Pressure-Washing Spray Guns: A High-Powered Evolution
CETA Edge: Technical Issues
Finding the Best Fit—Spray Guns
Therma-Kleen—Poised to Meet the Demands and Needs of the Cleaning Industry
Common Mistakes in Sealant Applications
Handling an OSHA Inspection
Financial: Branching Out and Up
Insurance: Shared Risk
Industry News
Service Center Directory
Products & Services Directory
The flowers are blooming, trees are budding, grass is growing, and baby birds are chirping. The chill of winter is receding, and the amount of daylight is increasing. The month of April is here.
On page 6 several industry experts—Whisper Wash, BE Power Equipment, and HydraMotion Cleaning Systems—provide advice on proper maintenance for surface cleaners. Since we don’t live in a perfect world and nothing remains in a pristine state, we should expect to have to carry out maintenance on the tools of the pressure washing trade, including surface cleaners. The information provided in the article helps explain the safety and cost savings—both in time and money—that are involved in a proper maintenance program.
Turn to page 12 to read BluBird’s perspective on pressure-washing spray guns. They provide a brief history of the pressure washer, tips for picking the right pressure-washing gear, proper maintenance for spray guns and hoses, and troubleshooting tips.
On page 16 CETA shares important information from their technical committee. As reported in the article the top goals for the committee “are finalizing the THC-335H (Technical Harmonization Committee) and improving the CPC-100 (certified performance) standards.” More in-depth information is shared in detail about both goals in the article.
On page 20 PowerJet, Veloci Performance Products, and P.A. NAM contribute to a second article in this issue about spray guns. It is noted that many of the spray gun features detailed in the article haven’t been noticed like they should even though they have been around, and these features can save time and energy. These manufacturers also ask questions to help contractors assess what factors should be weighed—how light, sturdy, and watertight the gun is—in selecting a professional spray gun.
Finally, it’s always noteworthy when a company or individual serves in an industry for multiple decades. This month Therma-Kleen is featured on page 26, having manufactured steam cleaning equipment since 1985. They saw a need for a “greener” solution to clean and sanitize and offer that in their portable dry vapor steam cleaner.
On page 51 Spartan Manufacturing is recognized for celebrating 50 years of manufacturing high-quality, heavy-duty industrial pressure-washing systems.
On page 50, Pete Gustin shares his celebration of 30 years of working at Comet SpA. He was willing to answer a few questions and share what he has learned.
Cleaner Times wishes you a great April.
• josh@cleanertimes.com
Ware • admin@cleanertimes.com
Phelps • joey@cleanertimes.com ACCOUNTING/CIRCULATION Tammy Hanner accounting@fcapgroup.com
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MAINTENANCE FOR
SURFACE CLEANERS
Photo courtesy of
by Diane M. Calabrese
Maintenance-free would be nice. Make that “will be” because although we are not there yet, the day is coming.
Surface cleaners get high marks for ease of use. But just because something is easy to use, it doesn’t mean it requires no maintenance. (Even a pencil needs sharpening.)
Three experts on surface cleaners share their tips for accomplishing the routine maintenance required—and for accomplishing it with the least disruption to a work schedule.
As with any machine, there’s some subjectivity when we try to determine what’s most important in routine maintenance. Rankings are always difficult.
“I’m sure there are many opinions on this,” says Maxwell Baldwin, the owner and director of operations at Whisper Wash in Saint Petersburg, FL. “My belief is there are two factors.”
And the factors are? “The tips of the spray bar need to be changed often,” says Bladwin. “The other equally important component is cartridge/swivel maintenance.”
Changing the tips of the spray bar is more of a performance and timesaving issue, explains Baldwin. “Tips are fairly inexpensive and need to be changed quite often in order to maintain proper fanning and surface impact to achieve desired results.”
Swivel maintenance brings different approaches with a variety of opinions, says Baldwin. “At our company we take a replacement approach to save time, and drop in a new cartridge to keep that bar spinning at optimal levels.”
Specific maintenance protocols depend upon the design of the surface cleaner. Replacement is just one possibility.
“There are other variants on the market that require rebuilding, and my advice would be to make sure those are maintained as well,” says Baldwin. Maintenance of components is necessary to “ensure proper quality and time management for your jobs.”
We can delay the decision to sharpen a pencil. A dull tip frustrates but causes no real damage. Deferring surface cleaner maintenance invites serious consequences.
A properly maintained machine is safest. “From a safety standpoint, I would suggest that if your surface cleaner has brushes, keep those brushes maintained to help keep debris from coming out of the surface cleaner,” says Baldwin.
Without the routine attention required, a surface cleaner would be at risk of failing in many ways.
“If a hose pops, that could lead to injury,” says Baldwin.
Maintenance of surface cleaners is not difficult. “It is pretty easy on most units,” says Baldwin. “Take some extra care and time to ensure you aren’t being negligent in maintaining your units.”
Care and attention apply to use, too, explains Baldwin. Be attentive to changes in surfaces, such as curbs and uneven substrates. “Nothing can end the life of a bar or swivel faster than pushing large gpms through a unit and then suddenly stopping that rotating bar on a curb.”
“It would be the swivels, hoses, and connection points,” says Baldwin. “Most times these units get a lot of UV exposure, and this can break down hoses over time. Check your hoses and connection points to make sure there are no cracks or discolorations.”
And safety again, as a breakdown could result in an incident.
Using a machine as it was built to be used is an essential part of maintenance. Sounds obvious, but we humans do get complacent and push machines just a bit harder than we should.
OEM
A pencil does not arrive with instructions for use. But most equipment comes with instructions from the OEM
Photo courtesy of HydraMotion Cleaning Systems.
[original equipment manufacturer], or a QR code or web address that ties us to the OEM.
Using a machine as it was built to be used is an essential part of maintenance. Sure, pushing the limits of equipment could lead to innovative ideas.
On a job site, however, the goal should be to get the longest and best
performance from a surface cleaner. That only happens if the machine gets used within recommended parameters. Unnecessary expense is the consequence of neglected maintenance. Consider the swivel as an example.
“The most important component to a surface cleaner in general is the swivel or rotary head,” says Aaron
Auger with BE Power® Equipment, which is headquartered in Abbotsford, BC, Canada. “This is the most expensive part of the entire accessory and one that deserves attention.”
How to begin to give the swivel the attention it requires? “It’s a good idea to ensure that the swivel is always lubricated, especially if the surface cleaner is not going to be used for extended periods,” says Auger.
Then, add cleanliness to lubrication. “Keeping any dirt and debris out of the swivel will also ensure that it will perform as intended time after time,” explains Auger.
Be prudent in a proactive way. “It is a good idea to do a quick inspection of the nozzles after each use,” says Auger. “Make sure that no debris is stuck in the nozzles or that they are not overly worn. This will also ensure your surface cleaner performs at peak performance each time.”
We know human weakness and our innate resistance to pausing once we get going. Think of the nozzle check as akin to checking blades on a mower to make certain they are not laden with gunk. To be efficient and save time, we know what to do.
Skip the routine maintenance, including simple checks, and things become more difficult. And possibly more expensive.
“The biggest risk in skipped maintenance is lack of performance of the unit, which will require extra time for the operator to go over any spots that may not be cleaned up to standard due to the unit not functioning as intended,” says Auger. “If the swivel needs to be replaced, that can be a costly repair that perhaps could have been avoided with routine maintenance.”
NEVER A GOOD TIME
There’s no good time for equipment to fail. Routine maintenance eats up time, but far less time than a loss of the equipment.
“The biggest risk to a surface cleaner from skipping routine maintenance is unanticipated equipment
failure and the associated losses,” says Bruce Tassone, president of HydraMotion Cleaning Systems— with its signature SideWinder— headquartered in Pottstown, PA. “When a high-pressure swivel absorbs too much damage, this can lead to costly repairs or downtime or both.”
There’s no way to overstate the significance of taking a go-to machine off the equipment roster. Think putting a key player on the disabled list.
“Damage to the high-pressure swivel results in severe impact on a contractor’s effectiveness and time,” explains Tassone. “The contractor’s productivity drops, and the forced downtime of a piece of equipment consumes hours and dollars that could have otherwise been spent generating revenue.”
Where would Tassone begin with maintenance? “There are three critical components to maintain on a surface cleaner,” he says. “The most important of the three is the swivel assembly.”
Tassone explains that on his company’s signature machine, the checks on the swivel begin with the lower ports. “Check the lower ports at the swivel base for any bypass water flow.”
And if there is flow? “If some bypass water is seen from these ports, the operator should check the seals,” says Tassone.
“Another important component is the spray bar, specifically the spray nozzles,” says Tassone. “If the nozzles are clogged or show sign of wear, it will dramatically impact the effectiveness of the surface cleaner.”
Photo courtesy of Whisper Wash. Cartridge.
Left: Photo courtesy of HydraMotion Cleaning Systems. Swivel STD-2.
IN FACT, THE MOST ROUTINE OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON A SURFACE CLEANER
MIGHT BE REDUCED TO THE TWO EASIEST COMPONENTS TO MONITOR—AND REPLACE AS NEEDED: FILTERS AND SEALS. THE SIMPLEST ACTIONS, ANALOGOUS TO KEEPING A PENCIL SHARP, CONTRIBUTE TO TOP PERFORMANCE. (WHEN WE GO MAINTENANCE-FREE, IT WILL BE EASIER.)
Go back to the lawnmower analogy with muck and grass clinging to the blades. Now that slows things down significantly and results in uneven cuts. The muck also contributes to machine damage by taxing alignment.
Take one more regular precaution beyond regularly checking for clogs, advises Tassone. “We recommend filters at the pressure washer discharge valve and at the accessories’ inlets.”
What purpose do the filters serve? “They protect all the high-pressure components from premature clogging and failing due to the accumulation and ingestion of debris in the equipment.”
Small amounts of debris can add up to a big problem. “When highpressure components become clogged, damaging vibration and loss of water flow can occur. Additionally, this small, hard debris acts like sandpaper leading to premature wear and damage.”
Debris coming through the public water supply that a contractor taps—
is that possible? It most certainly is—and does.
Assuming that there’s no junk in the water, nothing to be filtered or menace machine parts, is a bad guess. In some parts of the country, it’s possible to turn on the tap in the kitchen and fill a glass with water as well as flakes of metal or other residues. It’s usually when the utility is doing known repair work, but not always.
Filters are the friend of any machine with an intake from the public water supply—from washing machines to surface cleaners. They are not expensive, but they do need regular attention.
In fact, the most routine of routine maintenance on a surface cleaner might be reduced to the two easiest components to monitor—and replace as needed: filters and seals.
The simplest actions, analogous to keeping a pencil sharp, contribute to top performance. (When we go maintenance-free, it will be easier.) CT
PRESSURE-WASHING
SPRAY GUNS
AHIGH-POWEREDEVOLUTION
by Ken Hebert
Photo
Ah, the pressure-washing spray gun— humanity’s answer to stubborn grime, questionable DIY projects, and the misguided belief that “more pressure is always better.” Over the years these mighty tools have evolved from crude, clunky contraptions to sleek, ergonomic cleaning machines that make filth tremble in fear.
Let’s dive into the gripping history, crucial selection criteria, and essential maintenance tips, so you can wield
your spray gun like a seasoned pro (and avoid turning your deck into splinters in the process).
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PRESSURE-WASHING SPRAY GUNS (OR, HOW WE LEARNED TO HARNESS WATER LIKE A SUPERPOWER)
The origin story of pressure washing is almost as thrilling as a superhero movie. Back in 1926, Frank W. Ofeldt II accidentally discovered the first pressure washer while tinkering with a steam-powered whiskey still (because all
Photo
great inventions start with whiskey). (See https://www. cleanertimes.com/magazine/cleaner-times-articles-2/thehistory-of-pressure-washing-evolution-of-an-industrypart-one/.) Fast forward to the late 1970s and early ‘80s, when the introduction of ceramic plunger pumps transformed pressure washers from clunky water bazookas into efficient, safe, and (somewhat) user-friendly tools.
Over the past three decades spray guns have shed excess weight and gained ergonomic designs, trigger safety latches, and quick-connect tips—because no one has time for complicated attachments when dealing with a driveway full of sludge. Hoses have also evolved, becoming more durable and resistant to wear, making them less likely to burst and create an accidental water park in your backyard.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPRAY GUN: A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR DISTRIBUTORS AND CONTRACTORS
Before you go blasting away at every surface in sight, let’s talk about how to pick the right pressure-washing gear. The job requirements should be your first consideration— different surfaces demand different nozzles and pressure levels. Pro tip: Just because it can strip paint doesn’t mean it should. Environmental factors matter too. Temperature, weather conditions, and exposure to chemicals can turn your equipment into a ticking time bomb if you’re not careful. Safety
is another major concern—pressure washers are surprisingly dangerous. Have you ever seen someone accidentally pressure wash their own foot? It’s not pretty.
Finally, weigh your budget against durability. Cheap equipment saves you money—until it breaks mid-job, and you’re left scrubbing your driveway with a sponge. A balance between cost and longevity ensures you won’t be replacing your gear every season.
KEEPING YOUR PRESSURE WASHING EQUIPMENT ALIVE
If you enjoy throwing money away on frequent replacements, feel free to ignore this section. But if you’d rather keep your spray gun and hose in top shape, here’s what you need to know.
Spray guns need regular checkups for leaks and cracks unless you like water spraying everywhere except where you need it. Clogged nozzles lead to weak, useless sprays that barely remove dust, let alone grime. Also, lubricate those O-rings—nothing says “failure” like a leaky, highpressure disaster.
Hoses deserve just as much attention. Inspect them for cracks and bulges before each use, or learn the hard way what a surprise rupture feels like. Store them properly—kinks shorten their lifespan and not in a fun way. If a hose is damaged beyond repair, replace it. Duct tape won’t save you here.
PRESSURE WASHING: DOS, DON’TS, AND “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?”
Proper Uses (a.k.a. How to Clean Like a Pro)
Using the right nozzle and pressure setting is key to getting results without causing damage. Concrete or brick surfaces require a wide fan tip (25°–40°) with high pressure. Wood decks need a narrower tip (15°) with lower pressure to avoid looking like they were attacked by a beaver. Delicate surfaces, such as siding or windows, demand a very wide fan tip (60°+) and low pressure unless you enjoy buying new windows.
Engaging safety features like trigger latches is also a must. Always lock the trigger when not in use to prevent accidental sprays. Test all safety mechanisms before starting because discovering they don’t work after pressing the trigger is never a good surprise.
Improper Uses (a.k.a.
What
Not to Do Unless You Like Regret)
Blasting fragile surfaces with high pressure is a surefire way to destroy them. Windows? Expect shattered glass. Vinyl siding? Say goodbye to your paint job. Wood? Enjoy a deck that looks like it lost a fight with a chainsaw.
Ignoring safety gear is another classic mistake. No safety glasses? Say hello to water-powered shrapnel. No gloves? Enjoy the sensation of high-pressure water peeling your skin. No protective clothing? You might as well tattoo “I like pain” on your arm.
Troubleshooting: Because Things Will Go Wrong
Spray guns can be tricky. If you notice leaks at the connections or O-rings, prepare for an unexpected shower. If the trigger mechanism isn’t working, your spray gun is now just a fancy-looking stick. And if the body is leaking, just replace it—unless wasting water and money is your hobby. Hoses require equal attention. Identifying leaks early can save you from a full-blown geyser situation.
Never, and I mean NEVER, attempt to repair a high-pressure hose. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. Also, check fittings and connections—loose parts and high pressure do not mix well.
FINAL THOUGHTS: CLEAN SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Pressure-washing spray guns have come a long way, from whiskey-still accidents to high-powered grimefighting machines. Whether you’re a
distributor, a contractor, or an overenthusiastic homeowner, using the right equipment, treating it well, and not using it to strip the paint off your car (yes, it happens) will keep you cleaning like a pro.
Now, go forth and blast away that dirt—responsibly.
For more information about BluBird Industries, call 844-769-4673, email sales@blubirdindustries.com, or visit www.blubirdindustries.com CT
TECHNICAL ISSUES
Photo
by Diane M. Calabrese
ISSUES
Regulations, standards, certification, harmonization—good things, all. Yet keeping up with expectations—and changes to them—takes time. Fortunately, no one must do it alone.
The Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) offers its members abundant information about complex technical and regulatory issues—what’s in effect now and what’s in the pipeline. Let’s look at some of the how and why of what’s being done in the technical and regulatory realms.
Comments come to us from two individuals currently serving on the technical committee: Phil Petty, chairman, and Rick Gilpatrick, secretary. Petty is the general manager of Williams Cleaning Systems, with locations in Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo, CA. Rick Gilpatrick is the senior vice president for R&D at FNA Group in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
“I’m working closely with several experienced individuals and other committees in our industry to help increase awareness and standards in our industry—and across related products,” says Petty. He adds that he also wants to guide advocacy that will take place in the oft-vexing climate of regulatory changes.
Members working on technical issues have set an ambitious agenda. The top goals are finalizing the THC-335H and updating and improving the CPC-100 standards. THC is the acronym for Technical Harmonization Committee, a large working group of industry members assembled by CETA. Gilpatrick currently chairs the group.
Beyond the top objectives, there is much more in the works. For example, there is the possibility of revising highpressure hose standards construction and testing to align with modern manufacturing processes.
There is much in the queue of issues the committee aims to take up. And Petty shares more examples. “Clarifying how reserve throttle will be determined on engines with electronic governors is one,” explains Petty.
“We have also proposed to look into establishing standards for commonly
used connectors,” says Petty. The aim is to standardize high pressure connectors, both the pin and the receptacle, for the M22, ½ quick connect (qc) and 3/8 qc.
The committee also continues to promote awareness of the CPC-100 standard for manufacturers of pressure washers. A manufacturer that adheres to the standard makes it a much simple matter for purchasers of its equipment to compare attributes.
Although members of CETA are now fully aware of the CARB [California Air Resources Board] rules for small offroad engines (SORE), reminders about the changes that continue to occur, and expectations, must be kept in front of CETA members.
“When it comes to the technical CETA committee and its members, they are all passionate about the work they do for the industry,” says Petty. “They want to work toward positive and proper standards for the industry.”
DELVING DEEPER
With the overview in mind, let’s delve a bit deeper. Start with CPC-100, a performance standard that simplifies comparisons for equipment purchasers. A CPC-100 certified machine has been systematically compared with other machines in its category.
Of course, as engines change, the CPC-100 must incorporate the changes in its evaluation. Thus, determining how a reserve throttle will be determined on engines that have electronic governors (E gov) has become a focus of the committee, says Gilpatrick.
Although some EFI [electronic fuel injection] engines do have mechanical governors, staying ahead of the issue requires being prepared to incorporate within the standard those that do not.
“A reserve throttle cannot be documented in the same way as engines with mechanical governors when there is no mechanical governor on engines with EFI and E gov,” explains Gilpatrick.
The focus on hose connectors is not the only attention hoses are getting. The committee also has put a priority on high-pressure hose construction and testing methods, says Gilpatrick.
Regular review and updating of standards that undergird the CPC-100 are essential. “The efforts are necessary to assure safety and consistency to the products that carry the CETA-certified logo,” explains Gilpatrick.
CPC-100 participants adhere to an advertising code. For example, the maximum pressure a machine can be rated is 10 percent more than the calculated average. Or, if some prefer, the actual measured pressure and flow must be 90 percent of advertised flow.
The CETA CPC-100 standard also acknowledges an engine should not need to run at maximum rpm to achieve the maximum pressure; indeed, the standard requires a 15 percent reserve. Why a reserve measure? It serves as evidence of commitment by the manufacturer to engine longevity, making the certification particularly valuable to end users.
“The CPC-100 is the gold standard for product rating, and we at CETA know that consumers care about the
quality and professionalism that comes with buying a CETA-certified machine,” says Gilpatrick. He adds the feedback from members and dealers brings high praise for the standard. Continuous product improvement is a result of standards. It’s the ally of safer and safer products. Thus, a great fit.
“The value of CETA-certified pressure washers helps assure consumers, dealers, and contractors that the quality, craftsmanship, and product performance expectations are met on every machine made,” says Gilpatrick.
“Consistency and fairness are what motivate committee members to make the certification process easy for all of its members and customers. We are proud of the work that CETA has done to improve the products that are sold in the market and well into the future.”
Gilpatrick recently agreed to lead the THC-335H group. His experience in reviewing submissions of products being evaluated for certification got the attention of the group.
“The THC-335H is a group of international members including manufacturers and representatives from UL and CSA [Canadian Standards Association],” he explains. “The committee is focused on the adaptation of the IEC 60335-2-79 into a UL 60335-2-79 and CSA 60335-2-79 with deviations.”
The effort at harmonization has been going on for years. The “335H” in the committee’s name derives from the last three digits of the standards that are being harmonized, and the “H” derives from harmonization. Despite the years of intense work, there are still differences to be resolved. For that reason, UL 1776, the original Underwriters Laboratories standard for pressure washers, which was to have been retired by now (replaced by the harmonized standard), is still in effect.
Those working on technical issues to the benefit of all CETA members— as well as the entire industry—strive to keep pace with regulations. They also endeavor to help shape regulations by providing feedback from the industry to regulators.
Just a few years ago, it seemed amazing that both commercial and residential lawn and garden users of engines would have their equipment swept into SORE regulations. But CETA was already aware of what might emerge, and members of the association testified about the concerns of our industry.
Thanks to efforts by representatives of CETA and other groups, manufacturers of new equipment have been given more time to meet lower emission requirements. For now, it appears the full enforcement of SORE will begin in 2026. And the enforcement will affect not only manufacturers based in the Golden State but also any manufacturer that sells in that state.
The CETA Technical and Standards Committee aims to keep pace with regulations affecting our industry, not only by monitoring changes and additions but also by commenting on proposed rules. It’s a huge undertaking. And CETA members reap the benefits of consolidated and concise information at the CETA.org website CT
FINDING THE BEST FIT:
Spoons are interchangeable and so are golf clubs, but only in the broadest sense. Although it’s possible to eat soup with a sugar spoon or tee off with a putter, neither match is a practical one. Finding the best fit is the name of the game when choosing a tool to perform a task. Perhaps nothing is more universal than the quest for ease of use. So, a spray gun that has been constructed with ergonomics in mind gets noticed. An end user welcomes a finger-friendly trigger, for instance.
“We sell all different types and brands of spray guns,” says Brad Howland, president of PowerJet ® Pressure Cleaning Systems in Sussex Corner, NB, Canada. “We do not have to promote one over the other.”
Why not? “Our customers know we have a choice in spray guns and buy them according to what they have had in the past, or they try something new,” says Howland.
The easy-trigger configuration is popular, a top seller in fact, explains Howland. What’s interesting about it is how little it has changed in the last 20 years.
“If I were to tell a customer to buy a gun, it would be an easy-trigger type for ease of use,” says Howland. The easy-trigger design is also used in fishing lines to achieve the objective of taking strain off a finger.
Any feature of a pressure washer that makes it simpler to operate will take stress off the operator. Less stress, less fatigue.
Being able to work longer hours more safely—weariness is very much a safety risk—is a plus for the operator, and it’s a boon to the entire industry.
SPRAY GUNS
The optimal spray gun can make a huge difference to achieving the best outcome in the shortest amount of time, with minimal wear and tear on the body and equipment. For contractors who have not been paying much attention to spray gun options, it’s time to start looking at them.
Just as a standard dinner spoon could cross over to meet many needs— soup to sugar—eating becomes a lot simpler when everything is right sized. And for those who really like the challenge of moving a ball down the fairway by using a putter, go ahead.
(But do not expect to make any friends among the foursomes that follow.)
Is this a bad analogy because no one cares how slowly a contractor moves on a jobsite? No. The owner of the property who contracted for the work cares very much. An excellent outcome in the shortest possible time is the dream of every property owner.
KNOW WHAT’S AVAILABLE
Many spray gun features that simplify life for contractors have been around, but they haven’t gotten the notice they deserved.
“There are many individual features of spray guns that dealers and contractors have started taking notice of,” says Aaron Lindholm, CEO and president of Veloci Performance Products in Burnsville, MN. “Many of these features have been available for some time by manufacturers, but it seems added benefits of these features have only recently become sought after.”
The features virtually shout out the time and energy savings to which they contribute. “Some of these features include stainless-steel internals, built-in live swivels, easy-pull
Photo courtesy of Veloci Performance Products. SG28 spray gun.
by Diane M. Calabrese
triggers, color options, and spray gun pre-assemblies with quick connect fittings,” says Lindholm.
When selecting a spray gun, an end user should know what he or she wants. It’s not enough to just go to a distributor and ask for a generalpurpose spray gun.
“Consider all the requirements when selecting a spray gun,” says Lindholm. There are five that he lists: gpm, psi, temperature, material type, and comfort.
Ensure the gun is suited to the gpm and psi that the operator will be using. And make certain that the
spray gun and temperature of water are compatible—i.e., whether the gun can be used with hot water.
Then there are the chemicals. The composition of the gun must be compatible with any chemicals that will be applied. There should be zero reactivity between a gun and chemical to ensure the chemical is not altered and the gun attains its full lifespan.
Comfort must be in the mix. Lindholm says end users should consider options for relaxed pull, body size, and weight.
And Lindholm emphasizes the end user should think carefully about how often the gun will be used. “Will the spray gun be used in short durations or for extended periods of time?”
A spray gun may seem like such a small thing to consider. It’s not.
There’s been a lot of talk recently about the bane of paper straws. Paper straws collapse on themselves. Even if the opening doesn’t close completely in the collapse, there’s a lot more effort
Photo courtesy of Veloci Performance Products.
SGS35 spray gun.
required to move fluid through a narrowed opening.
Spray gun apertures will not narrow on themselves, but they may be built too narrow for the routine work of a contractor. “Choosing the correct spray gun can greatly impact speed, efficiency, comfort, and safety of the user,” says Lindholm. “Spray guns are no longer considered one-size-fits-all.”
Get to know the range of designs available. “Everyone should take time to explore the fit and features of today’s generation of spray guns,” says Lindholm. “The results may surprise you.”
Manufacturers and distributors want to make the workday the best it can be for contractors. Be sure to know what they have to offer.
Lindholm says that integrated live swivels are an example of a highly functional feature of a spray gun that more contractors should know. “Many don’t understand the added convenience of an integrated live swivel.”
What happens when the integrated live swivel is not chosen? “I constantly see contractors fighting with tangled hoses,” says Lindholm. “This is not only an inconvenience but also a safety hazard.”
The better solution? “With spray guns such as MTM Hydro’s SGS28 or SGS35, you get an integrated live swivel without the weight and bulkiness of an add-on swivel,” says Lindholm.
STURDY AND LIGHT
How light can a sturdy spray gun be? Well, as light as feasible might be the best way to put it.
Manufacturers of spray guns keep pushing the answer to that question as they strive to make the lightest possible gun that’s also sturdy. End users should carefully assess their options to take advantage of innovative solutions for achieving the balance.
“When choosing a professional spray gun, the aim is to get something more than ‘sturdy,’” says Davide Rizzi, technical support representative with P.A. NAM Corp. in Bloomington, MN. To that end, seek the answers to some questions.
“How long can the spray gun stay watertight, even in harder conditions and with less than crystal-clear water?” says Rizzi. “How many hours can it pull, even with debris, sand, and scale being pushed through highpressure water?”
Rizzi explains the emphasis that his company puts on watertightness.
“Our company’s professional spray guns like the Vega and the RL 30 can remain watertight for their whole
lifespan, thus preventing major problems on the other components of the machine, especially the unloader.”
Naturally, Rizzi’s company also keeps the entire constellation of spray gun features in view when designing for the end user. For example, finding ways to lighten up on or reduce repetitive motion tasks protects equipment operators in all sectors.
“The easy-trigger mechanism implemented on the new Facile gun
by our company significantly reduces the force to be applied on the trigger when the gun is under pressure,” he explains. “It is a big step forward in terms of fatigue reduction for the operator and the prevention of injury from repetitive motion.”
It’s an exciting time for industrial design thanks to the overarching goal to do everything better and more efficiently. AI now helps analyze existing configurations and assists with identification of alterations that improve performance. Ultimately, improvements add up and enhance the experience of equipment operators.
Rizzi explains that his company asks broad questions about how its tools are deployed. Spray guns serve as an example of how the questions develop and are pursued.
“Are there new and innovative fields of application for spray guns?” says Rizzi. “The use of high-pressure water does not stop at pressure washing. Different fields of application such as
hydro-excavation, firefighting, or foaming require dedicated, specifically designed spray guns.”
Tailoring a spray gun to its specific niche ensures precision in use. Stainless steel, brass couplers, insulation, etc.— whatever works best. Manufacturers begin at the end, how the spray gun will be used, and design for the use.
They aim for what’s possible and practical. Again, think spoons and golf clubs—much is possible but not always practical.
“Our company was able to understand the needs of new applications and developed reliable, professional spray guns with revolutionary design,” says Rizzi. “There are the Linear 80/280, with its in-line design for hydro-vac, and the LS9 for firefighting—two examples of the big development potential for the spray gun market.”
In every design sector, efficiency, simplicity, and longevity are being integrated. Spray guns are no exception. CT
Photos courtesy of PA NAM.
Below: FACILE customizable spray gun.
FACILE spray gun.
THERMA-KLEEN
POISED TO MEET THE DEMANDS AND NEEDS OF THE CLEANING INDUSTRY
Photo
Therma-Kleen is part of an innovative family business headquartered in Michigan, with manufacturing roots dating back to 1881. We have been manufacturing for the steam cleaning industry worldwide since 1985. Our product line offers a complete range of high-pressure steam cleaners…from dry vapor to wet steam. Therma-Kleen provides the total solution to sanitize, clean, and degrease to achieve the highest standard of bacteria-free cleanliness.
After being in the industry for several years, our founders saw the need to create a unique, quality-made line of portable, high-pressure steam cleaning systems. This led to the introduction of our line of Therma-Kleen Ultra propane-fired and all-electric, high-pressure steam cleaning systems.
As the world became more environmentally conscious, Therma-Kleen recognized the growing interest and demand for alternative and “greener” solutions for cleaning and sanitizing. This prompted the introduction of our latest and most innovative systems yet…our own line of US-made, portable, dry vapor steam cleaning systems designed to sanitize and clean using very little water and no chemicals. Today this is widely known as our Therma-Steem product line of dry vapor steam cleaners.
Today, as in the past, Therma-Kleen operates with the belief that effective, eco-friendly cleaning systems that use no chemicals will help make the world a safer place. All Therma-Kleen systems have been designed and manufactured in the United States for the residential, commercial, and industrial markets. Currently our product offering still includes the following:
• The Therma-Kleen Ultra line of commercial/industrial, cleanburning propane high-temperature wet steam cleaning systems.
• The Therma-Kleen Ultra line of commercial/industrial, all-electric, environmentally friendly wet steam cleaning systems.
• The Therma-Kleen line of all stainless-steel, commercial/ industrial, all-electric dry vapor steam cleaners.
Therma-Kleen has been and will continue to be poised to meet the discerning demands and needs of the cleaning industry. Our intent is to continue to produce the finest and most innovative equipment in the industry by providing products that are safe, rugged, and capable of achieving the highest standard of bacteria-free cleanliness.
To contact Therma-Kleen you can visit our website at www.Therma-Kleen.com, send an email to sales@therma-kleen.com, or give us a call at 630-718-0212 CT
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SEALANT APPLICATIONS COMMON MISTAKES IN
Follow directions. Are these two of the most ignored words in the English language? The surest way to avoid common mistakes in sealant applications is to commit to following directions. Assume nothing.
Things change so rapidly in this contemporary industry that a sealant used only a month earlier may have been modified. For example, concentrated products become more popular—and more concentrated—each day. Read about the current concentration and understand the dilution schedule. Then go from there, but only after assessing the substrate and the expectations of a property owner. Is there an upper limit to what a property owner will spend? Is longevity most important even if achieving it costs more?
Consider a wood deck, which is common enough and is sometimes simply spruced up a bit before a home is put on the market for sale. That’s a different outlook than when an owner wants the sealant to extend the life of the deck to the fullest.
“My strongest advice to anyone with a deck is to never use a waterbased stain or paint on a wood deck,” says Mike Hilborn, president of RTD Services in Saint Paul, MN. “Only use oil-based stain or paint.”
Photos courtesy of Stephen Venturini of Venturini’s Pressure Washing.
Photo by iStockphoto.com/Rattankun Thongbun
Diane M. Calabrese
And the reason for avoiding waterbased stains? “Water-based stains cannot be removed with strippers,” explains Hilborn. “They have to be mechanically removed, which means sanded.”
Sanding increases the cost of a project simply because of the time it takes. “Sanding horizontal surfaces is possible but costs three or four times more than traditional strippers or power washing,” explains Hilborn. “Sanding vertical surfaces is next to impossible.”
As a veteran contractor in our industry, Hilborn gives us advice based on his years of experience with substrates and methods. Useful, indeed, because the first rung of any ladder to success with sealants is talking to the industry experts who have been there and done it many times.
PRODUCT VANTAGE
Fellow industry members are just one vital source of information. Manufacturers and distributors of sealant products are also resources. From the product side we get a reminder that the best sealant only attains its promise when applied to a correctly prepared surface.
“A common and easily avoidable mistake in sealant application is improper preparation of the substrate, says Missy Ordiway, business development manager at Deco Products Inc. in Denver CO. “This includes skipping critical steps like testing for previous sealers and ensuring the surface is thoroughly cleaned.”
We must know where we are. Then, we can plan where we are going. The two-step approach is as relevant to sealers as it is to travel.
“If a previous sealer is present and not addressed, the new sealer may fail to adhere properly, leading to costly work, including stripping and resealing,” explains Ordiway. “Inadequate cleaning can leave behind mold, fungus, or contaminants, which can grow beneath the sealer and compromise adhesion.”
A “good enough” approach to cleaning is unlikely to be good enough. “Proper preparation, including thorough
cleaning and due diligence in testing the substrate, is essential to ensure a durable and successful sealing job,” says Ordiway.
An excellent outcome when using a sealant can only be had when all the necessary preliminaries are completed. And the ground zero work is knowing the substrate.
Any substrate can be cleaned and prepared so that a sealant fulfills its promise. Adhesion can be compromised on any substrate. The responsibility of the contractor is to make certain that it is not compromised.
What is good advice to contractors?
“The best thing to do is to perform a water test on the substrate before accepting the job so you can properly plan for what the job needs, and ensure you are extremely meticulous in your cleaning and preparation work,” says Ordiway.
Whichever product is used, a contractor takes responsibility for using the methodical approach necessary to get an excellent outcome. Slapdash methods undermine sealants.
To get it right, a contractor assesses, reviews options, and makes the best match. And there’s never a shortcut to cleaning.
Photos courtesy of Wood Defender. Poor saturation.
Beautiful finished fence.
“The three most common and easily avoidable mistakes we see that lead to sealant failure, specifically in fences, are not mixing materials properly, applying product to wet wood, and not fully saturating the surface with the sealant,” says Roy Branch, the director of wholesale distribution at Wood Defender–Standard Paints Inc. in Mansfield, TX.
“If the stain isn’t thoroughly mixed, its protective properties won’t distribute evenly, leading to inconsistent results,” explains Branch. “Applying stain to wet wood prevents proper absorption, reducing durability. And if the surface isn’t fully saturated, the fence remains vulnerable to moisture, UV damage, and premature deterioration.”
Branch goes on to amplify his comment, telling us that when listing the issues, he is thinking specifically about his company’s premium oilbased ex-terior wood stain and seal. “Addressing these issues ensures a longer-lasting, more durable finish,” he says.
As to how it works as it does, Branch gives us some background to explain why mixing, application, and saturation are so crucial to optimal outcomes. His company’s exterior stains—and many others—are formulated with oils, pigments, and protective additives, which can all settle over time.
Branch explains that thorough mixing disperses the additives. Without the proper mixing, the result of an application may be uneven color, poor penetration, and lessened protection.
Why is wet wood an issue? Effective absorption of stain depends on dry wood, explains Branch. The stain can penetrate properly, and it achieves a stronger bond and an even finish. An uneven finish may contribute to premature failure or inadequate protection against moisture and UV damage.
Saturation is essential if a sealant is going to protect wood, explains Branch. “If the wood isn’t fully saturated, the wood remains vulnerable to warping, cracking, and premature deterioration.”
WATER AND MORE
Sealants reduce penetration of water and associated substances, such as chloride. They don’t stop penetration, but they slow it down.
Keep out the water and establish a reasonable barrier to tagalongs such as insects and fungi. No substrate lasts forever, but with a sealant and reapplication of sealant, it can last a long time.
Making it more difficult for water to move through a substrate can also
keep it—and dissolved chemicals— away from metals that corrode. Thus, sealants also help to prevent corrosion of metals associated with structural features.
The term sealant (sometimes sealer) also applies to situations where a barrier is applied to the surface to seal out air (e.g., caulking around windows), seal in heat (caulking again), or even to seal out noise (yes, caulking). Power washing contractors
take on a wide range of fee-for-service tasks, including sealing windows and breaches in homes.
Avoidable mistakes are generally the same irrespective of the composition of the substrate. Clean thoroughly. Use the sealant correctly.
Some sealants are more tolerant of contaminants than others. But assume that any sealant demands a strictly clean surface. And get rid of the dirt, debris, grease, etc. all across the surface.
We have not mentioned temperature until now, but a manufacturer will give a threshold temperature below which the sealant should not be applied. It would be a big mistake to apply a sealant when the air temperature is too low or too high. The results will not be good, and the customer will not be happy with the outcome.
Applying caulk may seem a task so mundane that surely most homeowners would not hire someone to do it. That’s not always true.
And just as power-washing contractors have added services such as cleaning dryer vents and installing Christmas lights, they can add services beyond cleaning and sealing a deck to include cleaning and sealing windows. And they can find receptive clients.
A contractor versed in sealants can offer suggestions to residential and commercial clients when cleaning building exteriors, windows, walks, decks, etc. Sealant applications beyond wooden decks make an excellent add-on service.
Applying a sealant (or stain or architectural finish of any sort) to a structurally unsound substrate brings the same result as putting icing on a crumbling cake that cooked incorrectly. The result is a disaster.
True, an iced cake that falls into fragments is still edible, but a structurally unsound deck that is sealed remains unsafe even though it might take on the appearance of a new deck.
It is a mistake to apply a sealant to a faulty structure. If you are called for an estimate on sealing and an unsound structure is discovered, the only prudent course of action is to advise the owner of repairs (or replacement) needed and look for other prospects. (A savvy power washing contractor will be able to make referrals to deck restoration companies, perhaps as an alliance.)
The EPA has purview over every type of architectural coating, including decorative, such as faux-finishing (wet-in-wet techniques) and fire retarding. Be certain, however, to not make the mistake of assuming the sealant being used is sanctioned by regulators at the local level.
Contractors in some parts of the country must adhere to ever-stricter rules about chemical use in local jurisdictions. Know the regulations in effect where a structure is located. Keeping it legal is just one more parameter to add to the project planning process! CT
HANDLING AN
OSHA INSPECTION
by Diane M. Calabrese
Imminent danger? Who would not want to know about it?
The top priority of an OSHA inspection is to identify imminent danger situations in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration aims to prevent, not to punish.
Awareness prevents injuries and deaths in the workplace, and safe practices hinge on awareness. There’s no reason to fear an OSHA inspection. Instead, realize that readiness for an inspection is merely safety in action.
“The best way to prepare for an inspection is to treat each day as inspection day,” says Michael Draper, PWNA safety and compliance director. “What that means is being proactive about your safety program and keeping it up to date each week.”
Be sure the safety program fits the workplace. “Every business has unique safety hazards that will have to be accounted for,” says Draper.
In anticipation of an inspection— in many instances simply a routine audit—a business should regularly evaluate the risks its employees encounter and be certain they are fully minimized. A routine approach matters.
Trying to shore up records when word arrives that an OSHA inspector is on the way or at the door will not do. Careful, quickly retrievable records of required safety meetings and safety updates are needed.
There is benefit in being audited by OSHA. The audit serves as “a measure of where your company is safety wise,” says Draper.
But Draper cautions that an audit passed is just one part of safety. “Checking every compliance box doesn’t mean it’s a safe company.”
The day-in and day-out practices, which include incorporating new hires and unusual conditions (e.g., weather), must include a mechanism for dealing with abrupt changes. Last week’s audit outcome is nothing more than history if a new hire arrives and disregards safety protocols.
Document and document again. That’s the advice of Drew Harbour,
general manager at Chappell Supply and Equipment in Oklahoma City, OK.
Harbour has gone through both federal and state audits. Years before taking his current position, he served as safety manager for his company and worked with OSHA on voluntary audits each year.
“The best thing a business owner can do to be prepared for an OSHA inspection is document, document, document,” explains Harbour. “Every OSHA inspection will start with a document review process.”
There’s an option for business owners to get assistance directly from OSHA personnel who visit a workplace in an informal capacity to offer recommendations. Should the option be taken?
“Yes,” says Harbour. “We invite OSHA on site every year to perform a ‘voluntary’ audit.”
A business gains much from participating in the voluntary program. “The biggest benefit of these inspections is the fact that OSHA works with you as a company to ensure that your safety practices are effective and helps identify weaknesses you may not have known exist,” says Harbour.
“After a voluntary audit the nonenforcement officer will provide you with a list of findings and work with you to build your safety program to ensure that it meets all requirements,” explains Harbour. “This also helps show your company’s commitment to keeping employees safe.”
The pluses from a voluntary audit include another one of great interest. “Another benefit is that if you work with your auditor, OSHA will not send an enforcement audit team for a designated timeframe after the audit unless an infraction is incurred—[an infraction such as] death, amputation, or imminent danger situations or other workplace complaints,” says Harbour.
The voluntary audit takes time, of course, but it costs nothing.
BEING PREPARED
When is it okay to pile up boxes in front of a door? Never—not even for 60 seconds. Even if the intent is to
move the boxes quickly, the temporary placement is still a safety violation. Many seemingly innocuous things are actually safety lapses. That panel that has fallen from the ceiling is a safety issue. So is the newly washed floor in the shop that is not marked as such.
OSHA inspectors do not look only for the big things such as improperly stored chemicals; they notice all the small things. And a company is likely to be cited for issues regardless of how small.
Consequently, “the boxes were only going to be there for a minute” is not a valid argument. Someone may forget to move them. An exit way is blocked. It’s not a safe situation.
Consistent attention to safe practices is what OSHA wants to find when it visits. A dangling ceiling panel or a missing placard about a wet floor suggests inconsistency.
While it might seem too trivial a matter to remind employees not to
block exits, where to find the fire extinguishers, and how to warn about slippery floors, it’s not. Regular safety meetings are mandated as a guard against complacency.
And when on site, inspectors will want to know that the regular meetings have been taking place. Document the meetings. In fact, document everything.
“Keep good records,” says Linda Chambers, brand and sales manager at GCE/Soap Warehouse Brand in Norcross, GA. “You need to make sure you can find things when an inspector comes in and starts asking questions.”
Perhaps records have been kept scrupulously. That’s not enough. They must be maintained meticulously.
“Being disorganized—not being able to produce materials inspectors are asking for or not maintaining the forms required, history of classes given, proof of employee training, etc.—puts up red flags and just increases the likelihood that an inspector will keep digging and find things to fine you for,” says Chambers. Make certain that records are accurate and immediately accessible.
Chambers provides a hypothetical example of how a problem could become a bigger problem during an OSHA inspection. “If after an incident you can immediately provide the records showing an employee’s training history, what your training covered, and the signed off sheets from the employee showing they were taught and knew the correct safety steps, things are more likely to go in your favor.”
The foregoing scenario would be the positive one, explains Chambers. “It is versus not having such records and having your entire training program put under a microscope and inspectors finding things other than what they came there for.”
Throughout any inspection, circumspection should be the rule. “Never overshare,” says Chambers. “Just like with the IRS or DOT, only give them exactly what they ask for at the time.”
If a business is completely compliant, why should a bit of extra sharing
matter? For one, it consumes a lot of time for both company and inspector. And the more time an inspector spends on site, the more interested he or she might be in justifying it. Moreover, the more information provided, the greater the chance a small error will be found. It may not even be an error, but it will take time to sort through to a resolution.
Chambers highly recommends that companies take advantage of the informal on-site visits offered by OSHA. It’s important to all companies, especially the newest.
“This is a very important step for new companies just starting to have employees—to show OSHA that you are concerned about your employees and following their guidelines,” says Chambers. “It is far better to learn and set up what you need from the beginning versus having to catch up and implement new steps later.”
Then, keep pace via voluntary inspections. “Even established companies should consider this every few years or if a situation has come up, to make sure you stay in compliance with OSHA,” says Chambers.
There’s great advantage in an inspection, says Chambers. “They show you things you were not aware of needing and procedures you can add to increase safety. It all has the potential to avoid incidents and fines later on.”
Still experiencing some trepidation about handling an OSHA inspection? That’s human nature—think certification exam, driving test, etc.
Be assured that OSHA aims to ease the interaction during an on-site inspection. The inspectors begin by presenting their credentials. An opening conference follows where an explanation of scope and methods of inspection (e.g., talks with employees) is given.
Next is a walkaround that includes a literal walk-through and the review of records. There may be small potential hazards an inspector will point out—a box too near a door—and expect to be corrected on the spot. Such transgressions still must be cited by the inspector, but the immediate
correction by the company shows a spirit of compliance.
In walking through, talking to employees, and reviewing records, an inspector tries to minimize disruption.
At the closing conference the inspector discusses the findings.
The OSHA® Fact Sheet on OSHA Inspections (available at OSHA.gov) is a valuable two-page introduction to inspections and actions that may be
taken. Most salient point: Formal inspections are conducted without advance notice.
If there is a workplace injury or fatality, OSHA makes an immediate visit to a site. It also responds to complaints about hazards (from employees or others). And it does some random visits.
Be prepared. That’s the key to handling an inspection. CT
BRANCHING
OUT AND UP
by Mark E. Battersby
Photo by
Branching out or diversifying can mean expanding the pressure cleaning business’s products, services, or geographical reach to encompass new areas or markets. In other words, branching out is about diversifying and growing beyond the initial scope of the business.
In today’s sluggish economy it is not unusual for an existing pressure washing operation to branch out or for the owner or self-employed contractor to start another business in the same or a different field. Few realize, however, that Uncle Sam, in the form of our tax laws, stands ready to become a partner—although not always a helpful or inexpensive one.
Not only will Uncle Sam pick up part of the expense of branching out or starting up a new venture, but also the tax rules allow the losses from a secondary activity to be used to reduce the tax bills on income from other sources such as self-employment, wages, investments— or the primary business.
THE RIGHT PATH
There are various strategies for and reasons why a pressure cleaning business should branch out and expand. However, with most businesses having limited resources and capabilities, it is important to select a suitable means of expansion that can improve recognition, reach, and
profits. Among the methods, strategies, and options for branching out are acquisitions, mergers, collaborations, joint ventures, and partnerships.
It is not unusual for anyone to have multiple businesses. In fact, it is quite common. In today’s tough economy, more and more people are using—or being forced to use—their hobbies, sports, or secondary interests to generate income.
Few pressure washers realize that with or without extra income, Uncle Sam stands ready to pick up part of the expenses of many of those extra-curricular activities if they are turned toward a business opportunity. That’s right, many individuals routinely use losses from their secondary activities to offset income from their pressure cleaning businesses,
Uncle Sam, in the form of our tax laws, allows all income from an activity to be offset or reduced using the hobby activity’s expenses. If the activity is operated as a business, however, the tax laws permit even more expense deductions to the point where they offset wages, savings, and investment income—and the tax bill on that income from other sources.
START-UP COSTS AS WRITE-OFFS
In most cases the ordinary and necessary expenses of carrying on a trade or business are tax deductible. Of course, if there is no business, there can be no tax
deductions for business expenses. Don’t despair, because special rules exist for the expenses incurred in starting a business.
Anyone who pays or incurs business start-up costs and who subsequently enters the trade or business can choose to expense and immediately write off up to $5,000 of those costs. However, the $5,000 deductible amount is reduced, dollar for dollar, when the start-up expenses exceed $50,000.
The so-called “organizational” costs of business entities are a separate class of expense from start-up expenses although subject to similar rules. An incorporated pressure cleaning business can, for instance, choose to deduct up to $5,000 of any organizational expenses incurred in the tax year business begins.
The balance of start-up or organizational expenses, if any, are amortized (written off) over a period of not less than 180 months, starting with the month in which the business begins.
BUSINESS ENTITIES FOR FUN AND PROTECTION
Whether starting a new venture or expanding an existing one, it may be wise to formalize the operation by incorporating or forming a limited liability company (LLC) to provide personal liability protection and give the new operation an edge when it comes to sales, financing, and, of course, taxes. And no, the limited liability company (LLC), incorporated startup, or branching out enterprise won’t escape IRS scrutiny under the hobby rules.
Corporations (both S and C), LLCs, and limited partnerships do offer protection to owners for the debts of the operation. But this protective veil can be pierced if the creditor can show that the entity was the alter ego of the owners. Sometimes it is enough that the owners are majority shareholders, exercise substantial control over the incorporated operation, or regularly use corporate funds to finance personal expenses.
A BUSINESS OR JUST A HOBBY
While it is increasingly common for business owners or self-employed professionals to have multiple business activities, in almost every situation the question is one of whether the new activity is merely a branch or subsidiary of the existing pressure washing business or if the IRS will view it as a separate activity. In order to be treated as a business for tax purposes, a profit motive must be present, and some type of economic activity must be conducted. According to our lawmakers, among the factors which would ordinarily be taken into account are the following:
• The manner in which the activity is conducted
• The expertise of the taxpayer or his or her advisers
• The time and effort expended by the taxpayer in carrying on the activity
• The expectation that assets used in the activity may appreciate in value
• The success of the taxpayer in carrying on other similar or dissimilar activities
• The taxpayer’s history of income or losses with respect to the activity
• The amount of occasional profits, if any, which are earned
• The financial state of the taxpayer, and
• Elements of personal pleasure or recreation
Remember, however, when it comes to determining whether an activity is engaged in for profit, all of the facts and circumstances are to be taken into account. No one factor is determinative in making this determination.
INTANGIBLE BUT STILL DEDUCTIBLE
Often overlooked by many are tax deductions for the secondary operation’s “intangible” assets. The purchase of a going business usually includes “goodwill,” an intangible asset that, because it was purchased, can be amortized over a 15-year period. An intangible business asset that does not qualify as purchased or acquired may be amortized only if it has an ascertainable value and a measurable, useful life. Other, often-deductible expenses include the costs for developing the all-important website. Generally the cost of website development must be capitalized and deducted over many years. The expenses of operating and maintaining the website are deducted in the year incurred.
Despite the IRS’s reluctance to provide definitive guidance, it is clear that many businesses that pay large amounts to develop sophisticated sites have been allocating their costs to items such as software development (currently deductible like research and development costs) and currently deductible advertising expenses.
YET ANOTHER TRAP FOR THE UNWARY
Our voluminous tax rules limit the deduction for losses from so-called
“passive activities.” Generally, losses from passive activities may not be deducted from non-passive income (for example, wages, interest, dividends—or profits from the pressure cleaning business).
A passive activity is one that involves the conduct of any trade or business in which the taxpayer does not materially participate. Materially participating can be measured in a number of ways including putting in more than 500 hours each year. Material participation also occurs when the individual’s participation constitutes substantially all of the participation in the activity.
The IRS can both tax and help underwrite a secondary, part- or sparetime activity. On the one hand, they stand ready to tax all of the activity’s income. On the other hand, many of the activity’s expenses may be used to offset “hobby” income.
Is your new activity a tax business? Operate the activity as a “business,” and the amount by which the activity’s
expenses exceed its income, those almost inevitable “losses,” can be used to offset income from other sources such as the pressure washing operation.
JOINING FORCES
Joint ventures, partnerships, and collaborations involve working distinctly on a new project rather than attempting to expand or branch out solely. Two similar or complementary businesses can decide to share resources and reduce costs by creating a branch in a new location or undertaking a specific project.
Collaborations and joint ventures can also be very useful where expenses in a location might be high. And, of course, collaborations and joint ventures are excellent ways for smaller businesses to compete with much larger and better-equipped competitors.
ON THE DOWNSIDE
Expanding the pressure cleaning business into a similar or altogether
different field may upset the operation’s current customers. Many will see it as abandoning them or selling out. Good communication and transparency can help.
Every pressure washer should be flexible. He or she should be ready to make a quick recovery as well as cut back quickly if demand drops. The future may see a change in customer preferences, price changes from suppliers, and a whole new way of doing business. Thus, the first step is to ensure that the pressure cleaning business can survive under the new conditions. Once that’s achieved, look to growing the business.
Having access to and using legal, accounting, insurance, and other expertise is extremely important when expanding or creating a new business. That advice and guidance can also help the current pressure cleaning business survive and grow as rapidly or efficiently as possible. CT
Barn raisings and bucket brigades were forms of insurance in America’s 19th and early 20th centuries.
Folks helped rebuild a neighbor’s barn or moved buckets of water to put out a structural fire. There was expected a return in kind if ever needed. Reciprocity by community members replaced or stemmed losses, but only up to a point. If all members of the community lost their barns at the same time, the reciprocal model disintegrated.
Here the idea of shared risk— insurance—enters the picture. Risk might be distributed among members of a local community who contribute to a fund that gets tapped following a devastating event.
Or risk might be spread. Enter commercial entities that offer insurance. They make it their business to identify potential risks, assess them, and offer compensation for losses if an insured adverse event occurs.
In 2025 insurance is available for virtually any adverse event. Available for a price, of course.
As to the when of the origins of insurance, historians in the field are all over the place. Many begin with seafarers (across times and nations) who tried to protect their ships and cargo.
Take bottomry as an example. Bottomry was a contract where a ship’s owner borrowed money using the ship as collateral. The loan was used to pay for emergencies or repairs
during a voyage. The lender could only get their money back if the ship returned safely. Bottomry is no longer practiced today. Insurance deception schemes, such as abuses of bottomry, quickly followed the advent of insurance. For example, why not insure a high-value cargo and off-load it short of its destination, then declare a loss and collect the insurance while retaining the cargo to sell again? In the 17th century insurers were unlikely to send investigators in pursuit.
Today we not only have a pile-up of staggering losses (there are more people on the planet, more structures, etc.), but we also have many creative deceivers. Both realities drive up the premiums that must be paid for insurance.
Yet even before we get to the cost of insurance, we confront a more vexing problem: Which forms of insurance do we need?
Most businesses will not want to insure against a meteor hit. Easy. But what about smoke versus fire. And what about property damage from riots or terrorism?
There’s a tremendous amount of information about risk that a business owner must sort through. That’s only after the owner has secured all the mandated forms of insurance.
The bottom line—mandates—is where we begin. If a business has employees, the federal government requires it to have three forms of insurance: workers’ compensation,
by Diane M. Calabrese
unemployment, and disability. Individual states (and some localities) may have additional insurance requirements that must be met before licenses are awarded.
Let’s get perspective from two members of our industry. Each of them has experience working as firefighters prior to launching their businesses. That experience gives them a more expansive understanding of risks.
KEEP THIS IN MIND
Where should one begin? Consult with an insurance agent or broker who knows the industry.
Also take advantage of ties through professional organizations to seek advice from veteran industry members. Individuals new to the industry should not overlook the significance
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of talking with someone already immersed in it.
Understand that there’s a universal question: Can a contractor (or distributor or manufacturer) ever obtain enough insurance to cover all adverse events that might occur, or is the cost of covering everything prohibitive?
“’Acts of God’ is a term used in insurance to cover an array of unfortunate circumstances, and exterior cleaners are covered with a solid insurance policy,” says Mike Dingler, owner of Firehouse Pressure Washing LLC in Peachtree City, GA. “The main two things you want your insurance policy to cover are who is working and what they are working on.”
Tackle the biggest risks first. “Cover your techs in case they get hurt with a solid workers’ comp policy, and cover your jobsites with a great commercial liability policy, and 99 percent of your future problems are covered,” explains Dingler.
But never make assumptions. “Read the fine print, and know and trust your insurance agent,” says Dingler.
The commercial liability policy for exterior cleaners is the place to start because it will “cover up to a certain amount of property damage, a 500k or one million dollar policy, etc,” says Dingler. “If you are just starting out in business, always make sure you are covered under a liability policy.”
Then move directly to another important precaution, advises Dingler. “Obtaining licensure as an LLC is a great next step to mitigate any financial liability in case of an accident, but insuring what you are working on is a must.”
Dingler gives us an example of what could happen and how insurance matters: “You are washing a home and an outlet arcs and starts a house fire. You want to make sure you have an insurance policy in place to cover all liability and damages that occur. If you don’t and the homeowner sues you for the damages—or much worse, the insurance company sues you—you may be out of business and on the hook financially for a very expensive repair.”
And Dingler strongly emphasizes one point. “Always operate a legit licensed and insured company,” he says.
(Professionalism matters to each member of the industry and to the industry as a whole. The stakes for everyone when some operate without necessary insurance, licensure, and equipment are reiterated by the professional organizations that represent members of our industry, such as PWNA, CETA, and UAMCC.)
The state-to-state variations in insurance mean that industry members may experience different levels of difficulty in obtaining coverage they require. Dingler explains that in his state, workers’ compensation insurance was the most difficult to obtain at an affordable price.
“Here in Georgia, I was placed in an ‘assigned risk’ category with my first actual workers’ comp policy,” says Dingler. “A ‘ghost policy’ was necessary
at first, which is a workers’ comp policy in which you exclude yourself.
“After the two years in the assigned risk category with no claims, I was able to transfer my workers’ comp policy to one that covers all workers all the time,” he continues. “This was a threeyear process. Each state is different.”
IN IT TOGETHER
Do Hurricane Helene and wildfires in Southern California have an impact
on premiums for contractors in North Dakota? Yes. The big picture of risk pools encompasses all of us.
“It has been said in the insurance industry that ‘we can insure you against anything and everything if you can afford the premium,’” says Roy Pennington, owner of Hi Pressure Cleaning Systems Inc. in Houma, LA. “At some point, everybody has to make a decision and say, ‘No more!’”
Pennington tells us why the “no more” of more and more has become necessary. “Today a Texas barbeque restaurant lost a lawsuit that awarded $2 million plus to a plaintiff that sued because she spilled hot barbeque sauce onto her thigh and got a seconddegree burn—and red mark and blistering maybe. This is reminiscent of the McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit of years gone by.”
What Pennington describes is the 21stcentury manifestation of an exceedingly broad interpretation of risk and harm and commensurate compensation. We are far beyond the yarns spun in bottomry and the fraud that seeded ideas for so many mystery novels and noir films.
And, still, we are all in it together. Every adverse event that is overcompensated increases premiums.
Pennington is emphatic about the need for professionalism across the industry. Professionalism reduces risk. And reduced risks when pooled lead to lower premiums.
“One million dollars is basically the minimum liability coverage most of my customers ask for, which includes auto and general liability insurance,” says Pennington. “That said, we can establish our best practices and adhere to them and ask our customers to heed our advice.”
It’s possible to design and build equipment that is virtually foolproof, and that is what Pennington does. The problem is that he cannot select each user of the equipment to be sure the operator uses equipment only as intended.
Again, we are all in it together. Laxity by an equipment user can thwart outcomes even when the machines in use are excellent.
As for cost of insurance and local variation, sometimes a purchaser reaches a threshold that cannot be met. “In the coastal region, wind and hail protection on our buildings is now cost prohibitive,” says Pennington.
What’s the solution when full coverage is unattainable? “In the event of a hurricane strike, we reinforce roll-up doors and windows, prepare the best we can, and then hope for the best,” says Pennington. “I can’t afford 50–60k annual premium for hurricane insurance.”
Can the insurance industry be made to work for everyone in a way that compensates for adverse events while not making payouts for embellished happenings? Perhaps.
“To get on my soapbox, it is time for the laws to change and protect everyone from frivolous lawsuits,” says Pennington. “If your claim against me gets thrown out or you lose the suit, you pay, and your attorney is held liable for my defense expenses.”
That deterrent is not near, however, because “elected officials are predominantly attorneys,” says Pennington. Meanwhile, members of the industry must do what they can. Work safely using the best methods and equipment. CT
PETE GUSTIN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS AT COMET SpA
Editor’s Note: Cleaner Times conducted a brief interview with Pete Gustin upon his reaching a 30-year anniversary milestone of working at Comet.
CT: When did you start in the pressure washing industry, and what factors led you to the industry?
Gustin: I started working for Comet in 1995, importing their diaphragm pumps with my father. Among all of the agricultural business, we always got calls from cleaning companies about spraying bleach. These were the early days of what is today called “softwash” and our first dive into the cleaning industry.
CT: What factors led to you starting at Comet SpA and have kept you there for 30 years?
Gustin: My dad became the North American sales manager for Comet in 1994 and quickly identified parts availability as an issue, so he started stocking parts and some pumps. This grew quickly into a full-fledged distribution, so he needed help. I had just finished college and had my own business building wood decks, but I always thought that whatever my dad did would be successful, so I decided to join him. Before we knew it, we were bringing in full containers and looking for warehouse space.
CT: What positions and responsibilities have you held at Comet?
Gustin: I did everything from taking out the garbage to sweeping the floors, purchasing, sales, shipping, and customer service. It was a great way to learn about a business, and I’m very grateful for the experience.
CT: How have you seen the industry change in the last 30 years?
Gustin: Aside from the obvious mergers and acquisitions, the pressure washing industry has grown immensely; but what really strikes me is the impact of social media, particularly in the area of softwash. The younger guys really came in and created communities around equipment design and business practices. I really appreciate this and believe it helps drive innovation, even for us component designers. What would have taken two years and 150 conversations to figure out, you can now absorb by watching a ten-minute video and, more importantly, reading the comments section.
CT: What advice would you share with someone just starting in the industry?
Gustin: Think long term and treat every single contact you make as a potential future employer, employee, customer, and/or partner of some kind. They likely will be.
CT: What have you enjoyed most about your work?
Gustin: I have to say that it’s Comet’s innovation and my partnership with the engineering team that have been the most gratifying. There haven’t been that many innovations in plunger pump technology, so I’m very proud of our premium series patents and also our softwash pump technologies. These are all the results of deep coordination with the customers and end users, and nothing beats having a guy walk up to you at a show and say that he’s the one that communicated with you off of YouTube about a certain feature or problem to solve.
SPARTAN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION— CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Spartan Manufacturing Corporation is proud to spotlight 50 consecutive years of manufacturing high-quality, heavy-duty industrial pressure washing systems. The company began sales in 1974 and was in full operation in 1975. Spartan’s equipment can be found throughout North America, including many military and international commercial locations. Spartan specializes in industrial equipment and custom systems, designed and built for rough duty and long life. The company’s success is built on providing superior products and unmatched customer service and support.
Inquiries are welcome by calling customer service at 336-996-5585 Eastern time. See website at smcwashers.com
CT
ZONE 1
American Waterworks, Inc. 13250 Weidner St. Pacoima, CA 91331 818-252-0706
www.americanwaterworks.net
Custom trailer system sales & service.
Nor Cal Pressure Washer Equipment
250-G S. Maple Ave. S. San Francisco, CA 94080 (866) 554-6601
www.norcalpressurewash.com
Hydro Tek Sales & Service, Industrial/Commercial.
Pacific Bay Equipment 609 G Street Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 578-3925/fax (209) 578-3120
www.pacificbayequipment.com
SF Bay area: 28301 Industrial Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
ZONE 4
Pressure Systems, Inc.
1646 E. Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 253-9579
www.pressuresystemsinc.com Experience Makes a Difference. Working With Water & Finding Solutions Since 1965.
Superior Cleaning Equipment
4422 E. University Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85034 602-257-1357 sceclean.com
ZONE 5
American Cleaning Systems 5261 W. 42nd St. Odessa, TX 79764 (800) 205-7797
www.amcleaning.net
Pressure Washers, Soaps, Degreasers, Hot Shot
Alklean Industries, Inc. 2111 Catalina Dr. Pasadena, TX 77503 (281) 479-5966 www.alklean.com
Hotsy, Mi-T-M, Hydro Tek, Alkota, KEW, Alto, plus many more. POWERWASH.COM 2313 Cold Springs Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76106 (800) 433-2113 www.Powerwash.com
Pressure Washer Sales & Service, Parts, Chemicals. River City Pressure Cleaning Equipment 7306 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78219
