No one talks about this crucial pressure washing tool until it's too late, and that's why we're making this video—so you don't find yourself in a jam. My partner Jacob and I recently completed a comprehensive commercial pressure washing job and walked through everything you need to know, from start to finish, on how to make money pressure washing commercial properties. If you're interested in seeing the full process, check out the link in the comment section and the description below.
Managing your customers, sending estimates, invoices, and collecting payments can be a hassle. That's why we recommend using Quote IQ, a free app available on the App Store and Google Play Store. For those looking for more advanced features, you can try any paid tier of Quote IQ right now for just $1 at MyQuote IQ.com—find the link in the comment section and the description.
Without further ado, let's dive into the video!
The Importance of a Water Key
One essential tool every business needs for a commercial pressure washing job is a water key. We’ve encountered numerous situations where either the property manager or staff didn't know where the water key was, and we didn’t have one on the truck. This often happened during night jobs at gas stations and other commercial properties, where access to water was restricted, and finding a water key became a challenge.
To avoid these issues, we now always keep a couple of water keys on the truck. These tools are relatively inexpensive, around $10, but they can save you a lot of trouble. If you’re unfamiliar with what a water key looks like, it’s a small tool with different fittings on each side that can unlock various water covers and spigots.
For instance, when you arrive at a job site, you might find a water cover similar to the one pictured here. You can use the water key to unlock the cover and access the water supply. Although we didn't need it for our latest job, which had a regular spigot, having a water key is a crucial precaution. It ensures that you're prepared for any situation, especially when working at night and other stores are closed.
Why Do Businesses Use Water Keys?
Businesses use water keys to protect their water supply, preventing unauthorized use. While it might seem unlikely that someone would steal water, it happens more often than you'd think. The average person isn’t equipped with a water key, so it's a good security measure for businesses to have these covers in place.
Where to Get a Water Key
You can find water keys on Amazon, at Walmart, hardware stores, Lowe's, Home Depot, and many other places. However, if you find yourself needing one at night, it might be challenging to get one immediately. That's why it's always better to have a water key on hand, rather than scrambling to find one when you're already on the job.
Ready to Become a Certified Applicator?
If you're looking to get into the softwash industry but don't know where to start, consider the SESW Softwash 101 class. With over a decade of experience, our field training covers proper application techniques, landscape protection methods, chemical use, and pressure washing on hard surfaces. You'll also learn about marketing and other essential skills to help you build a six-figure income in the exterior cleaning business.
Classes run from 9:00 am to lunch, with troubleshooting and advanced softwashing and pressure washing techniques covered in the afternoon until 3:30 pm (CST). Check the calendar for available training days. The rate is per day per person.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel a class booking up to one week before the class date, with a refund minus a $50 per person cancellation fee. If you need to cancel less than one week before the class date, you can reschedule to a later date or cancel with no refund issued.
Before you head out on your first commercial pressure washing job, make sure you have a water key. It's a small tool, but it can make a big difference in your workflow. We keep one on the truck and one on the trailer to ensure we're always prepared, no matter the circumstances. Remember, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
We hope this tip helps you avoid potential setbacks in your commercial pressure washing jobs. For more tips and a complete walkthrough of a commercial job, check out the video linked in the comments and description. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this post with your fellow pressure washing professionals! See you in the next video!
