Hot Water Units

[Bill3752]

Wiz, just purchased another persons equipment. Includes 3 hot water systems (my first). Have read some past posts on the subject. Would like your thoughts on the following:
1. What preliminary testing and maintenance would you perform?
2. Read several posts on kerosene vs. diesel - your preference?
3. Any value in doing descaling (now) and how often should this be done in the future?
4. We will not be using for hot water PW as often as they had been. Any value in bypassing the coils, etc. when using as a cold machine?
A good repair person was taking care of these machines in the past. Would still use him in the future, but am interested in performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting myself.

Thanks

 

[ron p]

im not the wiz.

but i can offer my 2 cents worth.
First run each unit and make sure they run well.
Next use a pressure guage and check your pressure at the pump. Then use a 5 gal bucket and time how long it takes to fill it.
If your rated at 5 gal per min and your only getting 4 then descale the coil.[i suggest that after descaleing you run some non-caustic soap through the coil to give it a protective coating]
You should get the water in your area tested for hardness and after you know that you can do a number of things.
If your water is very hard you might want to look at a softening system. You will use less chem and do a better wash job.
water hardness is directly related to how often you need to descale.
I would change every filter and fluid. Get a record book to date when you do maint and what you did. This way you can learn when things go wrong and try to prevent them from happining.
Kero vs diesel
Kero is more money but burns hotter and cleaner.
Diesel is cheaper[you can use home heating oil-no road tax] but can soot-up your coil.[easy fix].
Also depends on how easy each type is for you to get.
Wiz will have to help with the bypass thing.
Inspect the belts,change the sparkplugs,air filter,fuel filter,oil,and find out what unloader is being used on your units and buy an extra one. Greese the reels,check your tire pressures[if you got equipment mounted on trailers] repack the bearings on the trailer,inspect the breaks.
Good luck.
What is it you wash with cold water that hot would'nt do better?

 

[Hotwaterwizard]

Here is a little form to help you out!

Here is a link to my web site
Pressure Washer 19 Point inspection