Hi folks. My name is John. I thought I would introduce myself since I signed up here. Actually a pressure washer by trade but I am looking to expand my horizons and my business. I came here to learn what it is I will need to get started just doing residential carpets. I already have a good customer base so I figured, why not. Looks like I picked the right forum. Seems like a lot of good info and some friendly people. If anyone on here is looking to go the other direction and has questions about pressure washing, feel free to ask. Thanks and nice to meet you!
Just an Intro
- Thread starter John Sena
- Start date
Mikey P
Administrator
Welcome John!
Have you got your equipment and methods sorted out yet?
Have you got your equipment and methods sorted out yet?
No sir. Just absorbing info and researching the best products. Trying to get an idea of how much start up costs and so on. Based on my research so far, I guess I can get away with a solid portable if I will be doing strictly residential. Essentially, I haven't got a clue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mikey P
Administrator
A portable will get the job done but at twice the time, chemical and five times the effort.
But a great place to start so you learn good sound techniques.
But a great place to start so you learn good sound techniques.
mirf
Supportive Member
Welcome!
bob vawter
Grassy Knoller
Ahhhhh......fresh meat........
Steve Lawrence
Member
Welcome, John. Lots of great pros here to glean valuable information from. Be sure to use the search function for many great threads with info you want immediately. Also, check out the Hot Seat discussions. Great stuff here.
Old Coastie
Supportive Member
John, welcome aboard. Ignore the following ten posters and forgive the ones after them...
Mark Saiger
Mr Happy!
Welcome John. Glad you are able to be here.
Looking forward to hearing about what you currently are doing and also your next cleaning adventure.
Hope I can help out a bit as well
Looking forward to hearing about what you currently are doing and also your next cleaning adventure.
Hope I can help out a bit as well
hogjowl
Idiot™
"A solid portable" LOL!
Can I go to Lowe's and buy a good pressure washer?
Can I go to Lowe's and buy a good pressure washer?
Desk Jockey
Member
Quit now while you're ahead. It save much frustration, loss of income and the hassle of sell the POS on Craigslist.
I'm kidding, sorta. It is the most difficult way to make a buck in our industry. Entry level you want at least 18-20 hp powerplant.
I'm kidding, sorta. It is the most difficult way to make a buck in our industry. Entry level you want at least 18-20 hp powerplant.
Bob Pruitt
Member
You can do anything with a portable- residential, commercial...restaurants... but your body will pay for it. 5 gallon buckets, one in each hand...then the dirty water from the machine carried to the owners toilet, lifting the 100 plus pound machine into and out of the truck/van a few times a day and up and down stairs... bump, bump, bump, bump, rest a minute...bump, bump; finally up the stairs. Stick the bucket in the bath tub to get the hot...sort of...water then put the chemicals in the bucket...then take the bucket and dump it into the portable... mop up anything that spilled on the floor.... What you will learn is you hate carpet cleaning or you need to finance a truck mount :-) But it will be worth it if you stick with it however you start! Good luck!
Charlie Lyman
Supportive Member
Welcome to the forum. I started with a portable like a lot of people. That got old fast. I bought a used van and truck mount after 6 months. I would look for a quality used van.
hogjowl
Idiot™
I have a solid TM in a van I'll sell you for $7500.
Old Coastie
Supportive Member
Hey! I already offered $800!
hogjowl
Idiot™
You can't clean toilets with a TM.
Old Coastie
Supportive Member
What!?
Well crash goes another illusion. That's it; none left to shield me from horrid reality.
Well crash goes another illusion. That's it; none left to shield me from horrid reality.
Cleanworks
Moderator
Welcome John. You want to figure out where you're customers are before you invest in equipment. If you are going to being servicing apartments and condos, you will need a good portable. 500 psi on at least a 3 flow wand and 2-3stage vacuums. If you are going to clean houses and light commercial, you will need a truckmount. There are many used units out there from 5-10,000 that will be a good entry machine. Make friends with a local supplier who has repair facilities. Good luck.
Thanks for the warm welcome! I guess everyone here confirmed what I already knew. Get a truck mount!
