Need some advise.....

C

Coastal

New member
I know many of you have in your possession the ever-popular x-jet. We have been using them for our roof cleaning service for quite some time now and have had great success.

However, I am wondering if a shurflo system would be a more efficent way to clean roofs (Standard Pitch).

I have been looking at 3.0 GPM at 45PSI with about 200ft of 3/8 hose. Not sure on wand or nossle size and hose reel but really would like to mirror the x-jet as far as covered surface area.

Can you guys/gals give some insight on what has worked for you and your thoughts on x-jet vs. shurflo setup for roof cleaning?

Thanks and have a great t-day.
 
Application won't go as quickly as with the xjet, but the shurflo won't dillute your cleaners................so, it could work well.....
 
Shurflo set up

Try 1/2 in orange pest control hose, inside id. I go up to 300 feet it is cheaper if you buy the entire roll of hose. Yes the 3.0 gpm 45 psi works fine. Try 65/10 or 65/15 tips. Do use bleach in the x-jet set up? Jim
 
We use them all the time. Typically, we have a 1.8 GPM pump and about 300' of 3/8" ID flex tubing. I will take some pictures of it in use today and post them here tonight.

Just a note:
The ones that we use for bleach have to be replaced almost monthly. They aren't very expensive, but we are looking for a brand that might last a little longer.
 
Here is one of our guys using the shur flo on Friday
 

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Thanks John. What I would like to do is have it set up in our rigs and have 100'ft and 50'ft lengths with couplers? Has anyone used a stainless coupler system with chemline?

What type of wand is that? Are you using Viton seals and going thru a pump a month?

Also, don't you worry about about that nice palm using bleach? The most commonly asked question from new clients is "Do you use chlorine or bleach?" You know how elderly people in florida love there plantbeds.

I know you asked me before in another post what I use and I am sure you have a good idea...but email me and we will talk more.
 
Coastal,

I use a sure flow to run my chems though and never have any problems. I run 100 feet of that clear plastic hose, not the reinforced ones for chems although I will be getting that after I rig up some sort of hose reel for it, tired of hand rolling the hose.

One trick is to always flush with plain water for several minutes when done to be sure all chems are out of pump and hose.

Jon
 
Brett:

I higher GPM might be more efficient. I know that Jim Twist runs about a 3.0 GPM and he's happy with it. I'll be purchasing some new pumps in the next two weeks and we'll probably get one or two 3.0 GPM pumps to test them.

One of the reasons that I use the lower GPM is that we don't want to saturate the roof to the point of having any run off and overspray is not an issue. That's why we don't have to worry about the palm tree or any of the landscaping.
 
Jon:

Thanks for the tip.

We always try to flush them out, but it doesn't seem to help them last that much longer - at least not for us.
 
Are you using the right Shur-Flo pump, they make some that are for chems to be run though, some that are not.

Go to their web page and look around, it is not a simple page but you will find every pump they make if you browse long enough.

http://www.shurflo.com/

Second page 4th pump from left is what mine looks like. Best price I have ever found is from Envirospec's, I believe it was in he $70, but been to long to recall exactly.

Had to replace my orginal last year after 4 years of service.

Jon
 
The 8000 series is the lower GPM capacity and the 2088 series is the 3GPM capacity pump.

Viton ETP or Viton FKM is the most compatible material with Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine/bleach).

Shur-flo offers Viton valve and diaphragm in the 8000 series but only Viton valve and Santoprene diaphragm in the 2088 series.
Santoprene does not hold up to Sodium Hypochlorite as well as Viton.

I have the 8000 series with Viton valve and Santoprene valve, but am not spraying Sodium Hydroxide. Spraying acid based cleaners and rinsing after each use. So for it has held up well.
I am also looking to increase flow rate and will go to the 3 GPM on at least one unit (at first).


Regards,
 
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I just purchased a 3gpm flojet pump with the viton seals to replace the next shur flo that goes. I'll see if this one lasts any longer.
 
Paul, I set up a Shurflo system to handle many of the same chems you are handling, plus a few more. I ended up NOT using a 3 gpm pump (which I really wanted) because not only of the santoprene vs. viton issue, but because of the design of the pump. The 3 gpm pumps have an exposed internal screw which I believe would rust with continued use of acidic material. You may want to check out before proceeding. You can get a copy of the internals on-line at Shurflo I believe.
An aside - there are a couple of sites that have chemical compatibility charts. Don't remember them off hand, but you can find by running a Google search for chemical compatibility, plus a couple of the chems you are interested in - sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid for example.
 
ShurFlo set up

I use the 3.0 gpm at 45 psi. It does saturate the roof and you have to spray below for all plants etc. I get the pumps from the N.. Tool place for $79 or & 69 on sale. Shurflo offers a one year warranty. I use them for 2-3 months on a daily basis, rinse everyday with water for sure. Send them back the busted pumps I got three new ones the other day. Also the other company offers an extended warranty past the manufactures for 5 or 6 bucks, but mine never last a year anyway. Try both the 1.8 is okay if you are not looking to clean 8-10 roofs a day. Have fun and wear your respirator!
 
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