Gallons Per Minute gpm

I guess I had mentioned GPM or gallons per minute right along and had not really explained it. To correct my mistake I will now explain it.  It is a easy concept, how many gallons can you fill up in the elapse time of one minute. Most pressure washer will be in whole numbers but some are rate to the nearest half such as 4.5 gpm or 5 gpm. Remember the formula to figure CUs? Your total CU "cleaning units" CU=PSI x GPM is the most important factor in the rating of a pressure washer, but how can you get those gallons running thru the pump we will discuss the plunger pump because it is the most widely use pump on the pressure washer. By having 3 cylinders we can pump more than just 2 so how many cylinders or plunger are moving inside we can push more water thru. Most professional washers us the triplex pump a pump running 3 plungers most pay for time car washes use twin plunger pumps less pressure and one less plunger that needs service. If you go to the "big box store" and look at the pumps either underneath or beside the motor you will notice the size is any where from the size of your fist to that of a half gallon of milk. On the professional models the pump is about the size of a shoe box and then go up in size the largest I have seen in person was over 16+ inches wide about a foot high and 2 feet long.

Industrial pressure washer pump

This is what most professionals will use

Medium sized residential power washer

Small pump use on electric units as well as smaller gas motors

Why so big? because we can make those plungers bigger and inturn you will run more water thru the pump with each stroke of the plunger the bigger area will force more water thru. When I started in the business 5 gallons per minute was just about the best you could do why would you need more? The size of the plungers is the best way we can add more gallons per minute and with larger amounts of water will change our CU  an example of this is 3000 psi pump putting out 5 gpm 3000x5=15000 cleaning units 3000 psi pump putting out 10 gpm 3000x10=30000 cleaning units and so on 8 and 10 gpm pumps are getting more popular to day now this type of power in the hands of a untrained person can cause real damage remember the highest powered washer is not always the best. Why use such a thing then you can run two wands or guns off of one unit two people using the same pump will each have 3000 psi and can use 5 gpm at the same time saving water and getting the job done quicker. The use of a surface washer also requires larger volumes of water I will talk about these when we discuss attachments later. Simply put gpm is how much water a pressure washer can put out.

House Washing Wednesday

It's "House Washing Wednesday" again time to post some picture of the homes we have cleaned. Weather it is wood, steel, vinyl, painted, brick, stone, block or rock. Cleaned by Pete is who you need to call 417-459-7869 for your house washing needs in the South-west and Springfield MO area.

Algae problem let us help it's not healthy and look bad we can remove it.

Cleaned by Pete a before and after photo.

Owner need a cleaning to get it ready for sale what would you want would bring in more money?

Pressed wooden siding that was Cleaned by Pete.

Vinyl siding over native stone we have not problem in cleaning different materials.

Hard to believe but just cleaning this brick home brightened it up before the new owner moved in.

Cleaning and while we were there the customer had us blast the wood to remove loose paint making his paint job easier (no lead paint house had been repainted 7 years ago).

House wahsing video on You Tube

Here is a small compolation  of house Cleaned by Pete have washed and cleaned in the South-west and Springfield MO area.

Pump types and PSI

There is a growing field in the washing industry that does not rely totally on high pressure put out by the pressure / power washer. Instead using a lower psi to place water and newer soaps and cleaner that have an active ingredients to clean your home them rinse it off with a stream of water this is called "soft-washing" or soft wash the psi on these pumps are usually under 200 psi. You may also use some pressure washer to move the water with some modifications to the psi and delivery system it is called "down streaming" or DS just another way to protect you home or business that should be considered when thinking about having your property cleaned by an "external cosmetic cleaning contractor"

 These are some types of pumps that may be used but most the first 3 are not used too much with chemicals or soaps listed below.

The rollers are thrown out trapping a section of water and then pushes it down the line.

The rotation of the motor cause the water to be funnelled in to the sections between the fins and forced in the centre hole forcing water out.

Vain style the veins slid in and out with the rotation of the motor water is trapped between veins and forced out similar to the roller pump.

In one form or another the diaphragm pump is the most common for use with chemicals and cleaners. It can be powered by several methods air, gas motor, or electric motor. This picture is a twin diaphragm air driven pump water is captured and then compressed forcing water or cleaners out.

 These pumps run a lower pressure psi but in some cases the pumps can achieve a greater cleaning force than some pressure washers.  You may ask how can that be? Easy we use the best soaps and chemicals now don't the word chemicals scare you. All things have chemicals look at your toothpaste or your soda-pop they have chemical ingredient in them. We use the same basic formula that you would use to wash your car, clothes or dishes, again professional cleaners are good stewards of the earth wanting to do their part for our world. Just cause you have a large pressure washer does not mean it is best suited or a cleaning job. Too much pressure can cut or blow vinyl siding off a house. "Soft washing" or "DS" down streaming are lower pressure cleaning methods that you should consider when having you home washed. Cleaned by Pete does the softer safer washing for your home. Ask your prospective house washer what he thinks about pressure washing and soft washing and be 100% satisfied with their answers before hiring them.

Now we need to introduce the last equation in the mix. All this blogging from the start boils down to this one thing "cleaning units".  You now know how a washer works and what the key principals that make it work. So what are these cleaning units?  Cleaning units are the total force that the water hits the partial of dirt and the power it takes to move it off the surface into the water stream. How do we calculate this now? CU (cleaning units) psi (pressure per square inch) GPM (gallons per minute) in this formula CU = PSI x GPM example 4000 psi pressure washer putting out 4 gpm =16000 cleaning units or 3000 psi @ 8 gpm = 24000 cleaning units. You can see here that the smaller pressure has more cleaning units then the larger pressure unit. Lets take the average house 40 psi and 10 gpm = 400 cleaning units you can see now why it takes a fraction of the time to clean with a pressure / power washer than your hose and that a pressure can be environmentally friendly. With this formula you can calculate the cleaning unit of all water pressure applications and you then can see that water energy weather gas or eclectic is being saved. Pressure washer are environmental friendly and for cosmetic cleaning professional contractors can get the job done better and quicker saving even more resources. The last thing I want to say is just because someone pulls up in front of your home or business with an eighteen foot trailer loaded with all types of tanks, washers, machines of all types and tells you how hot and powerful this is. We can blow that mold off your house with this kind of pressure this does not make them the best. Sometimes high pressure is called for and other times it is not, we here Cleaned by Pete want to sit down with you and talk about your needs and what is right for you.

I hope you have seen how things work, though brief and in the most basic form. There is more science in the pressure washing industry anymore it just not water squirting out a hose with incredible pressure. New products and methods come around all the time and we have tamed the this beast using it to its full potential. By influencing the psi, gpm, nozzles, pumps types and motor size we can now clean better, safer, quicker, and more efficient than ever before. But the cleaning contractor needs to under stand it also. Arm yourself with this knowledge and ask questions to protect your home and business against "fly-by-night" or "low-ball" individuals. Cleaned by Pete does their very best to stay up with all the new cleaning methods and equipment, please just ask us anytime to explain what we are doing or why. We are schooled in both pressure washing and soft washing ask us what is best for your home. I will talk about equipment and add on tools next time. Thank you for your interest and time. Knowledge is the key.

New Concrete washing video

Put together an other quick video on what we at Cleaned by Pete can do in and around the South-west and Springfield MO area. This one shows our concrete, brick, stone and rock cleaning. Residential or commercial for your pressure washing need in and around Springfield give Cleaned by Pete a call 417-459-7869. As always thank you for your support.

What to look for when hiring a washing contractor

Finding A Pressure Washing Contractor to work for you.

This being a blog it is more informal and we can talk so to speak to you one on one. I hope you find this informative and some what entertaining. Not just a list of do this! watch out! We are in the "water pressure cleaning business" but we are also in the people business, quite a line don't you think. But it is true with out customers we are nothing and we want you as a customer and for you to be informed. If you don't pick us for your job that is fine but still read this entry in our blog.
This is a list of what we think you should look for in a power washing contractor. Cleaned by Pete strives for 100% job satisfaction and will work with you. Feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have concerning our services or anything on how our company does a job. We know that your house property or business is your biggest investment, we have free estimates and consults. In the Southwest and Springfield area. This is where we live and this is what we do for a living you can rest assured that we will be around, we're not going to disappear tomorrow. we have built our business on service and intend to continue doing so we treat each the home or business as our and do the very best each time to meet your expectations is our goal. 

1. Educate Yourself. First and foremost, realize that education is your best line of defence. That was the idea of why we set up this blog was to educate the public about pressure washing. With pressure washing, the possibility for damage exists. Take the time to understand potential risks and how to minimize them. This will help you distinguish cut-rate contractors from quality professionals. Different surface presents different problems so we have different way tools and equipment to handle these potential problems and minimize them. We have been doing this for a while and know what to do what method and what machine is right for your job.

2. Meet the Contractor. Meet the contractor during the estimate and take time to evaluate the site together. This will better communications and reduce errors in the estimating process. If someone can tell you over the phone how much it will cost to do your washing job you may want to think about some one else, we will meet and talk it over with you. Estimates are always free and no pressure tactics I don't want someone pressurizing me for something I won't pressure you. I just let you know what we can do for you.

3. Get Consultation. A qualified pressure washing contractor will take time to review your site, ask questions and seek out areas of concern. They will listen carefully and interpret the service you desire and expect. With today's different methods of cleaning homes as which one is right for you, ask about DS, pressure washing, "soft-wash" ask about soaps and chemicals, question about run off if your a business, this is the time ask. If you keep reading this blog I hope to cover all these topics here. In turn, they should also review with you the strengths and limitations of their service "ya we can do all that" is not an answer. As you consult with various contractors, ask them specific questions on, expected outcomes, and possibilities for damage. Together you will develop a more complete picture of the service, weeding out obvious inconsistencies in service. In all this is a great way to judge professionalism.

4. Enquire about Equipment. Is it owed or rented? Owed or leased equipment is evidence of a long-term commitment to the field of pressure washing. Renting may indicate only an occasional need for equipment. Most pressure washing businesses will have equipment that can supply 11-20 HP (horsepower, strength), 3000-4000 PSI (pound per square inch, force) and 3-6 GPM (gallons per minute, flow), hot water heaters are a must on some jobs now, some cleaning needs require a minimum of 110 degrees of heat. A rating of 2000 PSI and 2 GPM or less, and lacking hot water capabilities is a residential grade of equipment and will not perform at the level of doing business. Soft-washing and DS down-streaming are newer methods there less aggressive types of house washing and take some of the same equipment and some specialized equipment ask if they do both methods of cleaning and what is right for your needs. We do these methods of cleaning and can switch back and forth as needed. We have invested in our several types of washer  and equipment to insure we have on that is right for your job and will be glad to show it off and explain what is right for you. Remember you don't hunt lions with a stick and you don't swat flies with a tank, right tool right job.

5. Ask for a Demonstration. This is not always feasible. Demonstrations can take an enormous amount of time to setup and perform. Often contractors will forgo demonstrations and ask the client to be present at job start up. This is not uncommon. If you are not satisfied with results or question work performance, do not hesitate to inform them. We like the home or business owner to be present when cleaning to have them come out talk and watch us work we will answer any questions.

6. Get Written Estimates. Having a written estimate protects both you and the pressure washing contractor. A written estimate should detail the desired service, expected outcome and complete costs in labor and material.

7. Get Referrals. When you get referrals, be sure that they represent the service you desire. I always encourage our prospective customers to look at what we have done and to check out our web site and our equipment. I have a copy of these rules on our web site and am posting them here for your protection and knowledge.

8. Insurance. Check to see that your contractor has liability insurance. All pressure washing contractor should have protected both themselves and their clients from possible on-site accidents, injury, or damage. We have developed methods of cleaning that keeps us on the ground we don't place ladders on your home to put you or us at risk if we can not clean your home or business we will tell you up front. We have insurance for your protection and I have a brain for mine, we do not do any thing that is not save.

9. Analyze Cost. Cost of service will be a factor in your decision. But keep in mind less cost does not always mean less service or quality. "Basically, you get what you pay" or "Be wary of $49 deck and $99 house washes" these tag lines are used a lot. Our house washing does start out at $100 and moves up depending on how dirty, the size of the home, construction and materials of what the home is made of. How can we do this it is because over the years we invested back into the company and have paid off our debt bought new and time saving equipment newer technology and cleaners have advanced power washing in to a science. We don't have to work as long or hard to achieve the same results. Go to our web site and look at our tools and equipment we don't have just one of any thing I like to think Cleaned by Pete has more in accessory and special tools then some have in there whole washing inventory. We also charge a little less because we own everything outright now. No more bank payments and I'll pass the savings on to you. Some will say that not being a very good business man you should keep even more than before, I guess I should but I feel we'll try to hold our prices down during this downturn in the economy doing our small part and pick up a job here and there because it's affordable. If you take time to talk and meet your contractor you will know who you can trust.

10. Be Present During and Completion of The Job. Observe work as it takes place. Quite often, cleaning results are remarkable and you should experience this process first hand. Likewise, be ready to consult with the contractor as any problems or potential damages arise. Address issues with them right then and talk it over. If you have questions we'll stop and listen.

Cleaned by Pete is "locally owned" and we live here in Springfield we are your neighbours and have made our livelihood in the power washing business. Most of our prospective customers are referrals from our existing customers. We don't advertise too much building our business on word of mouth and letting our work show what we can do. We keep our prices fair. If you would like to give us a call and discuss or have a question about a job please feel free to call "Cleaned by Pete at 417-459-7869".

House Washing Wednesday

It is still house washing Wednesday here in Southwest MO, while it is close to 20 degrees out side now it is time to think about having a clean home this coming Spring. Cleaned by Pete would like to come over and give you a free estimate on your external home cleaning. Always make sure your mobile contract cleaner is licenced and insured. Here are some more homes we have cleaned in the area.

This little home was covered in brown and green mold and algae needed cleaning before being put up for sale.

Split level homes are no problem for us to clean.

Wood and rock homes we can adjust our cleaning method to fit each home we do even if it is made with different materials.

Two story rental the owner let us park on the lawn to work off the top of the service truck we needed to do this because the last person who tried to clean it really messed it up and he wanted it looking good. It was all blotchy from bleach and not being able to reach the higher areas.

Brick and stone we washed this one after a 2 year major remodel.

Brick home with vinyl sides and back this one or our yearly cleanings.

Call 417-459-7869 and ask Cleaned by Pete for a free estimate to wash your house or other project. As always thank you for your support.