inline water filters

[Tim S]

With water supply in my area: typically hard water, well water.
Considering 2 inline 50/80 mesh water filters (kind typically found on AG sprayers): one between hose reel and washer, the other between 225 gal tank and washer.
Tuff skid is 5.6 gpm 3000 psi with small stock "green cap" filter at inlet. All supply hose to machine is 3/4" i.d. contractor hose.
Question(s):
1. Will stock filter handle all filtering needs adequately? (no problems as of yet)
2. Will addition of secondary filters impede water supply and starve pump? Should stock filter be removed?
3. Correct mesh for filters (50, 80)?
4. Will hard/well water cause future problems for pump, burner, hoses, equipment? What preventive measures/maintenance to fix?
5. Any other considerations to watch out for?

Thanks in advance for assistance.

 

[ron]

ron p

Hi Tim, The filters your talking about are for screening out junk not minerals.
It is the amount of minerals in the water that they use to test "water hardness".
The filters your talking about are GRIT filters, very important for saving your pump but dont reduce "water hardness". They should be cleaned out after every day of use if you cant see threw them. They have see threw canister types that might serve you better.
Have your local water tested and find out how hard it is.
Hard water will reduce the usefullness of your chems.,clog up your coil,leave water spots,and wear your equipment faster. If your water is very hard, then concider a water softening system.
In the long run it will save you money. Less chem.,better cleaning,less maint,longer life of your equipment.
I would like to see a MFG. or supplier advertise here about water softing systems for mobile PW. Anyone have some good links or ideas?

 

[Mark]

Tim,

Reply to questions:

#1.Stock "green cap" strainer will do the job in most cases.

#2.One filter such as the one depicted below should suffice.
(Yes you could impede the water supply with improperly sized filters.)
Keep it simple! One good filter will do the job.

#3. 50 or 80 mesh either would suffice, I would go with 80.

#4. Yes hard water, (mineral deposits) can take its toll on equipment.
Possible remedies are numerous here are two of them:
Scaltrol Water Treatment

www.culligan.com

#5. Feel free to call if you want to discuss your inlet plumbing.

P.S. (Ron, good answers!)

[hand]

Deionized Water Wash Systems

 

[Coastal]

Just a quick question for this post. I was told by a small engine mechanic that a few ounces of RV Antifreeze should be drawn through the pump after each use to assist the breakdown of minerals and deposits within the pump. Have you guys ever heard of this. I am questionable to try this.

 

[Mark]

Brett,

I have never heard that before. I don't think I would take that advice.


P.S. Good looking logo!


[hand]

 

[Tim S]

Brett,
The only time I've put antifreeze in my system is to "winterize" it during extreme cold temperatures (not a problem you have) when it will be sitting for an extended time. And even then it's at a 50/50 water to antifreeze ratio. I'm not sure if running antifreeze thru pumps after each use will "clean out pumps" or not or what damage, if any, will result. Mark may have some other input or ideas of what steps or procedures to take in this matter.

 

[Bill B]

One could use a weak acid, for example acetic (vinegar) to help solubilize chlorides. However, my thought is that the use of acidic material and cost would not be justified, exept on an infrequent basis.

 

[Mark]

Check out this link for Scaltrol these units are used in many applications and will work on pressure washers / steam cleaners also.

Do an internet search on "Scaltrol" you will find a lot of info.


[hand]Scaltrol

 

[Aplus]

Graco airless sprayers call for a product called "Pump Armor" to be run thru the pump after every use and cleaning. It supposedly displaces the water, and leaves a lubricant residue to prevent any rusting and help reduce wear on the pump. I don't know if such a product, either commercially prepared, or home brewed, would be beneficial to the high pressure water pumps we use. I have never done it, only having winterized with the pink stuff. But maybe there is some protection left behind from the pink stuff.

I would say if that process makes you feel better about your equipment maintenance, then do it.....