Chemical applications

[csoldier]

Hi. I currently use a chemical injector on the end of the wand to apply chemicals; however, it still does not get a high enough concentration of chemicals on the surface. How can I alter the injector to get higher concentrations like the x-jet? What exactly is it that allows the x-jet to draw high ratios of chemicals? I am trying to understand this a little better. Thanks!
csoldier

 

[Steven Rowlett]

I am not sure what is different about the x-jet, but I haven't found any other injector that will perform like it. Glenn at ACE CLEANING SERVICE has the x-jet in stock.
Steven Rowlett
ROWLETT PRESSURE
CLEANING SERVICE

 

[Andy Wheatley]

I don't have an X-Jet and I'm not sure how they perform. I use a roll-over nozzle and have had good luck with a Suttner ST-62 injector. I doubt it will match the draw rates of an X-Jet from what I hear.

 

[Harold Brantley]

What are you cleaning, what chemical are you trying to apply, what is its concentration and what draw rate is your chemical injector pulling?

With high concentration chemicals I have not felt the need for high percentage injectors. I have an x-jet and have used it only once, about a year and a half ago when I bought it. I didn't like the idea of having to tote the chemical container with you. I am able to move more rapidly with the chemicals back at the washer. If you are applying sodium hypochlorite, use the 12% to 15% concentration and add a little good detergent that leaves windows streak free and a 12% chemical injector will knock out any mildew and dirt you have. If it is very bad, two light applications will do the job. With the right chemical spray nozzle, you can reach 3 stories with a gable. I have an injector that draws 18% but I think it draws too much and only wastes chemical. Also it will start affecting the flowers and bushes.

 

[Steven Rowlett]

Harold, I am able to do all of my rinseing with the x-jet. Can you do that with your injector or do you have to use a long wand? My method is much easier on your back.
Steven Rowlett
ROWLETT PRESSURE
CLEANING SERVICE

 

[Harold Brantley]

Steven, no I don't have to use an extension wand. If you have a 5 gal backpack with chemicals, you have to be extremely careful not to trip over bushes, ground cover, rocks, uneven ground, etc. That's OK if you are comfortable with it, I just like the freedom of not having to carry around 50 pounds. I'm not trying to change your method of cleaning, just letting you know that there are other alternatives to an x-jet.

 

[Dan Flynn]

I agree with Harold. We use a 12 volt pump with a few hundred feet of hose. Run it of the truck battery. Use a regular gun and wand with a zero tip. Sometimes we will use a 79 inch wand. I can easily spray 40 feet high with out wasting chemical and having it diluted to the exact amount we need.

For lower area's we use a regular tip with a 40 or 65 degree fan spray. We rinse the high area with a zero tip which sprays 30 to 40 feet easily. Then use the fan tip if needed. We feel it's the best way all around to go. How ever some like the x-jet for some reason. I have tried it once and found it to be out of control and a pain to use.

But with anything, it all depends on you. I fortunately received one for free and still didn't like it. Others can't work without it.

I'm sure like anything, if given time you would get use to it. Then couldn't live without it.

 

[Glenn]

Gentlemen and Ladies of course,
I used my X-jet yesterday for the first time. What I like about it is I don't have all that dang hose and pump to contend with let alone draining my truck or equipment battery trying to run all that added equipment. I just click on the X-jet and use it to wash and rinse. All I have to do to rinse is simply shut off the valve on the supply hose and I'm rinsing. With the shur-flo set up Dan uses you have 2 sets of hoses to drag around the houses and catching on every dang bush, etc. To each his own, I guess. I don't know how I have managed so long without one. I didn't measure the spray height but I believe it was over 40 ft. I was able to reach the gable of a 3 story house with room to spare. Also didn't have to break out my extension wands on this one. If interested on one, give Mark or myself a call. You won't regret it. Just my 2 cents.
Glenn

 

[Dan Flynn]

You have made some great points. I have yet to use it in the mildew capital of the world (Houston). Really didn't do much house cleaning in IL.

When I tested, it just didn't seem right or work at all. I do think if I retry it in this environment it maybe right. I use a lot of the debated home made house wash stuff here. Only once in IL. Out here there is a tone of black mildew stain, that disappear on contact.

I do hate the double hose deal, and no, unless I'm lucky. Never came close to running down the battery. Never needed the ext pole either. I use a 79 inch very light aluminum rod when need. I would like for the x jet to be my choice. It would be much easier and convenient. The 12volt is great but the volume is slow. But on the other hand the x-jet goes will suck a 5 gallon bucket in 2 seconds.

Why don't you or someone with extended experience tell us how to use it properly. I don't me the manufacture. I would like to hear from the contractors. I will then test it out and hopefully switch. It seems like it would be faster. Right now I can put 1.5 gallons of household 5.25% in a 14 gallon tank. Squirt a bit of soap and I am good to go. It will remove the worst black stains you will ever see. Chemical cost 2 bucks. Gutters are a separate job and are priced accordingly.

So tell us from start to finish, how to mix with local stuff. Then give us the run down of the entire procedure. I have heard many good thing. I would love to find out that I am just not operating the equipment right. Include the color of the dilution valve you use, and how to prevent pulling the trigger only to find out the chemicals are gone already. Maybe are machine has to much volume and pressure for the x-jet

Anyone is more than welcome to answer this.

 

[Glenn]

The dillutuion rate is dependant on the proportioner used. Each unit comes with a chart that will guide you as to which one suits your individual needs. I personally use mine open as I like to get alot of chem up there fast. As far as the chem mixture, that would all depend on what your cleaning and your preferences there too. Each unit comes with a House wash recipe that contains bleach and other easily accessable ingrediants. I will say, and I hope it doesn't offend anyone as that is not my intention, the X-jet like many other specialty tools in this business are just what I said, tools. A tool alone will not perform a job, it takes knowledge, experience, and a little common sense. A hammer is also a tool and in the hands of fine craftsmen will turn out fine cabinetry, however, in the hands of others will only result in a pile of broken lumber with bent nails. I don't want to start a debate here so I will drop this issue and move on.
Glenn
PS: I have an idea, Dan, since you got your X-jet free and don't use or like it whichever, why not send it to csoldier so he can see if he likes it. I'm sure he would be willing to cover the shipping costs and if there's something you are missing like proportioners, proportioner chart, etc. I will send him the missing parts. Hat do ya say? Great idea , or what?

 

[Dan Flynn]

I wont get into the knowledge thing. But I think I asked a pretty good question with one thing in mind. To learn! Everyone has their own way of doing things. They get this from copying others and altering that information to their own needs, so it will works best for them. They also obtain this from reading and listening to what, others experiences had taught them.

As you said it starts with a tool. Well I think I'm smart enough to know. When I hear that a product is working for many that I did try. I want to know what I was doing wrong. I also am the first to say, hey I may have missed something here. So will someone that can offer a more specific answer please help out.

I realize that Glenn has just starting using the x-jet. Is there anyone that has used it and really narrowed down a good system with it. Please let me know.

 

[Dan Flynn]

I just re- read your post Glenn. Not sure if you added the P.S. later or I just missed it. But I think you maybe miss reading what I am saying. You seem to be upset. My intention is to find out as much as I can about the x-jet.

I admit I tried it once and yes I did get it for free from the manufacture. Thanks to them. I feel that I may have not used it right. I certainly do not want to miss out on something. Maybe I didn't give it a chance. Please don't take this the wrong way. If someone with the craftsmanship can teach me to use the x-jet properly, it maybe the right tool for me.

I will be the first to admit I was wrong with my original opinion. Which is exactly what my comments regarding the x-jet in the past were. My opinion about the x-jet is based on my experience with it. I would like to give it another shot.

My craftsmanship most have been right on when I tried your Pitch Witch. Because it did more than I expected and has become my favorite tool in the box. It has already enabled me to do 2 jobs I would have not even considered in the past. I love the thing. I also would like to thank you for sending me one. Obviously you designed it for me or I had more interest. Because within 5 minute I had it down to a science that progresses each day.

If and when I re-try the x-jet and I still find it not for me. I will defiantly send it to csoldier, it just maybe right for him. I will pay the postage too.

 

[Mike Hughes]

I have used the xjet for over two years now. I lost those stupid proportioners over a year and a half ago. I don't care, wouldn't use them anyway. If I want a chemical to be dilluted, I just throw more water in the bucket.

I do not rinse with the xjet......only use it to apply the chemical. I also have what's called a close range attachment, which is basically a fan tip that screws into the end of the xjet to allow you to spray surfaces that are one to ten feet away.

Like I said, I do not rinse with the xjet.........although I'd like to. I think I am using the wrong chemical mix or something, because I really feel I'd be doing a half-*** job if I rinsed with the xjet and didnt get closer to the surface. I'll figure it out one of these days.

 

[Glenn]

Dan,
Remove the 1/4 inch plug on the X-jet and tap it on a table top and see what orfice you are using. If you have the wrong size it will adversely effect the performance. Also, remove the soap barb and see what proportioner you have installed. This will help me help you, something in your X-jet set up must be off. Ohh and no I'm not upset, I will go back and re-read my posts. Sometimes people take me the wrong way.
Glenn

 

[Dan Flynn]

What about your jug of chemicals, do you go full or diluted before the x-jet mixes it with water. I lost the color chart for the dilution rate. I will look at it today and post what I find.

Thanks

 

[Power Clean]

well, i've been extemely happy with my x-jet. i wash and rinse with it though. lately i've been using a 4 gal back pack and have gotten to love that too. much, much easier to get around!

i have been happy using 1/2 gal of dnb1430 and 6 qts of ultra bleach with a big squirt of casade pure rinse per 4 gal of mix.
costs are about $5 per 4 gals MAX. i can do a 4500 sq ft home with 8 gals of mix no problem with the 50:1 proportioner in the x-jet. stuff just seems to melt away. if it is very dirty and lots of mildew, i'll go 1 gal of 1430 (add another $1.00-1.75 per home). now is this chem mixture to expensive?

i haven't considered not using the x-jet for rinsing. what else do you use to rinse? maybe, just maybe a little more time to rinse with the x-jet, but not enough for me to stop and change out.

also, theres no way i would not use any proportioner. i tried it when i first got my x-jet because that is what the instructions said most users use to apply, but it just simply sucked up to much chem for me.

to each his/her own i guess.

good luck all.

roy

 

[ron]

I use a X-JET Im thinking of getting it gold plated and where it around my neck for safe keeping. Ron at exterior now sels a enclosed pail system. you take 3 pails for a big 2 story-each pail has 2 gal bleach 2 cups dawn dish soap 1 squirt[big] liquid cascade[for the windows] put a bucket on each corner or about 1/3 around the house
use a fourth bucket for gutter zap deluted 1 part to 3 parts water
start by watering down every thing around the house and covering any brass fixtures then[15 min]
start applying the wash to one side then remove hose [from bottom of the valve]
time [3 min] hook up gutter zap run it down the gutter[ 2 min] remove hose[leave the gutter zap on corner of next side that your going to wash
rinse gutters first then work your way down[5 min]
do this to all the sides then re-rinse the plants
oh yea on the last rinse add wax to the rinse water i also use ZEP oder control to it to take out the bleach smell.
then wand off the front walk and porch
1 hour 15 min to 1 1/2 hours= $150 chems cost $25 1 guy 4 a day if you can find the work. That price is for the blue coller type add $50 per car that costs more then you make per year thats in the driveway lol
if you use the pail system the buckets dont get knocked over[spill] and the hose dos'nt keep coming out of the pail
if your not applying the wax your not doing it right because my customers appreciate the fact that for the first couple of times when the green comes back they can get it off with a garden hose

 

[Glenn]

Thanks for your response guys, this is what we need as we all can learn from each other.
Glenn

 

[gordon mahrle]

Hi everyone- just thought I would put in my 2 cents. I have never used the X-jet tho I would like to give it a try. We use a downstream injector at the machine and dual lance wand to change from chemical to rinse. Saves having to go back and forth to truck or carrying buckets with us. Also saves pump because soap goes downstream after pump. It has worked for us for a long time, but again I am always willing to try new ways because who knows, it could be better.
Gordon

 

[Aplus]

What is dnb1430 ? I have no idea.


Thanks