Utility Pump For Roof Cleaning

propressurewashing

propressurewashing

New member
Anyone ever tried a utility pump for roof cleaning or soft washing like this -> http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...53&langId=-1&keyword=water+pump&storeId=10051

Seems like it would work..not sure if the bleach would kill it. I just keep having trouble with batteries and wiring and fuses, etc with my delavan and would rather just use a 115v when possible.

Thoughts?

Daniel Simmons
http://www.houstoncommercialpressurewashing.com/window-cleaning.htm
http://www.houstoncommercialpressurewashing.com/blog/houston-rust-stain-removal/
 
I've been considering using a similar pump, and DS the chems instead of running it through the pump. Might be a new invention hiding in the shadows here.
 
propressurewashing said:
Anyone ever tried a utility pump for roof cleaning or soft washing like this -> http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...53&langId=-1&keyword=water+pump&storeId=10051

Seems like it would work..not sure if the bleach would kill it. I just keep having trouble with batteries and wiring and fuses, etc with my delavan and would rather just use a 115v when possible.

Thoughts?

Daniel Simmons
http://www.houstoncommercialpressurewashing.com/window-cleaning.htm
http://www.houstoncommercialpressurewashing.com/blog/houston-rust-stain-removal/
Click to expand...

As far as roof cleaning I would say No, sh will eat the pump up it's not made for chems. Why would you use anything other than a pressure washer to "Soft Wash" with? It's what I've been using for 7 years.


I think the real question is whats going on with the set-up you have now. We've been using the Delavan system from Pressure Tek for over a year and the only problem we've had is 1 relay going out. Matter of fact I'm so impressed with it I just order another one last week.

Daniel, tell us more about your set-up....How old is it? What size tips are you using? What size battery are you using? Can you explain in more detail what these problems are? I'm sure there are guys here that can help you out with your pump problems.

Don't throw the baby out with the bath water!
 
It is the 2.2gpm pump and I usually clamp it to my truck battery now because it would just run through a maring battery in an hour or two it seems like. Now the wires, fuses and connections just get so hot they are literally melting. Maybe the truck battery is too strong.

I got an cigarette lighter style adapter and an inverter to convert it from 115v to the 12v needed for the pump but the cigarette lighter adapter melted when I plugged it into my cigarette outlet in my truck the first time I used it. Nozzles are size 15.

For house washing I just downstream but would like the option to use the pump so I have more flexability with higher strength mixes when needed.

Thanks,

Daniel Simmons
Houston House Washing
 
Make sure that battery is Deep Cycle. It should have the amp hours listed on it. For example a 90 amp hour battery will draw 1. Amp for 90 hours or 90 amps for 1 hour. If you have a starter battery, that's why it won't last. Make sure the battery isn't dry inside and you can have an auto center test it for dead cells. These should be trickle charged to help the cells last longer. If your wires are long or to heavy gauge you will have load problems creating heat.
 
I use sj100 12/3 wire. I also have cropped circle ends on it to attach to the battery and the on/off switch. The wire that connects to the pump we use male and female connections so that we can make a quick swap of the pump. I have one deep cycle marine battery for 2 pumps and it is also connected to my power washer. This way when the machine is running it also charges the battery so I never need to charge it. I have been using the same pump since last April. (5850).
 
propressurewashing said:
Anyone ever tried a utility pump for roof cleaning or soft washing like this -> http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...53&langId=-1&keyword=water+pump&storeId=10051

Seems like it would work..not sure if the bleach would kill it. I just keep having trouble with batteries and wiring and fuses, etc with my delavan and would rather just use a 115v when possible.

Thoughts?

Daniel Simmons
http://www.houstoncommercialpressurewashing.com/window-cleaning.htm
http://www.houstoncommercialpressurewashing.com/blog/houston-rust-stain-removal/
Click to expand...
Yes, Bleach with Kill it Dead, and very quickly too! I have seen several people use the AC Version of the Shurflo's Delavans, and FloJets.
They use gas powered generators vs Marine Batteries, or simply plug in at the house.

It is my opinion an air pump for softwashing or roof cleaning is the best answer. We like them more because they do not cycle on and off when u put small nozzles on them.

Plus, the Florida Sun seems to be Murder on 12 volt pump Motors. They seem to over heat on the big jobs we do so often.
 
Apple Roof Cleaning said:
It is my opinion an air pump for softwashing or roof cleaning is the best answer. We like them more because they do not cycle on and off when u put small nozzles on them.
Click to expand...

Will you describe your air pump setup? I've been tossing around several ideas with air pumps and want to know if I'm on the right track.
 
propressurewashing said:
It is the 2.2gpm pump and I usually clamp it to my truck battery now because it would just run through a maring battery in an hour or two it seems like. Now the wires, fuses and connections just get so hot they are literally melting. Maybe the truck battery is too strong.

I got an cigarette lighter style adapter and an inverter to convert it from 115v to the 12v needed for the pump but the cigarette lighter adapter melted when I plugged it into my cigarette outlet in my truck the first time I used it. Nozzles are size 15.

For house washing I just downstream but would like the option to use the pump so I have more flexability with higher strength mixes when needed.

Thanks,

Daniel Simmons
Houston House Washing
Click to expand...


I am trying to figure out what you are saying here.


You had the pump hooked up to a inverter?

You truck cigarette light is producing 12v and does not need a inverter.

Also I think if you are using a cigarette plug you are using to small of a wire and getting hot because of to much amperage draw thru too small of wires.

A cigarette plug is not made to pull that many amps.

I would sugest running some nice heavy wires from your battery back to your pump with a fuse in line and see how that works for you.

Your truck battery is a 12v battery which is just perfect for your pump. Your just starving your pump for electric thru such small wires.

I hope what I said makes sense to you...if not just ask.
 
"Red" said:
Will you describe your air pump setup? I've been tossing around several ideas with air pumps and want to know if I'm on the right track.
Click to expand...
Sure Red, you are very welcome to call me, before you make a huge mistake! 813 655 8777 Chris

You will need an air compressor with at least a 5 hp gas engine on it, and an air operate diapragm pump, made out of the right materials, inside and out, to stand up to the roof cleaning chemicals.

Poly is good for the body, but Kynar is even better. Teflon, Santoprene, and Viton diapragms are all great!

Stay away from ALL metals Darrell, and before you make any move, either call me, or run it by the RCIA Guys, or the guys here.
HUGE mistakes can be made in selecting air pumps and air compressors, let's help you prevent them!
 
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