pump n a bucket plumbing help - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Gary Ensminger · Freshmen Member

pump n a bucket plumbing help

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Well the first step is to put the bulk head in the top of the tank. I believe it's a 3/4 bulkhead. Next would be plumb your intake from the bulkhead to the bottom of the tank ( this is to draw from the tank to your pump.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

If that is a 3 way ball valve then I would use that on the intake side. One line to the tank and the other side put a quick connect garden hose fitting on it. This will all you to rinse your pump and also transfer she from your source to your tank.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

I would only use # 40 nozzles with that pump. Anything smaller and you'll make the pump work too hard. I would also get extra relays and a solenoid for that pump as well ( looks just like a fatboy).

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

I would purchase another 3 way ball valve and put one side to the pump, one back to the tank and one to the hose reel or whatever hose you have.

Troy Layman · Lead Tech

Gary,

I attached a rough image to go along with what Mike said.

The pentagons are roughly where you'd put your bulkheads. You will want to do the plumbing on top so you won't have problems with leaks. The draw tube would have a little angle cut on the bottom to ensure you don't get a lock on the bottom of the tank with suction, and should be about 1/2 - 3/4 inches from the bottom from what AC told me in the past. The shorter the tube from the draw side to the pump, the easier your pump will prime. Not a huge deal, but you don't want an unnecessarily long hose there. Where Mike said to have a 3-way ball valve on the draw side, that's a great idea because you will want to be able to flush out your pump at the end of the day to extend the life of your equipment. You can put another 3-way ball valve on the pump output and have one side go to the spray wand, and the other to the bulkhead/return on the image for agitating/stirring your mix. If you don't have another 3 way valve you can just put your wand back in the tank to agitate for the time being.

You'll also want to get an accumulator at some point to help reduce wear and tear on the pump and it would go between the pump output and the ball valve.

Oh, side note - if you are going to mount the 3 way ball valve, I don't believe Banjo makes mounts for any 3 way ball valves under 1 inch from what I was told last year so if you are going to mount the ball valves now or in the future, you'll need 1 inch valves and reducers to fit your hoses.

-- Edited by Troy Layman on Wednesday 9th of March 2016 11:19:06 AM

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Spot on Guys. THANKS.

AC

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Good stuff.

Here is a link for the 3/4" Banjo valves, we buy them all the time.

https://www.dultmeier.com/products/search/4980

Gary Ensminger · Freshmen Member

Big thanks Mike, Troy, John, and David from Blue Flamingo,

Im going to begin construction on rig and attempt to softwash my house.

Thanks again for everyone's help!!

Troy Layman · Lead Tech

Gary Ensminger wrote:
Big thanks Mike, Troy, John, and David from Blue Flamingo,

Im going to begin construction on rig and attempt to softwash my house.

Thanks again for everyone's help!!

My pleasure!

"Attempt to softwash my house." Is that code for "I'm going to go outside and play with my new toys?"

Gary Ensminger · Freshmen Member

Michael,

For my knowledge, what pump would you recommend? I have a job in 2 weeks that is a 3 story house so I will need to use my 0 tip. Want to be prepared

Thanks

Gary Ensminger · Freshmen Member

You got it troy!!!!!

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Gary I like the versa jets, the fatboys, and the ever flow 7000. I also like the Delavan 5gpm pumps. As far as washing a 3 story house in my opinion I would prefer to downstream from my pressure washer. It's still soft washing but I'm able to reach 3 to 4 stories no problem. Also having the 200 psi from the ground helps get to the top even if there is wind. By the way once the solution hits the house it's on about 100 psi or less.

But if your gonna use a 12 volt system for that then I recommend at least a 10 ft a frame ladder .

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Fatboy is the 12 volt pump I would recommend for that height.

Chad Eneix · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

If you still have the 7gpm pump from your pump-in-a-bucket kit, and it is the newer SoftWash Systems labeled pump, not an Everflo, then you have a pump with the same gpm, psi, and other specs as a "fatboy." The SWS pump is really the original "FatBoy," and made in the US. This is not to be confused with the Delevan "Fat Boy," which I believe is made in Mexico. Notice the difference in the space between fat and boy, kind of like the difference between a Sotwash Systems company, and a Soft Washing company. The Delevan is OK, and I use them for bleach transfer pumps, because I can buy them for cheap at my local agricultural supplier, and they warranty them unconditionally for 2 years. FYI, when SWS was having pump problems and looking for new pumps last year, I started researching pumps on my own, right about the same time. I independently settled on the same pump they did.

As for third stories, your pump will reach, as long as winds are calm. We carry a 10 foot step ladder, which helps our reach in a lot of situations. We also have, and I would recommend the SWS "Waterfed Pole Gun." This is a length of hose with an end that screws to the top of a pole and a quick connect for your tips, and a quick connect on the other end to attach to your ball gun valve. The "ACME" one attaches to standard painter's pole type threads, and the "euro" one is for most waterfed poles. If you don't have a fancy waterfed pole yet, you can go buy a fiberglass painter's pole, which is good for scrub brushes anyway. I like the Wooster Sherlock poles, and carry two 16 footers on my rig. We use the ladder a lot more, its way easier and less cumbersome than an extension pole.

Your biggest concern for higher reach buildings should be rinse water. If you're using the customers hose spigots for rinsing, and they are rural and on a well, you probably won't reach. You'll need a ladder. Even on city water I sometimes have reach problems, mostly due to wind. Or run a length of garden hose up a pole with a spray nozzle at the end and a shut off at the bottom. Use a "witches' hat" sweeper nozzle. Duct tape the hose and tip to the end, and wrap the hose around the pole a few times. It will be kind of heavy and cumbersome, but it will get the job done. If you are doing a lot of work this way, you'll want two guys to trade off using the pole.

Gary Ensminger · Freshmen Member

I have an 10 ft a frame ladder like you and Michael recommended. My pump has the SWS label so its the original fatboy then. I tried it out this weekend and it just reached the top of my 2nd story (light wind). It took some time to get it that high. I think my battery wasnt all the way charged and my hose from 3 way valve to pump was too long, but after a few minor curse words I got decent pressure. I will consider you waterfed pole gun idea when I build up some cash. I want to cash flow most of my extra equipment.

Thanks all for help. I feel really blessed being a part of the revolution!!!

Tim Teed · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

You can also get some 1/2" pvc hose, put quick connect on the hose and then zip tie to an extension pole. Its a pain, but it will work in a pinch.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Gary Ensminger wrote:
I have an 10 ft a frame ladder like you and Michael recommended. My pump has the SWS label so its the original fatboy then. I tried it out this weekend and it just reached the top of my 2nd story (light wind). It took some time to get it that high. I think my battery wasnt all the way charged and my hose from 3 way valve to pump was too long, but after a few minor curse words I got decent pressure. I will consider you waterfed pole gun idea when I build up some cash. I want to cash flow most of my extra equipment.

Thanks all for help. I feel really blessed being a part of the revolution!!!

Yes you likely had battery issues. With a #20 00 tip you should see 35' to as much as 45' shooting distance.

AC

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

That pump won't run right with a # 20. You need at least a #40 with no throttle valve.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Michael Derose wrote:
That pump won't run right with a # 20. You need at least a #40 with no throttle valve.

That is correct Mike. Or an accumilator tank.

AC

Gary Ensminger · Freshmen Member

Sorry for the "froshman" questions,
1. I am no where near 35 ft with my #20 with strong battery. Is that because I'm not using an accumulation tank and or throttle valve? I've heard of accumulation tank but not a throttle valve
2. As Michael was saying about pump, is the pump n bucket unit not meant for washing houses and meant strictly for roofs?

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Gary Ensminger wrote:
Sorry for the "froshman" questions,
1. I am no where near 35 ft with my #20 with strong battery. Is that because I'm not using an accumulation tank and or throttle valve? I've heard of accumulation tank but not a throttle valve
2. As Michael was saying about pump, is the pump n bucket unit not meant for washing houses and meant strictly for roofs?

Have you called Dave at the office yet? Maybe he can help.

AC

Gary Ensminger · Freshmen Member

AC Lockyer wrote:
Gary Ensminger wrote:
Sorry for the "froshman" questions,
1. I am no where near 35 ft with my #20 with strong battery. Is that because I'm not using an accumulation tank and or throttle valve? I've heard of accumulation tank but not a throttle valve
2. As Michael was saying about pump, is the pump n bucket unit not meant for washing houses and meant strictly for roofs?
Have you called Dave at the office yet? Maybe he can help.
AC

Will do AC

Thanks