do nothing else, I should at least do my part to conserve oil whenever possible. In this day and age, it's the responsible thing to do.

Steve, The safest bet is to look for a local Game Stop and put down a deposit which will secure one for you. There are different packages available with the new Xbox. The $299 package is missing some important accessories that you get included with the $399 package. Even if you get enough bottle caps, expect to buy the accessories as well because you need them to really experience what the 360 has to offer. But good luck to ya. (We put down $50 deposit about two months ago to ensure we get one this year.)

You know what Rod.....you can't please everybody! Just put his money in your pocket and move on. He may eventually figure out you were right and call you back, but more likely his pride will not let him. I've come to realize there are a certain percentage of customers who I just am not going to be able to please. I just go about my business, do the best possible job I can, and when I lay my head down at night to sleep, I have no regrets because I know I did the best I could.] I think you did things right, and the best you could, and that's really what's most important when running a business.

Speaking for myself personally, sometimes it is a little touchy to me when I think of someone entering the business without proper equipment or training, and helping to perpetuate the idea among the public that this trade is not a true profession, or even that a high school kid can go to HD, buy stuff and call himself a power washer. But as I reflect back, my first equipment came from HD, and I hardly knew what I was doing, and made mistakes along the way. Fortunately, I started part time, and quickly realized that I needed to heavily invest in upgrading my equipment, and most important, needed to really learn what I was doing. Ten years ago, there were two other power washers listed in my local phone book. Today, there are about ten. How many will last, how many will shake out, I don't know. But I do know that if people did their research and found these forums, their chances of success would have to greatly increase. Self employment certainly brings me a lot of freedom and pleasure, but at the same time has brought me headaches I originally never dreamed of. It is prudent to spend as much up front time as possible to increase chances of success. Taking advantage of a labor for learning relationship with an established contractor is about as good as it gets, because you can't learn this stuff from reading a book, watching a video, or even reading these forums. Hands on expereince absolutely rocks!

I'd look around for some used equipment in a package deal, trailer, machines, most things you'll need. If you look around, there's plenty available, because a lot of guys get into the business, then find out they can't make a go of it, and sell off cheaply.

I use the ND motor oil all the time too. Never seen it clear, always has looked just like regular motor oil. To think of it, I could see no reason it should be clear.....oil is oil, and the detergent is only an additive.

I like the term 'mobilization fee'. Cool. I do factor in extra dollars for travel and expenses, just never broke it out separately with such a descriptive name.

I don't think that you did a bad job at all. Really I have no experience with a home like that, and I won't usually offer advice or support on something I'm not qualified for. I can say that I'm not sure you will ever get the results you're looking for with the tools and equipment at your disposal. It may require an experienced pro to take the results to the next level. Congrats on having the courage and fortitude to undertake the task yourself!

I'll scan it in and email you the text files. Good Luck.

Rod, What the pm told me was that the cleanup crew in the store comes out with a brush and some soap/water to clean up the heaviest spills and such. But they can't do a good job on the gum removal. I apologized while telling him it's just not cost effective for me to go out and just remove gum, especially at the rate they want to pay for it. He didn't get mad or anything, just maybe a little disappointed. Oh well, he still calls me 2-3 times a year to clean the concrete around the dumpster and the shipping/receiving areas, so I guess he got over it.

If the lock is too strong, the thiefs will just cut the latch mechanism on the door. So really it doesn't matter.

Rather than focus on price or other features, I'd look closer at the support you will or will not receive from Delco.

Well I did try asking about slower traffic times, and it's between 2-5am. I'll be danged if I'm getting up and hauling all my equipment around at that time for an hours work! I'd gladly do the cones/safety tape thing, but I can't find a place to park close enough. It's not easy to find a spot to tuck in 40 feet of truck & trailer.....:) I phoned the pm and told him if he wants all the concrete cleaned, no problem, but it's not worth it to do just the gum removal.

I order my brushes from Envirospec. They have a nice selection of brushes designed for truck & car washing, which is a perfect bristle for scrubbing gutters. Sometimes the thread-on brushes don't stay put, tightly on the end of the pole. In those cases, you can drill a small hole and insert a screw to keep the brush from unthreading.

You're right Ken, I should have specified "health hazards" as being the issue. The insidious thing about oxalic, is it typically has no scent, and in light mist form, often doesn't burn exposed skin. So you often don't realize you've had contact with it. I don't mean to be on a soap box here, but I'm fairly certain many don't understand the health risks with oxalic acid. I'm not saying don't use it, but rather, understand it, and take appropriate precautions when handling it. Check out this link. Good info, but it does fail to mention that exposure to oxalic acid has been shown to damage a mans' little swimmers, and cause birth defects. http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/o6044.htm

Seems like a fairly robust washer would be in order. My 5/3500 really doesn't feed my 30" Steel Eagle as well as I'd like, so I would have to say that a 38" would be out of the question. Now if you were to couple that 38'er with, say a 8gpm washer, now you're talkin'.

Ken, Citrallic is not necessarily safer. It is a blend of citric and oxalic, and I don't remember ever reading that even a small amount of oxalic contact was ok.

Too bad we don't have the sound clip to go along with the pic.