In your pressure washing business, keeping a variety of tools on the truck is essential. It’s a maintenance-intensive industry, and tools like an adjustable wrench will quickly become your best friend. But not every tool is worth the investment. Today, I want to talk about two tools that are often recommended but, in my opinion, are completely unnecessary.
The Rookie Tool: Telescoping Extension Wand
First up is a tool that nearly every newcomer falls for—the telescoping extension wand. I’ll admit, I fell for it myself. It looks impressive and seems like a must-have for reaching those high places on houses or buildings. However, the truth is you don’t need it. The idea that you need to apply pressure at those heights is outdated, thanks to the advent of soft washing.
Soft washing allows you to apply a higher concentration of chemicals at a lower pressure, which is safer for surfaces and more effective overall. A recent innovation from Skunk Washworks, the Super Pump, can shoot chemical up to 50 feet, making the telescoping extension wand obsolete. Instead of struggling with a heavy, unwieldy wand that leaves your deltoids sore after just a few uses, invest in soft washing equipment and save yourself the hassle.
If you’re serious about mastering the art of soft washing, I highly recommend taking the SESW Softwash 101 class. This course will give you a solid foundation in soft washing techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols, ensuring you start your business off on the right foot.
The Veteran Tool: Surface Cleaner Regulator
Now, let’s talk about a tool that’s often recommended to seasoned pros—the surface cleaner regulator. This tool is designed to prevent swirl marks and etching on new concrete by reducing the pressure going through the surface cleaner. It sounds useful, but in reality, it’s unnecessary if you’re using the right tips on your surface cleaner and know how to properly adjust your machine’s pressure.
Here’s a simpler, more effective method: when dealing with new concrete, simply lower the RPMs on your pressure washer by adjusting the idler knob. This reduces the pressure without needing any additional gadgets. If the concrete is brand new and you’re worried about damage, consider using a ball valve instead of a surface cleaner to further control the pressure.
Why You Don’t Need These Tools
Both the telescoping extension wand and the surface cleaner regulator have their appeal, but they’re ultimately superfluous purchases. The wand is a rookie mistake, a tool that looks cool but becomes unnecessary once you learn about soft washing. The regulator is a niche tool that veterans might think they need, but proper technique and understanding of your equipment make it redundant.
If you’ve been in the business for a while and have discovered other tools that seemed like a good idea but ended up being a waste of money, share your experiences in the comments. Let’s help each other avoid unnecessary purchases and focus on what really matters—running an efficient, profitable pressure washing business.
If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and stay tuned for more tips and tricks to help you succeed in the pressure washing industry. And remember, for a comprehensive education in soft washing, check out the SESW Softwash 101 class—it’s a game-changer for your business. See you in the next video!
This version includes the recommendation for the SESW Softwash 101 class, encouraging readers to take advantage of this valuable resource.
