[Steve H]

Guys, I have decided to go wfp ASAP (currently trad) as I need to free up some time (and make more money)!

I know there is so many options with regards wfp, however, I just need some proper advice from you guys who use the systems out in the field, as im all over the place with it

This is my position
- I have a VW transporter
- only domestic use, small commercial properties
- hard water area (Norfolk)
- Happy to have all the system on the van or part in van part in garage.

I know it will be down to myself but just a bit of guidance would be great as its doing my head in. Just need a list of what's needed ie best size pole and make for what I need it for.
Would it be best to buy stuff from all over the place or just contact a decent reliable company and get it delivered in one. (not wanting a company to build it, as it seems too expensive to me)

Thanks in advance guys.

Steve

[Smudger]

If you like to spend your dosh and not interested in learning about a system and how it goes together then I'd speak to pure freedom and get them to build you a complete system with RO in the van assuming that you are a 1 van operator I would also have as a minimum 500 ltr tank ideally 600 but van payload needs to be checked out.

If you want to make the best of your cash and like to learn out it all goes together which is quite simple then source everything and bolt it together this way any problems you will know how to fix and what to fix.

You need

Water tank - tanks direct or eBay
Leisure battery - any camping caravan shop
Pump - shurflo are the best - eBay or caravan shop
Reel and hose - good quality metal reel (pure freedom do nice ones) hose I'd go for 6mm micro bore over 8 mm mini bore and the best prices are from circuit hydraulics off eBay
Split charge relay for battery - eBay
Auto wire/fittings/ 1/2" hose - eBay
RO unit - Merlin is a good starter but wasteful with water not good if on a meter or go for a 4040 unit with hf5 membrane - daqua
Booster pump if your water pressure is low - most likely if in Norfolk see anglian pump supplies
Poles - nothing but the best Gardiners slx 25 will do everything from 3rd storey work down

Think that covers most of it

Depending on operation you may have everything on the van, however I would always have a backup IBC tank (static) in a garage with the RO so you have a spare 1000 ltrs in reserve

Best regards

Darran

[Steve H]

Hi Darran,
Thanks for the reply, some good information there to get me started. I will probably put it together myself, as it doesnt seem too complicated, just need to make sure i get the right bits for the job.

I have seen pure freedom web site so may speak to them as well to see what they will charge.

Just 2 other things, Norfolk is a hardwater area, so would i need a system that can work with hard water ie both RO & DI system or will RO do the job?
Also, do you use anything to turn the water off when moving to another window? i was thinking of a simple on off swich (lever type thing) that can be attached to the hose within easy reach.

Sorry for delayed reply ive been away, so just had chance to hace a look.

Thanks again

Steve

[Positivity]

Hi Steve
Something like this
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/push-fit-quick-fit-pole-control-valve.html
or this
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/ez-snap-hose-valve-end-stop.html
Just fix it to the bottom section of the pole with cable ties or insulating tape for easy removal when needed.
Fingertip control in your hand!

[Frankybadboy]

steve


anyone local to you that can show you there systems

[HampshireWindowCleaning]

I've always used Pure Freedom flow control valves which attach to the pole section, couldn't do without them

[HampshireWindowCleaning]

Pure Freedom also do good diy starter systems so you should give them a ring.
I've had mine 6 years and still on original pump and controller.
Upgrade the fibreglass poles to carbon though if you can afford to.

[Steve H]

Thanks for replies guys, will have a look at the pure freedom valve, good idea to speak to some one locally. Anyone on here in Norfolk area? I live out on the coast near Kings Lynn, but happy to travel an hour or so to see anyone in action for a few hours and see what system they use/have.

[PoleKing]

Thanks for replies guys, will have a look at the pure freedom valve, good idea to speak to some one locally. Anyone on here in Norfolk area? I live out on the coast near Kings Lynn, but happy to travel an hour or so to see anyone in action for a few hours and see what system they use/have.

I'm in Woodhall Spa on Monday, bout as close as I get to you bud.
Was in Elveden today but in the car

[Mike #1]

If you want the easy way get a flat tank as it has a lower centre of gravity which is safer .

Then get a Pump Box with flow controller fitted and a decent battery then with some 1/2 inch hose and some Hozelock connectors it is virtually plug in and go .

Securing your tank is vitally important and whether you decide on a frame or straps you need to check with your current insurer of your intentions and see if they are happy to insure you with a tank in the back .


As for water production if you have the room in your garage have a static system which you can insulate and heat over winter and you will always have a good supply of Pure water on days when your van tank runs dry .


And with a good submersible pump you can transfer 400 ltrs of water in less than 10 mins . Mike

[chez]

Also, do you use anything to turn the water off when moving to another window? i was thinking of a simple on off swich (lever type thing) that can be attached to the hose within easy reach.

Buy an aquadapter I've had mine for 9 months and much easier than a tap. Recommended it to two mates and they also wouldn't do without it. Saves water and less fuss.
Chez

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

ive only been in to window cleaning a year and have just built my own system , ok its not a hot wash but its all new and running well for less then 300 pounds (with out poles)  so the 2000 pounds purefreedom want is well over the top

[Steve H]

Thanks again guys, some good info and advice there.

- i have just been quoted around £2,000 for a van mounted system, sounds decent system but way over priced i feel. I think i will shop around and by things myself, as Susan has done, im sure i can put one together.
- Mike, what is a pump box? do you mean a sure flow pump, or is the pump box a different thing, if so where advertised?
- Thanks Darren for the offer, however, Woodhall Spa is a bit of a trek for me - thanks anyway.

Finally, when i was quoted for the system (£2,000 as noted) i was told that i only needed to use a DI vessel as this would take out 100% of the impurities in the water (hard water) probs more expensive per litre than RO from what i can gather but for me at this stage thats not an issue.
Im asking on here as i live in a hard water area, just wondering if that seems correct - any replies much appreciated.
Thanks in advance chaps

[Ian101]

Anything over 80 ish PPM will expensive di only IMHO do u know what ur ppm is ? Buy a TDS meter as 1st purchase

[Mike #1]

A Pump Box is basically a plastic box which has been built with a pump and battery inside with a inlet and outlet on the outside . Along with a varistream electronic controller .

Set up is the same a s a van mount virtually but on a van mount the pump and controller are usually mounted on a board .


I am using a Stream Box which i have had for over 2 years now without any problems go to www.cleaningspot.co.uk  and look under pumps and fittings .   Mike

[Neil_R]

Hi Steve, whereabouts are you based? I live/work in King's Lynn too - might we have seen eachother out and about?

If you want to get into wfp on a budget, i'd say get a 'big boy' backpack and pole from windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk - then get a fishing trolley or something similar to mount it on and wheel it around. I've got one of them with a 22ft hybrid pole and it's a great setup, and very economical. As for filtering water, daqua sell a 150gpd system at a pretty good price, and it's all you'll need really to get started. Obviously if you can get a 3 or 400 gpd system all the better, but you can do just fine with a 150gpd one, it'll just take you longer to filter the water.  Also pop into car wash places and ask if you can have their empty 25L containers for free. Wash em out, fill em up with pure water, stick it all in the back of the van and away you go. I much prefer using trolleys/backpacks to a hose/reel system, much less mucking about with snags and such. Some hate it, but each to their own!

Oh and yes you will need an RO AND a DI to get your tds down. I live fairly close to the centre of town and definitely need an RO/DI setup.

Good luck and all the best!

[Steve H]

Hi Neil,
Thanks for the reply fella, I live further up the coast from you and cover mainly Dersingham, Heacham and Hunstanton areas for now anyway. Don't do a lot in Kings Lynn, other than a few friends of mine.

Thanks for the advice with regards to the wf pole, it looks like I will need the RO & DI unit. The reason why I mentioned just DI is that you can just use DI system on its own, however, it will probably cost me too much in resin due to the hard water we have don here, so I believe anyway.

Good luck with your business, hope its going well.

Cheers

Steve

[Dave Willis]

You do tend to get what you pay for. Pure Freedoms tank will have a purpose built stainless steel cage around it bolted to the chassis.
You can of course go down the cheap route and strap an ibc tank in the back surrounded by a thin galvanized cage, flout the law and overload your van as Susan likes to do.
Choice is yours - my wife and kids sometimes travel in my van - I know which system I'd rather have just behind them.

[Steve H]

Thanks Dave, I have kids also, so I know I need to be aware of this, thanks for the comments.

Cheers

Steve

[PoleKing]

You do tend to get what you pay for. Pure Freedoms tank will have a purpose built stainless steel cage around it bolted to the chassis.
You can of course go down the cheap route and strap an ibc tank in the back surrounded by a thin galvanized cage, flout the law and overload your van as Susan likes to do.
Choice is yours - my wife and kids sometimes travel in my van - I know which system I'd rather have just behind them.

Nothing wrong with an IBC in a van.
I crashed with a full 650 behind me, in a welded frame.
New tank and cage, van was back on the road a week later.