Is 3000psi 2.7 gpm enough?

[Beth n Rod]

Yes, you can start with the one you have but keep in mind that you will need to re-invest in a better unit to help you with your production rates.


3000 psi is fine for low end flatwork but the gpm needs to be higher than 5gpm to be not only effective but faster. It's not just the washing that is a factor but the rinsing and the faster you can do it the better your profit margins will be. More gpm means more water and that means faster rinsing capabilities.

Hot water is also a factor which helps get the job done quicker and aids the chemicals you may use to work better without having to use so much of them. ie; you use less chems with hot water. This means more profits and lower job costs.

Rod!~

[PressureX]

I haven't read every post on this, but here is my take on it.

When I started out, I used a 3000 PSI @ 2.8GPM Machine from Home Depot. And honestly still sometimes use it for very small jobs. Back then, I did a 2 story house worth about $300 in appx. 2 1/2 - 3 hours X-Jetting. That included Set-Up and Tear-Down (I didn't have a trailer, had to put the PW, waterhose, etc. etc. in the back of the SUV).

So yes, it does work. But now that I moved on to a bigger machine ... im def loving it.

As far as GPM and rinsing go. Def. having a small 2.7GPM sucked. I spent about 2 minutes applying chemical to 1 side of the house, and about 20-30 minutes rinsing ... lol.

[jake16]

I appreciate all of your responses to my question of whether size matters or not. I have a full time job where I spend most of my time in the field instead of behind a desk. I'm sorry I haven't been able to reply to you guys as frequently as I would like to.
I certainly will not try to tackle any large jobs that I think will be unmanageable. I have an idea of what my machine is capable of and, i would not even attempt a large job. I just don't have any experience doing work on anything but my own house. I also don't have any experience with any chemicals except for the stuff you can buy H.D. I was just looking for some pointers on what might save me some time, because I know it will take much longer with my machine. Or is it even worth the hassle?
Most of the work would be friends and family to start. Just looking for a little extra income. I have the work ethic and the desire to satisfy others, so it is not even a question whether I would make sure the job was done right. Even if it took a whole weekend to do a 10' x 20' deck.
I have had an interest in starting my own pressure washing company for a while now. I was just wondering if i should just invest in a new machine now or get my feet wet with the one I have.
My parents have a pool with the old school cement surrounding it. I don't even know what they call it but, I know my machine cleans it. So there are uses for a machine that is as small as mine. That I am sure of! I did not want to offend anyone by asking such a newbie question and I appreciate some of your motivational responses. I am only 23 years old and I have an entrepreneurial spirit. Just looking for my niche in the world. Again, sorry for the late response and thanks for your help.

[FLORIN]

I have been told that its not the size that matters but the motion of the ocean. I started with a borrowed 2.7 gpm machine out the back of a jeep cheerokee. It took me half a day to do a house wash but it did get the job done. Used that until I was able to stash enough money and invested in a pw rig with hot water. Now i am looking for even bigger and better to get my biz to do even more volume.

[dsp powerwash]

Knowledge of what your doing is most important.A tool is just an extension of the person doing the job, and some guys need bigger extentions than others.

[Rick2]

Hi Jake
The machine is going to be too small for what you want but you've heard that already. Not only that but consider the quality of the pump attached to the unit. These small pumps will not hold up to the kind of work we do. It has to run it the hot sun for hours on end, six days a week. The "Home Depot" machines will never stand up to this kind of labor. You'll blow that pump in a day. You don't have to spend a fortune to buy a decent machine but never go cheap. Do research into a good pump and good engine. Spend a little more than you were expecting and you'll be fine. I started with a little 11 hp Honda and a Cat pump 16 years ago. I now have 3 more superior machines, new truck and several trailers but I still have the old powerwasher I started the business with. Aside from replacing the unloader 3 years ago it still runs fine.

[kcpowerclean]

Knowledge of what your doing is most important.A tool is just an extension of the person doing the job, and some guys need bigger extentions than others.

well said, pretty heated topic. Either way, guys shouldn't be so disturbed by the fact that other people want to start a business. Everybody has to start somewhere and obviously he is at the right place to learn. And I think we can all agree that knowledge should precede everything else in business.

[ERADicator]

Either way, guys shouldn't be so disturbed by the fact that other people want to start a business.

I don't think it's so much that anyone was disturbed by someone wanting to start, as it was wanting to make sure they started right.

Everybody has to start somewhere and obviously he is at the right place to learn. And I think we can all agree that knowledge should precede everything else in business.

Definitely. Supposedly someone can learn to swim by being pushed into deep water, but I'm glad I learned through a different method. Jake16 already had an idea of what to ask, and he sure knew the right place to ask it.
I'm a new guy too, and I've gotten tons of good info from the folks on this site, even if it sometimes seemed like the advice wasn't being delivered in the most patient "tone."

While reading the thread, I was listening to a couple of Eric Clapton songs. ("Pretending" and "No Alibis." Kind of appropriate when hacks are mentioned, eh? ) Clapton is kind of an example of what others have said (okay, heavy paraphrasing here): It ain't just in the player's fingers, it's in their head and their heart, too.
Can I play guitar? Well, yeah, sorta. Can I play like E.C.? No way! Got the guitar, got the tube amp, got the effects pedals, and it's still "no way." (Some people say I sing like him, though. ) But the day I stop trying to learn more than what I already have learned . . .

(Larry) KING: Do you still play as good, guitar?
CLAPTON: Well, if I didn't feel I was improving I would definitely quit.
KING: Improve?
CLAPTON: I think that's an axiom that I would have to hold for myself.
KING: Not as good, better?
CLAPTON: Not even 'as good'. I need to know that I am actually getting a little bit better all the time. And what proves that is for me to go see someone like B.B., because I know it can be done. I see him do it so I know it can be done.

Something tells me Jake16 will do alright as a washin' guy, and do even better once he upgrades his equipment. Go get 'em, Jake.

[Note to self: Nothing less than 4.0 GPM. ]

[kcpowerclean]

I think you make some good points and comparisons.

I just think that style and substance are both important when delivering a message. That being said, some people could definitely improve on their delivery for the sake of others and themselves.

[Roishe Cheng]

I have a 2.7 gpm/3000 PSI machine with an X-JET M5. The spray can get up to two stories on my machine with no problem. I consider myself a pro-DIY (difference between being a professional with equipment that can function in a manner to make it worth my time and be profitable). I don't think I could make three stories with my machine and X-JET which is fine because the houses I wash (family and friends) are all only two stories.

I have the X-JET pail and make my own house washes using chems sourced from PressureTek. I would never dream of using this machine for daily production line work as the rinsing as other pros have stated is "slow."

I have used this setup to wash 2 story houses, decks, awnings, fences, driveways. It works but the rinsing speed takes some time.

You can do a lot with the tools you own, provided you are ingenious but having real intelligence comes with KNOWING the limitations of your gear.

[TNRoofCleaner]

Here's a thought. When you start out schedule all your jobs on Saturday and rent a pressure washer with enough GPM to get the jobs done.

You will make a little less profit but since this is part time and you have a JOB then you should be able to sock the cash away for an upgrade and in very short time.

That is what I am doing except that I don't have a JOB and can schedule on different days of the week. Making less money for now but I am building with CASH.