[CleanerCarpets]

Hi

Need to set up the buffer tank for the pressure washer - its 15 lpm 3000psi diesel

I am going to need to be getting it off and on the van at first - i have a trailer available to me which would be great but its an Indespension and about 10ft by 6ft and i just don't have room for it at home. I could get it in the garage but couldn't get other stuff out without always moving it and its a big heavy duty piece of kit. Its a great trailer - full electrics and braked and strong enough for a little digger machine but i am struggling on finding storage anywhere local for it so i think i'll have to go for a smaller box trailer if/when i get the set up trailer mounted (if anyone wants a good Indespension trailer thats hardly been used let me know!)

So i have been looking at water tanks for the buffer. With having to move it around and get off/on the van i am struggling to find anything that fits the bill as good as a Wheelie Bin!

I know i'll have to have it empty for moving but am i right in thinking they are actually good for this?

Sort of laughed when i heard of people using them but its beginning to make sense!

[Smurf]

If you already have a decent trailer then a trailer mount with its own buffer tank is defo the way to go. That is  if space is too tight to build a van mount instead.

[Don Simon]

Better have a tank 500lt minimum in the van and keep the machine in the van ( exhaust facing outwards at the back ) and get a hose reel and a long length of hose at least 50m.   and use hose from kerb side van door.

[CleanerCarpets]

Hi,

Yes van mounting would be good, but i can't get everything on the van with the carpet & upholstery cleaning stuff as well at the moment.

This is just to suck it and see and then choose van, trailer mount a little later down the road

[outdoor restore]

Yes, wheelie bin is good for this.  Have outlet connection at bottom to pressure washer, fit an inlet ballcock valve, and return to tank connection at top.  I use a small wheelie bin only 80l and is fine providing customers water pressure is ok - but this is the same problem whatever size buffer tank you use, if not taking a large tank full to each job.  Wheelie bin ideal for storing hoses and lances on the van.  I have similar spec pressure washer to you.  I have had van mount and trailer mounts in the past eight years and prefer the flexibility of being able to move the pressure washer.
Neil

[Smurf]

If you are looking for something lighter I found better to use a 210 ltr water butt than a wheelie bin.
It's also a lot easier for storing in the van too as can be just thrown onto of other stuff if space in the van is tight.

[CleanerCarpets]

Thanks for the replies. I did go for the wheelie bin in the end.

I decided on a 240 litre one as i thought its still light enough to move around and the extra size might come in handy.

I went for a yellow one, i thought it maybe possible to see the water level through it being a lighter colour. It arrived today and may work - i can see a level in it in the garage but have to see how it shows in the proper daylight.

If i can't see the level properly i was thinking of a clear pipe plumbed on the side with a bright floaty ball in it that would show the level.

Anyone done a similar thing?

[Deep Cleaning Solutions]

I keep getting asked if we do pressure washing by our domestic customers so I'm considering offering this service. The thing is that the worker I would be using to do this has our smallest van with not enough room for a buffer and a I do not really want to go down the trailer route!

So the question is ..... What type/power of pressure washer will run straight off a customers tap without a buffer and will do a good job on domestic work or is this not possible and a buffer tank essential?

[Don Simon]

Beauty of having a big tank on board is when arriving on the job you can start cleaning straight away saving time innit ?

[Smurf]

Indeed...A portable washer can waste so much time setting up & packing away. But after saying that you  can still earn good money all the same if priced well.

Regards to a direct feed washer I would advise against it. Reason being you may save space in the van, not have to carry/fill a buffer tank but will still take much longer to do the job especially if the outside tap flow is rubbish so the washer doesn't work as it should (builds up to full flow/pressure). This will also do your head in as I know from experience.lol Not only that water starvation can also lead to pump damage.

[Deep Cleaning Solutions]

Thanks Smurf .... That's a brilliant and straight to the point answer to my question. I have asked the question before and received vague answers so it's a lot clearer in my mind now so cheers. Dave.

[Smurf]

No probs Dave. Glad to be of any help.