thanks so much

[robertwarren]

Hello, My name is Robert. I'm in NC. I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the valuable info. I've been reading these posts for about 10 weeks. I have just started my own business. I wasn't able to start with as mush as I would like to, I was on a very limited budget. So I'll give you guys something to chuckle about. I have a 3700 psi 4 gpm 13 hp Honda engine cold water direct drive from Lowes. I'm working out of a 1988 S-10 pick up. I know you are laughing. It does have new white paint, new tires and nice magnetic signs. It doesn't look bad ! I have a regular wand and a 79" wand. 150' 3/4" supply hose, 100' 3/8" pressure hose (no hose reels) and an x-jet (the original one) The only tank is a 55 gal plastic drum laying on it's side with a ball valve and 10' hose running to my pump I use the customer's water running in a 2' hole I cut in the drum.(no float valve) I just wanted to make sure I always had enough flow to my pump. I have only done one job (small house) but it worked real well! Anyway I have a long way to go,but it could have been worse. I was wondering what kind of protective clothes you guys wear like for applying chems. I know that the bleach will ruin most clothes. Have a great day and thanks again!

 

[OrangeCrest]

I would double check to make sure you don't need the hose directly connected to your P/W before you burn up your pump.

I don't know much about direct drives, but I don't think it is going to be able to pull 4 GPM from your drum.

Maybe someone else with experience with a direct drive can either confirm this or correct it.

Just a heads up before you loose your investment.

 

[Mark]

Robert,

Welcome to the Power Wash Network
[hello]

Your Lowe's p/w is probably pumping @ 3.5 GPM direct drive units are designed to be pressure fed on the inlet, you will be OK with a flooded suction.

 

[robertwarren]

thanks for quick response

Hello again thanks for the welcome and quick response. My direct drive pump does say 4 gpm, maybe that isn't true. I don't know. I was using the drum because I will be using some customers water that have a well. Wanted to make sure there was always enough flow. I DO have the pump on the ground and the drum in back of truck. The gravity alone seems to be plenty. I am however wondering the best way to prime the supply hose running from the drum. Right now I have to let water flow then connect to pump inlet while water is spraying everywhere. I know ther is a better way. Thanks.

 

[Larry L.]

at the pump water inlet place a T and in the leg of the T place a on and off valve,turn it on until all the air is out of the supply line,turn off while pump is running.

 

[Henry Bockman]

I would leave the whole tank thing at home unless your doing a job that runs off a well it just seems like more stuff to carry than you need. Even on some jobs I've done with a well they will still pump 4gpm. If it won't do that having the drum probably won't help you much at all. 55 gallons of water will be used up in 14 minutes. Chances are you will be holding the trigger for that long easily when doing the job.

 

[robertwarren]

55 gal drum

Thanks for the response on the drum and well water. I just figured if I'm using someone's well and all of a sudden their pump stops working right or they start using a lot of water inside I would have that little bit of protection of gravity flow to my pump from the drum. I realize I can't really wash anything with 55 gal but I would have the drum full when I start and have water constantly running into my drum from the customers supply. By the way Henry, real impressive website! I am planning to do some gutter cleaning this fall and winter to help with the slow season. Your site was helpful. Thanks !

 

[Henry Bockman]

Hi Robert,

No problem at all. I don't want to give you the wrong impression, Your method will help a little bit but such a small amount that I just don't know if its worth the effort or the risks in carrying around water like that unless it's safely fastened in place. You don't want that thing flying into the back window in an accident!

 

[robertwarren]

Henry,

I appreciate the saftey concern. Acually I have only done one job so far and I went there empty and filled up while I was getting everything else set up. Plus I have a boxed platform built out of pressure treated 2x4's and 2x8's that is bolted to the bottom of the bed so it won't roll or slide. Have a great day !

 

[Henry Bockman]

Hi Robert,

That's cool, I was just thinking about your setup last night after I ran acrossed a couple pictures posted on a board showing accidents involving pw rigs.. The tanks don't stop when the vehicle does they just keep flying into the trucks.. Or flip the rig.