When collecting the necessary equipment for your pressure cleaning business, it is advisable that you opt for the best quality tools and equipment out there. If you feel that your budget does not allow you to purchase good machinery and tools, it is preferable that you wait until you acquire the necessary funding to start your business. Take care to choose the equipment designed for professional use and not intended for use by homeowners. Read ahead to find out the basic tools and machinery you’ll need to start up your company.

Advantages of High Quality Equipment

• Before you understand the basic equipment you’ll need to start your pressure cleaning business, consider the advantages of working with high quality tools.
• They will help you do a thorough job. In the initial stages of your business when you’re trying to build goodwill, you need to ensure that you do an efficient job so that the client continues to give you business and also refers you to friends and family.
• Better quality tools are designed to last longer and have sturdier components. Thus, they are likely to need replacing after a good long while.
• When you use high-grade, expensive equipment, you build credibility in the mind of the client who is likely to appreciate the materials you’re using.
• Pressure cleaning is a labor-intensive job. Using the right implements can help you cut down on labor costs, and time if you’re working yourself.
• High-grade equipment is likely to come with a written warranty that helps you save on repair costs.

Equipment Needed

Here is some of the basic equipment you’ll need to start up your pressure cleaning business:

• Truck, van, or trailer that can carry your tools and machinery around – You can choose between an open or closed van and depending on your budget, purchase or rent one. A closed truck is likely to offer your tools better protection from theft, loss and damage from the elements. You can also wrap the closed truck and use it as an effective advertising tool. However, do take care to find out about the maximum weight you can load onto it because you’ll be carrying a large amount of tools and equipment.
• Hot water units – The units must be at least 18 HP with V-twin motors that can give you the hot water you need to clean surfaces quickly and more efficiently.
• High power washers – Choose power washers that can give you force of 3,000 PSI and above (This Ryobi is a good choice, paired with a honda engine). The high-pressure output can provide better and faster cleaning. In case, you need to lower the pressure to use on surfaces that cannot withstand high pressure, you can always attach a larger spray tip.
• Tips with various angles – You’ll need 0°, 15°, 25°, 40° angled tips and a chemical tip.
• High-pressure and low-pressure water hoses – You can choose the ones appropriate for the surface you’re working on. Look for hoses with lengths of at least 50 feet with portable carrying cases. You might need different hoses for using with hot and cold water. That’s because hot water hoses need to be able to take varying temperatures. Also, get the hoses that are specially designed to carry chemicals.
• Nozzles – Include a turbo nozzle that you can use on hard surfaces like concrete. For other surfaces, you can use sprayer nozzles.
• Surface cleaners – You’ll need them in various styles and sizes to clean different surfaces.
• Water inlets – These hoses connect your power washer to the water source. Make sure it has a filter to keep dirt and debris from reaching the cleaning area.
• X-Jet – You’ll need it to wash houses and any other buildings and structures using chemicals and soap. You can use this tool by itself without hoses or lances. It is useful for sterilizing chemicals when cleaning livestock and poultry barns and pens, or to spray insecticides.
• Sewer jetters – Used for flushing sewers, make sure you get powerful washers that can exert pressures of 2,500 PSI to 4,000 PSI so they can clear all the debris. They are also effective in removing corrosion and mineral residue.
• Dual lance – This tool allows you to switch between two nozzles thanks to its rollover valve. You can also find dual lances that have a knob to adjust the pressure as you work. You can choose the nozzle needed and even spray both together like when using water and soap for more effective cleaning.The Ryobi I mentioned above has a similar nozzle that allows you to switch between spray types.
• Telescoping extension wands – It is preferable to get the aluminum telescoping extension wands to help you reach higher or wider surfaces. You can use them with hot water and the slight flex they have when almost vertical makes them more effective. Buy a support belt to go with them if you feel they are too heavy to manage.
• Generators – You need them to create the power for your pressure washers unless you purchase an all in one engine.
• Electric motor or gas engine – You can use these engines to generate pressure or even heat the water for cleaning tasks. Given a choice between an electric powered and gas powered engine, you might want to choose the latter since it is more durable and won’t need you to hunt for an electrical outlet. Stick with engines that are well known for performance and reliability i.e. Honda.
• Chemicals and soaps – Choose the chemicals and soaps you need specific to the job. For instance, you’ll need different detergents for cleaning houses, gutters, concrete surfaces, cleaning up construction sites, removing graffiti, and washing decks, to name a scarce few.
• Reels – You need them for storing and organizing your hoses.
• Hydrostatic line testers – These gadgets are absolutely essential to test the integrity and possible leakage in your hoses. Use them before you begin a pressure or power washing job.

When using the equipment and tools, make sure that you follow the instructions and directions of the manufacturer carefully. Most machinery comes with safety controls and other switches that help you control the pressure, flow, temperature or vacuum. Use them to ensure your own safety and that of other people and property around the worksite.

References:
1. “Can I Start a Business with a Cheap Pressure Washer and The Save Up for a Professional Pressure Washer.”  Power wash .com. 1 July 2014. Web. 13 Aug. 2016.
2. “Starting a Pressure Washing Business – A Complete Guide.” ProfitVenture. com. n.d. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
3. Arthur, Luke. “How Much Does it Cost to Start a Pressure Washer Business.” Houston Chronicles n.d. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
4. Chan, Christina. “14 Starting a Pressure Washing Business Tips.” lifetips. n.d. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
5. “Getting Started in Pressure Washing.” n.d. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
6. “Buying Guide: Gas Powered Pressure Cleaner.” Pressure Washr n.d. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.