Using biodiesel can be a dangerous and costly mistake for your pressure washer

Biodiesel is an environmentally-friendly, renewal fuel source used in a variety of diesel engines. But, it’s not friendly to pressure washers. While you think you’re doing something to help the planet, you’re actually damaging your equipment and causing more harm – to the environment and your bottom line.

Made from plant-based oils or animal fats, biodiesel is becoming more readily available throughout the country in a variety of blends. It’s typically made by chemically reacting lipids with an alcohol, producing fatty-acid esters. It’s meant to be used in standard diesel engines alone or blended with petro diesel in any proportion. It can also be used as a great cleaning solvent for standard diesel engines, but using it in a pressure washer has its consequences. Here’s a list of the challenges biodiesel poses to your cleaning investment.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Biodiesel in Pressure Washers

• Biodiesel lacks the same lubricative qualities of petro diesel and does not burn completely, causing parts to stick and allowing soot buildup on burner coils.
• It cleans dirt from your engine, but clogs the fuel filter, leading to unnecessary replacement costs.
• Clogging caused by the unburned deposits from the fats within biodiesel reduces airflow, efficiency, and overall equipment life.
• Maintenance and part replacement costs increase. Repetitive use requires synthetic fuel lines and more expensive fuel pumps.
• Burning biodiesel in a pressure washer actually throws off more carbon dioxide, countering the intended environmental benefits.
• It’s not suitable for colder temperatures. Starting your pressure washer with biodiesel in the cold can be an additional challenge on chilly days.
• Continued use of a pressure washer clogged with soot or blocked components could result in a fire, making it a dangerous alternative.

DSG Equipment & Supplies has the knowledge and expertise to get non-performing or clogged pressure washers up and running like new with on-site service and repairs. So, don’t leave it to chance – leave it to the experts. Trust us. We know clean.

The gentle power of steam will get it clean. 

Steam cleaning has come a long way since its beginning 150 years ago. Originally used as a cleaning solution to remove grease, oil, and grime from truck engines, machinery, and railways; the power of steam has evolved into a revolutionary cleaning option.

The Benefits of a Steam Clean

Steam cleaners are efficient and versatile pieces of equipment to use in the elimination of dirt, grease, and grime on delicate surfaces, like automobile engines, food service prep areas, wood, and upholstery.

An eco-friendly cleaning solution, steam cleaners use very little water, eliminating waste and the need for harsh chemical detergents. They’re a smart choice for the health and hygiene of operators and ideal for the safe removal of bacteria, yeast, molds, fungus, and other forms of bio-contamination. Steamers generate vapor at high temperature and deodorize and sanitize surfaces as part of the cleaning process.

Versatile pieces of equipment, steam cleaners cover clean in a variety of industries. Using steam is the perfect solution for carpets, mattresses, and curtains, as it kills dust mites and bedbugs. Steam penetrates wood and gets to all the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of virtually any surface, including tile grout and ceramics. Many steamers include multi-user operation functions, so covering more area in less time equals saved time and money.

Tips to Remember When Choosing Steam

• Wipe surfaces after cleaning because steam will loosen, but may not always remove dirt.
• Use dry steam when detailing or cleaning a car’s interior and wet steam for heavily soiled areas.
• Steam typically dries quickly to the touch and keeps feet dry.
• Steam is not suitable for porous surfaces, like brick or marble.
• Never point steam directly toward a person or object.
• Steam is considered eco-friendly and safe for all environments

You can STEAM your way to clean and bigger profits when you contact DSG Equipment & Supplies. We have the knowledge, training, and full line of steamers to help you get the job done right every time. So, don’t leave it to chance – leave it to the experts. Trust us. We know clean.

No matter what type of cleaning you do, your pressure gauge is one of the most important features on your pressure washer. It acts as a window into the performance of your machine and will alert you to problems before they become catastrophic.

But the problem is, many things can impact the pressure and, therefore, the performance. So how do you know what is causing the problem – and what should you do about it? Read on.

Identifying possible pressure issues

When your pressure washer produces low – or no pressure – start with these handy tips and you could save yourself a lot of time and money.

1. Nozzles: Make sure you’re using the correct one for the pressure and gallons per minute for your pressure washer – and also make sure it’s not worn out or clogged. If it is clogged, remove the nozzle or spray tip and clean it thoroughly using a wire scrub brush.
2. Leaks: Check your hoses and valves regularly for leaks – and make sure your O-rings are sealed properly to prevent leaking or injury. If the spray gun is leaking, consider replacing it with a new one. Engine noise sometimes makes it difficult to determine where a leak may be occurring – so you’ll need to run your hand along to feel for leaks as well.
3. Obstructions: Keep the valve clear of any debris and make sure the coil is not kinked or clogged. If it’s clogged, take the nozzle and tip off, remove the hoses and carefully clean them out. If the hose is kinked, make sure there are no holes or breaks in the hose as well.
4. Internal Pump: Accurate gauges can warn you of internal pump damage, pressure spikes and other issues. If you suspect the pump is the issue, remove the hose from the pump, attach a garden hose, turn on the water and then turn on the water. The flow should increase as it exits the pump. If it does, the problem is in the attachment – not the pump. If not, you’ll need to get the pump repaired to prevent unit failure.

Don’t let the pressure get to you

Your job is pressure-filled enough. The last thing you need is to deal with more pressure issues. So when your gauge is acting up, follow the instructions above and get your pressure washer back in action.

Need it? We’ve got it. If you’ve tried everything above, DSG Equipment & Supplies can help you diagnose pressure gauge problems and repair it in the shop or on the site – before it becomes a major issue. We offer the knowledge, training, products and service to help you stay up and running properly. So don’t leave it to chance – leave it to the experts. Trust us. We know clean.

Hard water is a real problem, especially when it comes to commercial and industrial use. It’ll wreak havoc on your cleaning system and will make it harder to clean. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, hard water is found in about 85 percent of the United States.

Here’s what you need to know — and how you can test for hard water:

The Cause
When someone says their water is hard, they’re referring to the presence of calcium and magnesium carbonate in the water, the origin of which is typically related to geological characteristics of the water’s source. Generally, water that’s high in dissolved calcium and magnesium has run over limestone.

Water is considered soft or only slightly hard when there are fewer than 3 grains of dissolved calcium and magnesium carbonate per gallon of water. Water that contains more than 3.5 grains or more of these dissolved chemicals per gallon of water is considered moderately hard.

The Effect
In a nutshell, hard water makes cleaning products less effective.

Hard water doesn’t mix well with detergent, which means it doesn’t create sudsy, soapy lather as well as soft water. That’s because the soap reacts with the calcium and magnesium carbonate in the hard water to form a chemical salt, resulting in a greyish soap scum but no lather.

When you’re done cleaning, hard water won’t rinse soap away cleanly. You’ll use more water and detergent on the job and will be left with an inferior result.

In addition, hard water will leave a buildup of scaly deposits inside hoses, fittings, and heating coils. When inside a heating coil, for example, the buildup reduces the flow of water and minimizes the heat exchange, dramatically reducing the life of the coil.

The Fix
If you’re served by a municipal water company, call the city’s offices and ask about any tests they’ve conducted for hard water. The municipality may use a process called “lime soda process” to soften the water. If not, and if your water is hard, there are small-scale solutions for small businesses that work much like residential water softeners. If you’re a larger business or large-scale commercial or industrial facility, there are a variety of companies that will be able to help you soften your water.

Need it? We’ve got it. DSG Equipment & Supplies can test your water for hardness. And if you’ve got hard water, we’ve got a line of detergents with exclusive Hotsy Continuous Clean additives. Knowing your water quality and using the right detergents will prevent buildup associated with hard water and keep your pressure washer working better, longer. Trust us. We know clean.

Red tip
A Red tip produces a 0-degree, highly concentrated spray that is very powerful. It can strip paint, grease, and grime from hard surfaces, as well as dirt and debris from sidewalks. This tip has enough pressure to damage surfaces so be very careful!

Yellow tip
A Yellow tip produces a 15-degree spray pattern and is called a cutting nozzle. It’s good for eliminating stubborn stains and dirt from concrete. It will cut into the surface and is most commonly used on cement.

Green tip
A Green tip produces a 25-degree spray pattern commonly used for decks, walkways, brick patios, metal furniture, and other surfaces, as well as flushing dirt from sidewalks and sweeping wet leaves.

White tip
A white tip produces a 40-degree spray pattern and is most suitable to clean delicate surfaces such as stucco walls, aluminum siding, glossy surfaces and vehicles.

Black tip
A black tip produces a 65-degree spray pattern and is not for cleaning purposes. It is designed to wet surfaces and to apply any form of chemical that runs through your washer.

Call (816) 483-1580 if you need any help optimizing your equipment.

 
That’s why pressure washers should always be completely drained and stored in a heated area. If the pressure washer is not to be used for an extended length of time, it is recommended that the system be flushed with antifreeze to protect the pump from potential frost damage and for rust and corrosion protection.

PROCEDURE

① To flush the system with antifreeze, attach a short length of hose to the garden hose connector located on the pump.

② Place the other end of the hose into a container of antifreeze (the antifreeze container will act as a float tank).

③ Start machine and allow to run until antifreeze flows from the end of the wand.

④ Place end of wand back into the float tank (to reuse the antifreeze) and circulate the antifreeze through system for several minutes. Open and close the trigger gun several times to circulate antifreeze through the unloader valve.

⑤ Next, place detergent uptake line into the float tank. Open the detergent metering valve to draw antifreeze into the detergent system.

⑥ Shut down machine. You have now displaced any water in your system with antifreeze.

⑦ For added protection after anti-freezing, disconnect the pressure hose from machine and remove the coil drain plug (refer to owner’s manual for location).

⑧ After coil has drained, replace pressure hose and coil drain plug.

⑨ This is also a good time to check oil levels and condition and to add fuel stabilizer. See your owner’s manual for exact steps to accomplish this with your machine.

Click here for printable directions and additional tips

Pressure washers are highly specialized machines and choosing the best one for your needs requires a realistic look at the job you’re trying to accomplish.

Finding the answers to the following 12 questions will make that process much easier and will help ensure that you get the right equipment for the job:

1. Will any of the surfaces you clean have grease, oil, food, plant materials or road film on them?
2. Would you perform all of your washing in the same place or do you need to move your pressure washer between locations?
3. How many hours a week do you now or would you use your pressure washer?
4. How many different people, on average, will be using the pressure washer in any given month?
5. Are you familiar with accessories and options for pressure washers that speed your cleaning time and reduce cleaning costs such as turbo nozzles, rotary surface cleaners, remote stations, multiple wands, auto start/stop, etc.?
6. Do you have natural gas or LP (liquid propane) available for running a hot water pressure washer?
7. Will you likely be using detergents with your pressure washer?
8. Realistically, how long can your pressure washer be “down” waiting for service before your business is impacted?
9. When do you expect to need a new pressure washer?
10. Does your company require that purchased equipment like pressure washers be certified to UL/CSA standards?
11. Does your company require proof of product liability insurance?
12. Do you know the PSI (pounds per square inch of water pressure), the GPM (gallons of water per minute) and the water temperature that you need in a pressure washer?

Now that you’ve sized up your basic needs it’s time to talk to a professional who can match those needs to equipment and accessories that will return the best results for you and your business.

The staff at DSG Equipment & Supplies has decades of experience outfitting all kinds of businesses big and small with the right machinery.

Call (816) 483-1580 if you need help getting the answers to any of these questions or if you’re ready to talk to an expert about choosing the right machine.

Hot water packs a powerful punch when added to the cleaning equation.

The energy from hot water reduces the surface tension integrity of grease and grime. This allows it to effectively penetrate grease and grime molecules at the molecular level.

The three key elements for hot pressure washers are: heat, agitation and soap.

Heat – Creates a high-speed action that penetrates grime at the molecular level. The heat also aids in sanitation.

Agitation – The impact that comes from the water volume and pressure hitting the surface is similar to scrubbing a dinner plate in the sink.

Detergents – A detergent breaks the molecular bonds between the layers of surface, dirt and oil. Softening agents in the detergent allow the oil, grease and water to emulsify. When the elements no longer repel from one another, they can mix together. The emulsified elements release the trapped dirt and all are carried away in the wash water.

Hot water pressure washers bring together a perfect balance of all three of these elements: Heat, Agitation and Soap to deliver a cleaning knockout punch.

Call (816) 483-1580 for more time-tested advice and personal assistance.

Hot Water

If you are cleaning engines, automotive parts, or anything with oil or grease, you’ll need hot water. Grease and grime begin to breakdown at about 170 to 180 degrees.

Hotsy hot water machines are designed to produce temperatures 140 degrees above the incoming water temperature. Hotsy hot water machines include a thermostat so you can easily adjust the temperature of the water. Like your dishwasher, hot water “melts” grease and grime; cold water only moves it around.

Cold Water

When you have a simple project like blasting away sand, mud or even stripping paint, a cold water pressure washer will work just fine. Combined with detergent, a cold water pressure washer can be very effective in many applications.

The rule of thumb is: whatever cold water cleans, hot water will clean better and faster.

Call (816) 483-1580 for more time-tested advice and personal assistance.

No Water Sprays from the Pressure Nozzle

When no water is coming out of your pressure washer the first thing to check is the pressure nozzle itself. Particulate matter in the water, partially un-dissolved chemicals and other small bits can sometimes completely clog the nozzle. Fortunately the solution is to simply clean the nozzle and you should be good to go.

Likewise, the inlet water screen can become clogged by these same contaminants. If your nozzle is working but you still don’t have water then it’s time to check the inlet water screen and clean it if necessary.

If your nozzle and inlet screen are clean and you still don’t have water then listen to see if you can hear a sucking sound. That’s the pump sucking air and it’s most likely caused because the detergent container has run dry or possibly because you have a loose hose clamp or fittings. Solve these problems by re-filling the detergent container and tightening or replacing any loose or leaking hose fittings.

Low Pressure from the Pressure Nozzle

Low water pressure can be just as maddening as no water pressure when you’re trying to wash something. One of the first things to check is the inlet water screen. Even if this screen isn’t completely clogged it could be dirty enough to impede flow. If it looks funky, clean it up and your problem will likely be solved.

Having the wrong size nozzle or using a nozzle that’s worn out can also result in low water pressure. In either case the aperture that creates a pressure washer’s unique cleaning ability is not in balance with the rest of the system and power is compromised. Simply replace the nozzle with the correct size nozzle (in new or good condition) and your problem should be history.

It may sound obvious, but another common problem that results in low water pressure is having a low water supply. If little water is reaching the unit in the first place, little power will come out. Try fixing (increasing) the water supply to solve this problem.

The last easy-to-spot problems that kill water pressure are low detergent levels or loose fittings. You’ll know that one or more of these issues are the culprit if you hear the pump sucking air. Add detergent or tighten suspect fitting to see this problem disappear.

Poor or No Detergent Flow

The most common, simplest reason that detergent is flowing poorly is that the detergent is running low or has run out. Re-fill the detergent container and you’ll be good to go again.

The next most common reason that detergent flow has been compromised is that the detergent screen has become clogged. Clean any gunk out of the screen and flow should return to normal.

Another less obvious cause of low detergent flow is a detergent injector valve that isn’t opening. This happens when the handle or knob is slipping on the shaft.

Another detergent flow problem is excessive inlet valve pressure (more than 80 PSI). That much pressure prevents the valve from operating properly and can be remedied by adjusting the detergent injector valve pressure to the correct value.

While all of these problems are fairly easy to self-diagnose and correct, some are not. If you have questions or need any kind of assistance with your pressure washer then give us a call and we’ll get you fixed up.

Call (816) 483-1580 for personal assistance and any service needs.

DO:

➊  Do a cold water rinse after using the burner. Turn off the burner switch, and run cold water until the wand feels cool to the touch; takes 1-3 minutes. ✓

➋  Change ENGINE OIL every 3-6 months or every 50-100 hours. Engines vary so refer to your manual for recommendation. ✓

➌  Change PUMP OIL annually at minimum or every 300 hours, whichever comes first. Remember to use 30w – NON DETERGENT. ✓

➍  Use detergents approved to run through pressure washing equipment; failure to do so could damage pump and coil. ✓

➎  Check hoses, nozzles and wands for wear daily and replace as needed. ✓

➏  Replace O-rings or stop leaks quickly to save life on the pump unloader. ✓

➐  Stick with one type of fuel, diesel or kerosene, to fire the burner. Should see a clear vapor over the coil; no white or black smoke. ✓

➑ Training, training, training. Make sure operators understand equipment and proper maintenance procedures. ✓

➊  Do not let water freeze anywhere in the unit. ✓

➋  Do not leave the pump in by-pass longer than 3-5 minutes. When walking away from the machine a good rule of thumb is TURN OFF THE MACHINE! ✓

The Casual User

If you think you’ll be using your pressure washer less than 5 hours a week then you’ll probably get away with a less expensive home store model. These models are engineered to work well for 30 hours or so before they need to be serviced and that may be enough usage to offset the relatively low purchase price of these entry-level models.

If you use it even less, like washing your car for half an hour on the weekends then you’d get up to 60 washes out of the unit before it poops out (in theory). For many people, that could be a few years’ worth of light service.

At that slow rate of usage, though, your pressure washer is more likely to wear out from inactivity than over-use. Rotten hoses, corroded nozzles and leaky fittings are common in machines that use water and then sit around for awhile. Rust, rot and corrosion are slow, but they always eventually win. If you’re using a pressure washer that little, you should just rent one when you really need it.

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