[Matt Gibson]

Hi guys,

Got a gum removal job, outdoors of a restaurant. I dont have a steamer, i dont really do too much of the gum stuff at the moment, but i have a hotbox on my machine. How much harder is it using just the pressure/hotbox? and would you recommend using a chem on the gum first? or just turn up the temp and go for it?

Also, how much roughly should i be charging per m2?


Cheers,

Matt

[BDCS]

When I use the hotbox I knock the revs back so the water is just below boiling, use the 15 degree nozzle and no chemicals. It should fly off but be carefull on tarmac

[Matt Gibson]

Cheers mate 

I cant really knock the revs back, you meaning just drop the pressure so the water has more time to heat up?

You got an idea of price? or does it come of easy enough to just charge normal rate?

[Darranvps]

Hi Matt

We just cleaned about 3000 sq metres using a hot pressure washer which we hired.
First we went over the paving slabs with a Whirl Away - using hot water say 90 degrees. We went over thoroughly which cleaned the slabs and took the top layer of dirt off the gum.
Then we turned up the heat and blasted the gum away!

Price per sq m - really depends on size of area

[Matt Gibson]

Cheers mate,

Havent done too much gum before, hence the price issue, but if its a simple job, then thats fine.

Cheers guys.

Matt

[BDCS]

What surface is it on ? I estimate the time it will take and charge the hourly rate. The reason to knock the revs back is the reduce the flow which will ensure the boiler keeps the temperature up - I have several different size nozzles which I use when the customers water supply is slow, then you can use the same pressure at the reduced flow. This works better with my new m/c which is diesel than the petrol Honda

[mike roberts]

Matt,

what surface are you trying to remove the gum from ?
Assume its flags or blocks, if its a stand alone hot box (can run to 150deg) I would not use it on tarmac - should be chem steamer.
As rhino mentioned do preclean using flat surface cleaner but again if its a true hotbox will kill a whirlaway (only designed to 80deg) we use mosmatics they can take a higher temp but still need to be carefull  

Really cordon area you are working in due to the steam! We use a few designated hoses for hot box use as it cuts the hose life down.... watch them steam in cold weather  

[Matt Gibson]

Its on a mix, some old tired tarmac and block paving..

Cheers for all your help, much appreciated..

[Blast Away]

BDCS said a good method of knocking back the revs. You don't need the full pressure there. We sometimes use the wet blasting nozzle on certain surfaces. Been doing a bit gum removal today. Love doing them, one of the most satisfying jobs. Was york stones in Manchester. Funny seeing people's faces with the expression of 'look at that idiot removing the gum, what a boring job, it will be back there'...'Yeh but do you wanna know how much more money I get than your £7 per hour job?'

 

[BDCS]

I had that when I did a drain in a pub - I was just mopping the last of the spill in the bar when a jack the lad drinker took the p!55 - I mentioned £78/hour and he went somewhat quiet 

[Matt Gibson]

What im worried about now is can i use my normal gun? or will it ruin it? do i need a different nozzle? i know my hose is rated for the heat, but what about everything else?

[APWS]

use the equipent you use for cold washing it will withstand the heat, it's only if you hot wash regually that the heat will eventually damage seals & couplings etc!
the lower the pressure the higher the temp,

[Alan McTernan]

What im worried about now is can i use my normal gun? or will it ruin it? do i need a different nozzle? i know my hose is rated for the heat, but what about everything else?

I take the quick release couplers off and screw the lance straight onto the hose (i had the hot water leak out from the connections all up my arm) :

Regards
Alan

[BDCS]

Malcleanse sell viton seals for the QR couplings which are better