[Del Boy]

ok so I have a Honda 390 pressure washer and it is 21L per min machine. Because this machine will be been used on many different surfaces like block paving, imprinted concrete, patios ect ect. How do you know what pressure to set the machine at I obviously don't want to be damaging somebody's driveway.  Thanks       

[Smudger]

When you damage the surface !!!

depends if you are using a turbo nozzle or 15 deg. flat fan nozzle - different works require different nozzles as well as pressure changes

generally drives are full chat and turbo and unless there are problems with the mortar joints or the concrete itself you should be ok

common sense required for more delicate surfaces - start low pressure or further away and work the pressure up until you get the balance right

experience is king

Darran

[chris scott]

You are only running about 170/180 bar max...you won't damage anything other than maybe a bit of failing pointing.

[Del Boy]

Thanks for reply's. I understand that tarmac and decking ect need more care when cleaning with the pressure but say I go to clean  a started block paved driveway can I run my machine at full capability without any issue

[Smurf]

It's not just the substrate you are trying to clean using a washer at the time you can mess up if you don't know what you are doing.  Overspray can also be an issue and could also cause damage too if not careful.  If you'er really unlucky flying debris can also break a window, damage parked cars etc.

Oh the joys of pressure washing.

Regards to public liability if you want to get the best insurance cover I would recommend gleaming  http://www.gleaminginsurance.co.uk/cleaners-insurance-cover.html

[Del Boy]

Thanks for the link I will give them a call.

[Smurf]

No probs.

Pressure washing block paving  would be fine with your washer. But after saying that can make a hell of a mess with sand from the joints & crap splattered/blown everywhere. Especially when having to us a turbo nozzle when a flat surface cleaner don't cut it. You will also need to use a lance to get into the edges/corners etc that a fsc can't get at/reach.

Pressure washing block paving is a very messy job so best to say to the customer before you start "don't worry about any mess caused as will be cleaned afterwards."  The clean up process  should include any splatter on the house itself  including windows & doors, fencing, garden walls, boarder shrubs, plants, grass etc. Also best practice is to make sure in advance when doing driveways all vehicles are moved well away from the drive that you want to clean. The last thing you want is next door motor/s or cars parked close by to get covered in crap... Oops! been there done that more than once.

Regards to the cleaning process rather than keep blasting crap build up about is best to sweep it up into piles. Then if possible allow for the water to drain away and ideally dump it under a convenient bush etc so is out of site. Or if you have nowhere to put it bag it up as you go along. Rather than take it away ask to dump it in their wheelie bin or compost bin maybe after you have finished.

Needless to say ware eye protection at all times as the last thing you want is to get crap in your eyes. Also put on gloves, wellies and wet gear as you will get covered in crap especially from blow back doing corners. 

[Del Boy]

Thanks for the advice so good tips there really am glad I joined this forum some really helpful people on it.

[Smurf]

Glad to be of any help 

When you are a bit more experienced using your washer then we can maybe talk about getting rid of  the dreaded stubborn black spot and staining using chems. For now best just practice with your washer to learn what it can and can't do.

[Del Boy]

Glad to be of any help 

When you are a bit more experienced using your washer then we can maybe talk about getting rid of  the dreaded stubborn black spot and staining using chems. For now best just practice with your washer to learn what it can and can't do.

thanks so much sounds good.

[Mike Packwood]

Customers rarely appreciate the mess that will be generated when they're having their drive cleaned - so I always tell them in advance precisely what is going to take place and reassure them that I'll clean up any 'collateral damage' afterwards. So I always carry everything required to give all the other surfaces a once over that have been splashed etc, like windows. Also, I've got leaflets for the neighbours explaining whats happening re noise/over-spray etc.  Never leave the path and street in a mess and don't try and sweep everything down a drain! You'd be amazed how many people don't speak to their neighbours, so don't assume that your customer has told them - and a bit of common courtesy goes a long way, especially when there's a danger of getting their car dirty for example.

[Smurf]

Customers rarely appreciate the mess that will be generated when they're having their drive cleaned - so I always tell them in advance precisely what is going to take place and reassure them that I'll clean up any 'collateral damage' afterwards. So I always carry everything required to give all the other surfaces a once over that have been splashed etc, like windows. Also, I've got leaflets for the neighbours explaining whats happening re noise/over-spray etc.  Never leave the path and street in a mess and don't try and sweep everything down a drain! You'd be amazed how many people don't speak to their neighbours, so don't assume that your customer has told them - and a bit of common courtesy goes a long way, especially when there's a danger of getting their car dirty for example.

Hi Mike, I like the sound of the leaflets you use to inform neighbours as sounds a great idea.
Any chance you could post a copy for us to see please. Ta very much