Injector won't draw with extension wand?

[Roof Therapy]

I have a job cleaning the soot off a chimney and would like to shoot the chemicals with an extension wand. My injector draws fine with a standard length wand but will not draw when I attach the extension wand. My washer is a 13 HP, 4000PSI and 3.5 GPM unit.

I can't understand what the difference is since the injector is upstream? Any ideas?

 

[Mark]

You might try putting the injector just before the gun/ wand,
or try a bigger soaper nozzle....

 

[FCPWLLC]

Some of the extension wands I've seen have a 1/4 inch hose and the guns aren't rated for much flow. This may be causing too much back pressure for your chem injector to draw. Also the added vertical height may cause that back pressure also. Just use a 0040 or 0030 tip to shoot your chems with. It'll get the chems there no problem.

YouTube - Low Pressure Tip can go the distance

Just saw that you said it is "upstreaming"... That should not make any difference and you should be drawing soap.

 

[Mark]

There are numerous different tools / methods
for spraying water or chemicals to second story.

These tools include but are not limited to:

X-Jet / M-Jet *
X and M Jet Spray Nozzles
Cat Power Chem Nozzle *
Cat Spray Nozzles

#30 or #40 Orfice Zero degree nozzle.
Zero Degree Soaper Nozzle
Ladder Saver Nozzle
Ladder Saver High Reach Nozzle

Telescoping Wand
Telescopic Spray Wands


(* Indicates chemical injector included)

The least expensive tool would be the Zero degree nozzle, however
many people feel that the cost of some of the other tools is justified
due to the performance of the tool, others believe that some of the
higher priced tools are a rip off.

I believe it comes down to personal preference.

 

[Roof Therapy]

Thanks for the suggestions. Vertical height wasn't a factor because I testing on the ground and my nozzle is a zero. I'll check the hose diameter; not sure about that.

My problem with using some of the tools is due to I need to limit the waste and run-off because the chem is expensive (with shipping and hazmat) and caustic (don't want it on me). I use a Delevan to spray roofs but in this case the nozzle needs to be close to avoid waste and overspray. The roof is steep so it would be difficult to brush on. I'd like the experience knowledge that the chem, "Smoke Melt," works and I get the house clean and possibly the roof.

Still a littel baffled about the physics of why it won' draw. May be resistence downstream?

 

[Roof Therapy]

Thanks for the suggestions. Vertical height wasn't a factor because I testing on the ground and my nozzle is a zero. I'll check the hose diameter; not sure about that.

My problem with using some of the tools is due to I need to limit the waste and run-off because the chem is expensive (with shipping and hazmat) and caustic (don't want it on me). I use a Delevan to spray roofs but in this case the nozzle needs to be close to avoid waste and overspray. The roof is steep so it would be difficult to brush on. I'd like the experience knowledge that the chem, "Smoke Melt," works and I get the house clean and possibly the roof.

Still a littel baffled about the physics of why it won' draw. May be resistance downstream?

 

[john orr]

I don't think that you really want to upstream caustics - they will tear-up your pump. A good adjustable downstream injector is best. If adapted with quick connects, you can add it anywhere along the hose. (If you had to run 300' of hose, you couldn't downstream, but by adding the injector at the end - or close to it - you can.)

As to your current situation, most extension poles have 1/4" hose - not 3/8". With your machine, I would not run more than 50' of hose prior to the extension. I use a 1/4" hose barb or air chuck with 1/4 mpt mated to a male 1/4" quick connect with a female 1/4" mpt.

 

[Roof Therapy]

I'll try placing the injector closer to the extension wand. Right now it is attached to the outlet coming off the pump. You are right that the hose is 1/4". That must be the problem? I'll let you know.