[jontywillow1]

can anyone help! i have a 13 hp pressure washer and having suction problems
if i go to clean a drive and they have an outside tap i just connect my hose to that then to the washer and hay presto! but yesterday i went to clean a drive and they had no water point so i filled up my 1000ltr
ibc tank thats on the back of my transit van got to the job fired up the washer and started. it sucked for a bit then stopped so i stopped the washer didnt want to ruin the pump it was ok again for a bit but kept having suction problems all the filters are clean but obviously the pipe is looping over the top of the tank so could that be the problem? ive now just ordered a tap connecrtor for the bottom of the ibc tank so i can just connect a short bit of hose to the washer from the tap at the bottom so hopefully that will sort it. ive read about all you drive cleaning experts using a council wheelie bin but surely your suction pipe goes over the top of the bin just like mine in the ibc tank do any of you have suction problems or is it just my washer do you think? all expert input would be appreciated   thanks

[BDCS]

No, I use a bulkhead fitting and have the suction strainer inside, that way the hose comes through the side at the bottom which gives the pump positive suction pressure which aids pump life. If it starts but looses suction it can only be an air leak unless a valve problem. Some taps flow less than 15 l/min so a wheely bin would be the way to go

[jontywillow1]

 what if they have no water point though i cant put a bin full of water on me van it will spill everywhere. also whats a bulkhead valve and if i filled the bin up from the ibc tank it would spill out if i had the suction pipe through the bottom of the bin unless it was connected to the washer? can u upload a picture of how your bin is set up would be much appreciated thanks.

[BDCS]

everyone has a washing machine - remove the cold hose and fit your 3/4" hose lock. If you have an ibc just fit the hose fitting through the valve cap - hose lock 3/4" and a 3/4" nipple with a fibre washer

[drive surgeon]

i have my suction pipe in top of 1000 litre upright tank and i suffer from suction problems aswell. but saying that i had the hose from the tap at the bottom of the tank and had the same problem plus it dripped all the time and soaked my van floor.

im fighting a losing battle against drips.