This past week the Roof Wizards' crew softwashed a Hilton Garden Inn. It was not that dirty, except for the bottom 5' and around some windows, but Hilton has a franchise agreement that all franchise owners must uphold. The buildings need a professional exterior cleaning every two year, based on region. The owner and GM were very pleased and asked us to quote another five hotels they own. We were in and out in about six hours and did not need the use of a lift. The biggest help was rinsing with fire hose from the hydrants. They are the ultimate booster pumps!!
Awesome job John! Nice shot of the bulk rinse from the fire hydrant! I'm guessing that the hydrant would be worthwhile just for the time and money saved with that volume of water? Did it reach all the way to the roof line?
yes it reached the top of the building easily. I only had it opened up halfway to hit the top. If I turned it all the way, I could have shot it over the roof. On that job it saved us approximately three hours rinse tiime, because the wind was blowing 25 mph.
Cool use of hydrants, John. I have done this a few times also. I have also actually rented a fire engine and had a semi sized water tank before as well. There is always a way.
Some notes on hydrant use from my "other job";
Hydrant pressure and volume will vary from place to place in a city or district, the size of the underground line and distance from a tower or pump station determine this, check the hydrant before relying on it.
Obviously, check with the water utility before you do this, most will require a hydrant meter, or at least a shut off valve be placed on the hydrant, and if you fill a tank from it, an air gap.
Always flush the hydrant out before you hook up. There could be stuff in it like rocks, coins, etc. Dealers have been known to leave drugs in hydrants for pick-up, believe it or not.
Hydrants are designed to be opened all the way, or closed all the way. If you need to reduce the pressure or volume, use a valve or the nozzle. Running a hydrant half open can damage it.
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Chad A. Eneix, President, Water Dragon Inc. chad@waterdragoncleaning.com
This is EVERYWHERE in my area John. Seems like a pretty straightforward spray and rinse. Great work getting 5 leads from 1! Who did you ask for at the hotel to finally get to the right guy? I know sometimes they just send you to the corporate office, but every hotel is different. Cant wait to tackle one sometime.