by Dean Dean

INSTALLING FLOW PRO REMOTE

INSTALLING FLOW PRO REMOTE

This video post contains instructions for INSTALLING FLOW PRO REMOTE bypass system for pressure washing pros.  It saves alot of steps, time, and energy on every job and brings downstreaming into the 21st century!  It’s part of a series helping those who are wanting to save a little money by doing installations yourself.  We want to help simplify and clarify the process for installing flow pro remote bypass system.

TWO WIRES

There are two wires that comes out of the box containing the computer board.  Connect one wire to the battery and the other wire to the actuator.  It also includes mounting brackets so you can decide the best location to secure the computer board.  The Flow Pro Bypass Kit is also an item sold separately you will need to allow rinsing the injector.  I have another video on this.  A whip hose comes from the outlet of the pressure washer to the inlet side of the Flow Pro.  Then you will notice the bypass loop, as well as the whip hose going to the hose reel.  Make sure you have all the right size quick connect fittings when installing flow pro remote.  Your particular truck, trailer, or van set up will determine whether to you use a 90 degree.  Before ordering, think carefully about your set up to determine the amount of whip line hose you will need for both the pressure washer and the hose reel.

THREE WAY POLY VALVE

At the 6:40 time stamp, we show how to set up the three way poly valve which is inside a mounting box.  This plumbing option for soap or water allows you to rinse the injector after every job.  You can still use the rinse button on the remote while cleaning which will deliver water only.  The three way poly valve is only for rinsing the injector after the job by hitting the mix button.  You’ll see the soap empty out quickly.  Be sure and catch the 9:30 time stamp for installing flow pro remote plumbing instructions for the water tank.  There are also instructions for using uniseals on top of the tanks.  Don’t forget to take a look at our upcoming training events, including the one in Atlanta, Ga in June.

by Dean Dean

INSTALLING A FLOAT VALVE

INSTALLING A FLOAT VALVE

This video post from Doug Rucker Store is about INSTALLING A FLOAT VALVE.  Our Topaz Compact Float Valve goes right into your water tank.  It will automatically stop the water supply flowing into the tank once its full.  This is the only float valve we sell at The Doug Rucker Store.   We had continual issues with the Hudson float valve so a few years ago we switched to the Jobe float valve.  These allow more water in the tank and are far more dependable.  At the 1:15 time stamp, you can see precisely what it looks like inside the water tank.

WATER HOSE REEL

We start with the water hose reel to demonstrate installing a float valve at 2:00.  I go over all the connections in detail to assist those who desire to save money by installing it yourself.  It can be installed on either the top of the tank or on the side.  But we do recommend installing a float valve on top of the water tank whenever possible.  This facilitates the largest amount of water in the water tank.  Another great feature of the Jobe over the Hudson is they fill much faster.  The size of the hole saw to drill all depends on the size of the bulkhead you use.  We have two different bulkhead brands so you’ll determine the drill hole size according to the size of the bulkhead.  Installing a float valve could also be done in the lid as well.

FLOAT VALVE QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about installing a float valve, don’t hesitate to reach out.  You could email info@DougRuckerStore.com or just leave a comment here directly on this post.  Check out all of our upcoming training events here.  We are looking forward to power wash and parking lot stripe training in Atlanta, Georgia June 20-22.  Check out the details here.  We also provide training on demand through the online video school.

by Dean Dean

Pressure Washing Startup Rig

Pressure Washing Startup Rig

Have you ever wondered what a Pressure Washing Startup Rig might look like?  Perhaps you are considering starting your power wash business and aren’t sure where to start.  You have come to the right place!  In this video post, we highlight a “mini rig” for a customer that is new to the business.  There is a complete walk through of all the equipment which begins with a water fill hose plumbed to the water tank.  And 200 feet of fierce jet hose for pressure washing.  Both of these are on Hannay manual reels.  And of course, he is getting a Flow Pro Remote Bypass System for downstreaming.  This saves so much time and effort on every job that you do not want to start your business without it!

TANKS

This Pressure Washing Startup Rig comes with two tanks, one for water and one for bleach.  These are each 50 gallon slimline tanks that fit perfectly at the front of the truck skid which is where you want the most weight.  This custom rig comes with a surface cleaner holder on top and a pressure washer just beneath.  All of this is for Ted’s Ford pick up truck who also appears in this video at the 1:35 time stamp.  Ted and his sons attended my monthly hands on training event in Houston and are not fully trained and equipped.  This Pressure Washing Startup Rig is what I call a “nice little money making rig.” And this is the ideal set up to start your own pressure washing business.

CUSTOM BUILDS

Please keep in mind that all of our builds are completely custom made for your needs and to fit your budget.  This means we build not just truck skids, but also van and trailer builds whether open or enclosed.  Take a look at this particular Kingslinger Soft Wash Skid Set Up and see if it might work for you!  We hope this Pressure Washing Startup Rig video has been helpful for you.  If so, you should also check out my plumbing a pressure washer video post as well.

by Dean Dean

PLUMBING A PRESSURE WASHER

PLUMBING A PRESSURE WASHER

I’m launching a new series of videos on to help guys building their own rigs.  So this Plumbing a Pressure Washer video post is the first of the series.  We always begin with the water inlet to the pressure washer.  That’s usually the first thing we plumb.  The water inlet is how you’re feeding the pressure washer with water.  There are two ways to do this.  You can either plumb it direct aka force feeding, or gravity feed using a water tank.  Direct feed or force feeding means using a water hose connected directly to the water supply on a house or building.  There is something very important to remember when using a water supply from the property.  Make sure your gallons per minute water supply flow is producing more gallons per minute than your machine.  At the 2:00 time stamp, I show how you can calculate this by performing a bucket test.  Don’t overlook this important step in the plumbing a pressure washer process.

GRAVITY FEEDING

Plumbing a Pressure Washer can also be done by gravity feeding with a water tank aka buffer tank.  I recommend any belt drive or gear drive machine that is 5 gallons per minute or higher utilize a water tank for gravity feeding.  This way you can have the unloader bypass water back to the tank.  This allows you to be off the trigger for longer time increments than when force feeding from a water supply.  This prevents the water from heating up inside the pump.  When force feeing, make sure you’re not off the trigger for more than one minute.  I do mention the high temp valve at 4:45 into the plumbing a pressure washer video.  Be sure and watch the entire video for other specific pluming connection details.  And another great video you might want to watch is this video on hose reel fittings.

 

 

by Dean Dean

POWER WASH TRAINING COURSE

POWER WASH TRAINING COURSE

This Power Wash Training Course video features an event in Cocoa, Florida.  The event was held at King Street Baptist Church in Cocoa, Fl in February 2024.  One of the most troublesome areas we cleaned was along the back wall of the facility.  While the concrete was not dirty, you can see how heavily stained the white window sills were in the video.  They were covered with black and green algae.  We we’re able to train about ten participants on this back wall with the wand.  Basically, the bleach changes the color of the algae and our Dougie Fresh helps loosen the stains.  I also taught how to reach the top window sills without using a ladder with the 0060 shooter nozzle.

SETTING UP ON THE JOB

We talked about the important of looking at the overall job on site and developing a plan for set up.  Location of water supply, rig parking, and hose management are all key pieces of getting set up on the job successfully.  It’s important to think strategically about this in order to save time and physical energy.  We also discussed other issues at length such as property protection and downstreaming.  I was able to demonstrate and allow them to use the FlowPro downstream remote system as well.  Our BigSlinger Soft Wash System was also a major part of the training.

ROOF CLEANING

We broke for lunch and moved the truck to set up for roof cleaning in the afternoon.  Spray technique is the most important aspect of effective roof cleaning service.  I demonstrated how to avoid flooding the roof so that you are conserving water, bleach and surfactant while protecting the property.  And we showed how to use tyvac for property protection as well.  This three day training event also included the Difference Makers business growth conference.  In addition, Jeff Blackman provided hands on parking lot stripe training.  We are excited to bring this same three day event to Atlanta, Georgia June 20-22, 2024.  Let us know in the comment section if you might be interested in attending the Atlanta training event.

by Dean Dean

How To Replace Honda GX690 Fuse

How To Replace Honda GX690 Fuse

Are trying to figure out How To Replace Honda GX690 Fuse?  If so, this video post is perfect for you!  I’m Doug Rucker and my passion is helping pressure washing business pros start and grow their business.  In addition to my commercial power wash service in Houston, I also provide training and equipment.  Sometimes, the Honda GX690 won’t start.  This video post is the result of a question from one of our viewers asking for more details from an earlier video.  We sure hope this video about How To Replace Honda GX690 Fuse helps if you experience this issue.

SMALL FUSE

It’s really amazing that something so small as a fuse can stop work on a job and ruin your day.  But these are the kinds of thinks we like to prepare you for.  It’s just a small 30 amp fuse, and it’s hidden from view behind the key switch.  I have experienced with this first hand both with a cold start and even when trying to restart on a job after turning it off.  The usual first assumption is a dead battery but it’s important to consider the fuse first.  So for How To Replace Honda GX690 Fuse, you’ll need a 10 mm socket.  There are two screws behind the key switch to remove.  One is on top and the other is right beneath it.  This will detach the key switch box from the engine.  At the 5:15 time stamp, you’ll see one phillips-head screw that you also need to remove. You then remove a wire harness band which looks like a big o-ring.

FUSE HOLDER

There is a small case or fuse holder that you can access.  At this point, pull the 30 amp fuse out and replace it with a new 30 amp fuse.  Then check to see if starting is successful.  I also suggest leaving the fuse holder hanging outside for easy access if this occurs again.  And of course, keep spare fuses with you on hand somewhere with your rig.  This way, you won’t lose any time on the job due to such a small and easy maintenance fix.  Be sure and watch the entire video for all the little tricks and details I provide.  And leave a comment if you have experienced this issue and if this video post was helpful in resolving it.

 

 

by Dean Dean

NEW TRUCK SKID

NEW TRUCK SKID

Doug Rucker is building a new NEW TRUCK SKID for his own use.  He recently posted a picture of this NEW TRUCK SKID and received quite a few questions and comments in response.  This video post is the response to those comments and questions and provides a quick run through.  This unique view will provide an opportuinty to see the build in process before it hits the bed of the pick up truck.  It is a six foot skid for a Toyota Tundra truck.  It is also known as a short body skid.  It has enough room for what I need for my powerwash.net commercial power wash business.  But I also intend to utilize it for travel training events.  The first such travel training event is schedule for February 22-24 in Cocoa, Florida.

TRUCK SKID EQUIPMENT

First and foremost, we made sure to include our proprietary BIG SLINGER.  This soft wash system will have two 3/4 valves on it.  One is for water and the other is for bleach.  I always just add my soap to my bleach so I only use two valves.  I never really found the need to meter soap.  Our Kingslinger Soft Wash System does have three valves for those who prefer having the option to do so.  There is a newer version of the compressor.  It has lower handles, a larger gas tank and no fuel pump.  We have an 8 GPM pressure washer.  At the 3:00 time stamp, we go over various minor modification details on the pressure washer machine.  There is also a twelve gallon as tank.

REELS and TANKS

There are two 100 gallon slim line tanks on this NEW TRUCK SKID.  At 8:15 I provide the specific demensions.  I mention Connor at Elite who sold us these tanks as well as the skid.  He is also a bleach distributor.  His phone number is 775-781-4153 if you would like to contact him.  I also discuss venting as well as our bleach fill tank kit.  Then you will note three electric hannay hose reels.  One is for water fill, one is for a soft wash hose, and one is for fierce jet pressure hose.  There are several other elements of this NEW TRUCK SKID that you don’t want to miss!  So be sure and watch this entire video.  Please leave a comment if you have any questions or is this post has been helpful to you.

 

by Dean Dean

F 9 RESTORATION TRAINING

F 9 RESTORATION TRAINING

In January 2024, we held a live in person F 9 RESTORATION TRAINING event with Craig Harrison . Craig came from Arizona to The Doug Rucker Store in his CLEANING CLASSROOM for both classroom instruction and hands on training.  There are four different F 9 cleaning products that this training covered.  They are Double Eagle, Efflo, Barc and Grounds Keeper.  Each has a unique and proprietary solution that provides effective cleaning for over 140 stains.  These stains are particular stains which cannot be cleaned with traditional bleach and surfactant solutions.  This video post gives you an inside and detailed look at the F 9 RESTORATION TRAINING event with about 15 participants.

F 9 TRAINING TOOLS

Seeing the various F 9 RESTORATION TRAINING tools in action was an awesome sight.  This includes a state of the art floor scrubber, surface cleaner, blowers, and an electric hand sprayer.  Craig provided a complete history of how each of the four cleaning products came into existence.  One of the things he stressed was that we are not just pressure washing service companies.  We are actually operating in the health and safety space as he mentioned “cosmetic cleaning.”  Chemical safety protocols, hard surface restoration tools, and the F9 cookbook with mix ratios were all covered in classroom training.  Be sure and watch the entire video to get a good feel for everything covered in this F 9 RESTORATION TRAINING event.

FLORIDA TRAINING

Doug Rucker and Jeff Blackman are bringing live, in person training to Cocoa, Florida.  February 22 is hands on power washing training.  February 23 is their Difference Makers Conference.  And February 24 is parking lot stripe training.  Check out all the details and register here.

 

by Dean Dean

Hose Reel Fittings

HOSE REEL FITTINGS

This HOSE REEL FITTINGS video post features new fittings now available at Doug Rucker Store.  When talking about hook up for a pressure hose, there are a couple of other videos available on my YouTube channel.  One of them is a three stack reel kit, and another focusing on selection and installation.  There are a couple of fittings that now offer, which makes things a little bit easier.  I am now using these fittings myself and use them for all of our builds moving forward.  In the past, we would hard plumb the hose to the reel with a 1/2 inch bushing.  The are several variable fittings that I mention in the video as well, so be sure and pay close attention!

QUICK CONNECT FITTINGS

Quick Connect Fittings are always part of my hose reel fittings set up.  In fact, I use them anywhere and everywhere I possibly can.  It makes things much easier to change things out or make repairs.  It also saves alot of time both on the job and in the shop.  We now have the General Pump quick connect sets in 1/2 inch thread X 3/8 end.  This eliminates the need for a bushing.  At the 3:10 time stamp, you’ll see an example of both and the visual differences between the two.  While opions vary on this, my preference is to always use brass over stainless steel when available.

REEL BRAND OPTIONS

There are several reel brands available on our website.  They include Hannay, Kings, Steel Eagle, and General Pump.  This video demonstration uses the Hannay brand but this video applies the same way to all four brands.  They start with a 1/2 fitting on the manifold, and a 1/2 swivel on the other side. Don’t forget the teflon tape and loxeal for these kinds of installs.  The 4:50 time stamp begins with in depth instruction and the entire video is approximately 20 minutes.  If you have any questions about this video, please dont hesitate to ask in the comments section.  You may also send an email to Info@DougRuckerStore.com or call or text 281-623-1223.  Check out all of our training events coming up soon!

Pressure-Washing-Training-Florida
by Doug Rucker Doug Rucker

Pressure Washing Training Florida

Pressure Washing Training Florida

Doug Rucker is hitting the road again and he’s heading to Cocoa, Fl along with Jeffrey Blackman of Mr. Shine Power Wash and Striping.  This training will consist of 2 days of hands on parking lot striping and pressure washing training and a 1 day Difference Makers Conference. You can sign up for all three sessions or choose al a carte the training sessions you want to attend. This Pressure Wash Training Cocoa Florida event will be held at the Kings Street Baptist Church located at 1040 W Kings Street, Cocoa, Fl 32922 February 22-24, 2024. Our last Orlando Florida Pressure Washing School was a held a few years ago.

Hands On Pressure Washing and Soft Washing Training

Day 1 – Thursday, February 22 – Hands on Training as I show you how to clean a roof, building, and concrete areas of the church.  The building is rather large so we will have certain areas that we will clean, but you will get a full of understanding of both soft washing and pressure washing, cleaning roofs, building washing, concrete cleaning, and how to protect the property.

Difference Makers Conference

Day 2 –  Friday, February 23-Difference Makers Conference

This conference will focus on the business side of your business. This conference focuses on those that are new to the business and or have been in business for 3 years or less, but anyone is welcome to attend. Here are just a few of the topics we will cover.

Building a Residual Based Income Business – Every business should be built on clients that have a need to continue using your services.  We will discuss and show you ways to build a residual based business.

Creating & Building Relationships with Clients –  The success of your small business will be based on your ability to build relationships with your clients.  Learn from our years of experience in working both residential and commercial clients on how to create and build relationships.

High End Residential Sales – I call it Mancho Selling.  I’ll use my experience of how to work with higher end clients, big mansions,  and build trust so you can sell value over price.

Commercial Sales – One of the reasons we teach on Creating & Building Relationships with Clients, is because that’s so important in commercial property sales and working with Property Managers.  We’ll share proven techniques and strategies on how to get more commercial clients and build residual income.

Pricing – Never ask someone else “how much should I charge”.  We will teach you and show you how to confidently price any job based on YOUR business.  In fact, everyone attending will actually participate in establishing your pricing.

Hands On Parking Lot Striping Course

Day 3 – Saturday, February 23rd – Parking Lot Striping

This is a one day course covering classroom instruction as well as hands on training.  You will actually get the opportunity to use the striping equipment, stencils, paint and other tools used for striping, as we stripe the church parking lot.

Parking Lot Striping Course

Jeffrey will also be teaching you strategies to help you start and operate your striping business.

  • Marketing Strategies
  • Job safety
  • How to use a striping machine
  • ADA Laws and regulations
  • Hands on Training
  • How to keep your records and finances and much more…

GET REGISTERED TODAY. You can choose individual trainings, or register for all 3 at a discounted rate with the All Access Pass.

You can also get some great Pressure Washing tips and tricks at my YouTube Channel.