Is your pressure washer Emission Compliant?

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Hydro Tek

All gasoline engine powered pressure washers must now meet strict rules and regulations in the United States and in California for emissions.  They must also be approved for emission compliance to be sold anywhere in the US or California.  The USEPA (Environmental Protection Agency) issues the Certificate of Conformity for compliance for 49 states (all states except California).  California issues Executive Orders (EO’s) for all machines that will be sold into California of bought in California.  It is important to verify that the pressure washer that you are considering purchasing in California has an EO issued from CARB (California Air Resources Board).  If the pressure washer is only EPA approved for 49 state sales then it can’t be bought or sold and used in California.  You would be in violation and could be fined as well as the company buying and reselling.  Make sure you buy an approved pressure washer when contemplating your next purchase.  If you are not in California then make sure the pressure washer system is EPA approved with a Certificate of Conformity to ensure that you have a complying system.  All of Hydro Tek Systems are USEPA and CARB compliant machines.

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Pressure Washer Use in Cold Weather

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Hydro Tek

Physical Symptoms of Hypothermia

Many of us will need to work with power washers and equipment outdoors in the cold again this year. We may even run into some unexpected difficulties and need to be aware of the risks & warning signs of trouble. The following chart discusses the physical symptoms of hypothermia. It is provided to assist in showing the various stages of hypothermia that are readily apparent. It has no copyright and is to be used and distributed as you see fit. I hope that it will help in the recognition and prevention and treatment of hypothermia.

The chart is broken down into approximate body temperature and the symptoms that develop at those temps. The temps are in degrees f.

 Temperature —– Symptoms

98.6-95.0 °F

Intense shivering, ability to perform complex tasks is impaired, fatigue, poor coordination, immobile and fumbling hands.

95.0-91.4 °F

Violent shivering, difficulty speaking, sluggish in thinking, amnesia starts to appear, starts to lose contact with environment, stumbling gait, feeling of deep cold and numbness.

91.4-87.8°F 

Shivering decreases, in it’s place is muscle rigidity, erratic movement, thinking is not clear, victim can’t still stand, hallucinations, loses contact with the surroundings.

87.8-85.2°F 

Rigid muscles, no shivering, very irrational, starts into a stupor, pulse and respiration slow, pupils start to dilate, skin is turning bluish, drowsiness.

85.2-78.8°F 

Does not respond to words that are spoken, pulse is very erratic, reflexes do not function, victim will be only semi-conscious, heart starts atrial fib.

BELOW 78.8°F

Heart and respiratory failure, ventricular fibrillation, probable brain and lung hemorrhage, apparent death.

Victims have been saved with core temps as low as 75.0°F. The best chances of recovery are from early diagnosis and treatment. Even though there may not be a pulse or breathing, the victim can be saved. Many times the cold will cause a reaction in the nervous system that can help the victim. The most important thing to remember is that it won’t go away!!! The problem must be treated and treated quickly. This goes for others as well as for yourself. You should always be aware of what is happening to you as well as your partners. Be prepared to treat it before you cannot help yourself.

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Truck Donation

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Hydro Tek

Pictured below is Pastor Elias and his newly donated truck from Hydro Tek. He has a church in a very poor area of Mexico and he uses the truck to pick up food for his people and a nearby orphanage.  He has been needing a truck for some time and MCCA (Mexican Christian Children’s Aid) helped arrange it for him so that he can continue his ministry.

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Pressure Washer or Steam Boiler?

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Hydro Tek

I was recently asked by a pressure washer distributor who had received a visit from the local boiler inspector as to why hot pressure washers do not fall under boiler code which requires an annual inspection and fee. Most states classify our products as pressure washers and not boilers since the pressure washer industry has its own standard which is UL 1776.  The pressure washer safety standard was established in 1992 at the direction of the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association and where applicable, the entire line of Hydro Tek branded standard pressure washers are approved by ETL laboratories to be certified to these standards. Your assurance of safety is indicated on the pressure washers with an ETL / UL1776 certification label attached to the front of the Hydro Tek pressure washer.   Since the pressure washer industry is separate from the ”boiler industry” and we have our own standard for inspection and approval we are exempt from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers  (A.S.M.E.) boiler standard and annual inspection. The statements below are taken from the A.S.M.E. code book which establishes a set of limitations on pressure washers which enables exemption them from boiler code:

Section I Rules for Construction of Power Boilers

PG 2.3 “It is not the intent of these rules to cover coil-type hot water boilers without any steam space where water flashes into steam when released through a manually operated nozzle for cleaning machinery, equipment, buildings, etc., unless one of the following limitations is exceeded:

(a)   ¾” diameter tubing or pipe size with no drums or headers attached;

(b)   nominal water containing capacity not exceeding 6 gallons;

(c)   water temperature not exceeding 350°F;

(d)   steam not generated within the coil;

Steam cleaners exempt by this classification shall be provided with adequate relief valves and controls.”

The A.S.M.E has excluded our type of equipment from their requirements since it does not exceed the above limitations:

(a)   Pressure washers do not come with tank heads or drums or headers attached to the coil. Hydro Tek hot pressure washers use ½” pipe.

(b)   Hot water pressure washers contain less than 6 gallons of water.

(c)   Pressure washers do not exceed 350°F. The operating temperature of hot water pressure washers is 200°F.

(d)   Hot water pressure washers do not generate steam from within the coil.

(e)   Water is pressurized by a cold water pump that travels through open pipe which is heated 250°F

 John Koen

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Hydro Tek SC35006KG Hot Water Pressure Washer Skid Giveaway

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Hydro Tek

Jon Welker from Shepherds Company Fulton MO. was the winner of the Hydro Tek skid giveaway at the 2011 PWNA Convention in Nashville, TN. Thanks to the engine being donated by Kohler, the pump from General Pump and the burner from Beckett burners and with the support of the PWNA Hydro Tek was able to sponsor the giveaway.

Eric Clarke, Marv Gerdes, Rory Wilson, Jon Welker, and Tom Vogel

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Sample a pressure washer

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Hydro Tek

Whenever we think of new products we usually think of how the Procter and Gamble’s of the world introduce their products…they sample them!

They offer their potential customers a trial “serving”. When the customer uses it, they become familiar with the product. They see how well it works. The sampling is followed with a special trial offer a “special or discount on their first order”. That familiarity and potential savings pop into their mind when they shop for their regular product. If the sample was positive, they will give the product a try. Why not, I have a discount available?

That same practice applies to pressure washers. Whenever a customer or potential customer is looking for a washer, a demo and even an extended “try it for yourself at your plant” can be very effective. It is important to have one of your sales people lead the demo of the power washer. This gives the sales person time to explain the feature and benefits as they use the machine. It also give them the chance to hear what the customer’s real needs are. This demo of the power washer also allows the customer to become more comfortable with the way the machine works, as well as making sure they are using it correctly.

The demonstration process help imprint the benefits and features of using the Hydrotek pressure washers. This imprinting process helps builds subliminal loyalty to the product and its features and benefits. This loyalty can make the user/customer the advocate for your Hydro Tek pressure washer in the customer’s buying decision.

So sampling by demonstrating Hydro Tek power washers, then adding a buying incentive can bring new sales of Hydro Tek pressure washers. It works for your chemical and service work too!

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Prepare your pressure washer for extended storage time

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Hydro Tek

In the event that the pressure washer is not to be used for an extended period of time (winter) store in a heated space or anti-freeze the unit. With water off run the machine until the float tank is near empty. Fill with 50% mix of water and anti freeze and run until anti freeze appears at the high pressure outlet. Cycle gun a couple of times to include bypass loop in the flow. If the pressure washer includes an air blow out device it may be blown out with compressed air in addition to using the anti freeze solution. Check & drain any water supply filter housings that may have been overlooked.

On direct feed pressure washers (no float tank), use a 5 ft garden hose to draw the anti freeze mix from a bucket or blow out the unit with compressed air until only air and no water is discharged. Blow out bypass loop also to reduce risk of water return to the pump head area. 

Use aftermarket fuel stabilizers for fuels. To prevent carburetor problems shut off fuel to engine and run until carburetor fuel bowl is depleted. Remember to turn key switch off. Disconnect 12 V battery terminals. Negative side should be sufficient to reduce long-term battery drain. Protect the pressure washer from rain & snow. Confirm exhaust pipes are covered or not in a position that will allow water intrusion into the engine.

For your trailer system, consider jacking & blocking to reduce risk of tire damage or deflection problems.

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Save taxes – buy a pressure washer

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Hydro Tek

As the end of 2011 is fast approaching it may be time for businesses to look and see what they have in the way of write-offs and if it makes sense to make a capital expenditure before December 31. The IRS has extended their Section 179 tax incentives through Dec. 31, 2011 which could mean big time savings when it comes to filing your 2011 returns allowing for 100% write-off of new equipment purchases.

Below is an example of such savings.

  • Equipment Purchase Price $10,000
  • Total 2011 Deduction $10,000
  • Cash Savings (assuming 35% tax rate) $3500
  • Actual Equipment cost after Savings $6500

For more information and additional references please visit:
Pressure washer tax savings

Be sure to consult with your tax professional in order to make the best financial decision for your circumstance.

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When too much automation can lead to danger

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Hydro Tek

Sometimes we receive inquiries about the automatic shut down devices for the gas powered pressure washers. On occasions, the untrained operator neglects to shut off the system when it is no longer being used for cleaning work. Gas is wasted and there is a wish for the machine to have shut off automatically as the operator has left the area.

While a gas auto shut down is technically possible, it may pay off to first look deeper at the condition or circumstance that allows any unsupervised operation of the machine. One might find this to be a significant safety concern and should be questioned.

When the pressure washer operator leaves the machine running it is just like a loaded weapon, and he must understand that the gun is armed with deadly force, hot or cold, which could easily be discharged by unsuspecting pedestrians, or children into equipment or persons not intended. Supervisors must instruct to the user to cool down and shut off the equipment as instructed in the operation manual.

This can also be true on systems with pressure sensitive unloaders. Trapped pressure in the hose system between the unloader and gun has the potential for injuring someone even if the engine or motor is off, so a trigger pull with the gun pointed in a safe direction to “disarm” the system must also be done regularly, and shut off the switch.

Operators must be trained & be able to recognize this potential for injury. They must also be trained & expected to perform the shut down procedures correctly and to shut off the unit when not spraying water.

Hydro Tek thinks that using a pressure washer safely is of utmost importance. Do you have any safety tip you would like to share? Please comment on this blog if you do.

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Controlling your wash water runoff. Complex or complicated?

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Hydro Tek

Both, but taking time to understand the process makes it less.  The laws that require this process vary across the country depending on the area of population versus location in the state or city you are working in.  Knowing what you have to do and don’t have to do is the key component to both complexity and complication.  Capturing and recovering the runoff from pressure washing can be complex but does not have to be complicated.

First find out the regulations for the area you are working in by contacting the local municipality that handle wastewater.  Ask questions to determine the parameters.  Am I required to capture and recover my pressure washer discharge?  May I discharge my captured discharge into sanitary sewer?  Do I need to filter it before discharging into sanitary sewer?  Do I need to contain it in a tank?  May I discharge my captured discharge into a controlled landscape planter?  These are a few of the questions to ask.  Don’t complicate it if you don’t have to and don’t make assumptions.

The Hydro Tek Systems Hydro Vacuum products are very flexible in their capabilities.  Should you need to operate closed loop, no discharge, they are designed to capture, recover and process filter the water to a tank for re-use.  If discharge is permitted they have the capability to filter and discharge or not filter and discharge, depending on the regulation.  The systems have the capability to adapt to the restriction helping remove the complexity and complication of the regulations.

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