Editor’s Note
Hoses: Don’t Pull, Drag, or Twist Them
CETA Holds PowerClean 2025 in Reno
In-Plant Cleaning
Tackling Overspray and Job Site Messes with EZ Kleen: A Practical Case Study and Best-Practice Guide for Stain Contractors
CETA Edge: Plans and Perspectives for 2026
Chemical Storage
Financial: Minimizing Losses, All Losses
Product News
Troubleshooting Fuel Pumps
Industry News
Service Center Directory
Products & Services Directory
Advertiser’s Index/ Subscription Form
It was wonderful to talk with many of you at PowerClean 2025 in Reno, NV. The golf tournament, Women of CETA, and especially the kickoff comedian were all enjoyable and were good opportunities to catch up on life and laugh together. The outside demonstrations were a wonderful opportunity to see multiple advances in technology and imagine the assistance these advances will provide. The educational seminars were informative and thoughtprovoking, and it was beneficial to see so many of the pressure washers and accessories on the tradeshow floor. It was exciting to have the inaugural 2025 CETA Manufacturer Innovation Award winner announced and presented with an awards plaque on the tradeshow floor. Cleaner Times trusts that you also benefited from the various networking opportunities, learned new steps to take in your business via the educational classes, and made plans to add to your equipment inventory while walking on the tradeshow floor or observing the live demonstrations. Turn to page 12 to see the event in photos, and make plans to attend next year’s PowerClean in Orlando, FL, Oct. 8–11.
I’m thankful for the articles that fill these pages and encourage you to read them. Because so many of you are willing to share your time and your expertise with us, we are able to provide so many educational articles in each monthly issue.
Cleaner Times wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving and trusts that you have much to thank God for, including the gift of family and friends with whom to spend the holidays.
Michael Hamline mhamline@cleanertimes.com 800-525-7038
Tammy Hanner accounting@fcapgroup.com
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Atube for getting liquid from one place to another, if it is flexible and long, meets the general definition of a hose. The cutoff point between hose and pipe can be murky; just how flexible must a tube be to become a hose? The word hose probably derives from the Dutch word for water pipe.
In some English-language settings hoses are still called hose-pipes. The legacy of the Dutch root word for a flexible liquidconveying tube—the hose of our story—also includes stockings, socks, and hosiery.
Firm pipes alone, such as the lances of our industry, cannot get the myriad jobs of conveying liquids done. Hoses figure prominently.
Inside and outside our industry, everyone knows the first thing about hoses. Don’t drive over them.
Yet there’s much more we should know. Fortunately, three individuals well acquainted with hoses help us learn more or at least recall some of what we should know but may have forgotten.
“For users of pressure washers, hoses are generally overlooked,” says Jeff Theis, president and CEO of ProPulse, a Schieffer Company based in Peosta, IA. “They get what the original manufacturer uses, much like the way car makers supply tires.”
Variables of use might mean there’s a better choice, though. “For some users the factory hose is perfectly acceptable; but for others, finding a balance between various features is more important, especially for cleaning contractors or production operations where hoses are used for extended periods every day,” explains Theis.
Theis’s company is the leading pressure washer hose manufacturer in North America and has been for decades. It holds numerous hose-related U.S. utility patents. (And its contributions to industry extend well beyond watercarrying hoses to hydraulics, for example.)
Extended periods of use each day are to pressure washer operators what high-mileage driving days are to vehicle operators. “So, in those cases, longevity and ergonomics should be considered,” says Theis.
More use means also more exposure to the environment. That must be considered.
Take UV (ultraviolet) light as an example. “If a hose is to be used and/or stored outdoors, this is important,” says Theis.
“Have you ever noticed that tires on recreational vehicles are often covered when
parked?” says Theis. “That is because long-term exposure to ultraviolet light and ozone present in the environment will leach the aromatic oils, and the rubber will start to break down, sometimes called ‘weather checking.’”
Perils of prolonged UV exposure can be exacerbated. That condition “combined with heat, hot water applications, and a wide range of chemicals can accelerate [weather checking] and result in delamination or damage to the hose cover and inside tube,” explains Theis.
Less expensive hoses usually signal they were made with less expensive materials and less stringent verifications of integrity. That means they may succumb faster.
“Cheap hoses are especially susceptible to such rapid aging,” says Theis. “Often colored hoses—so-called non-marking—are not properly compounded using the expensive UV and ultraviolet inhibitors that prevent fading and discoloration. A gray hose
should not turn brown after a couple of weeks of use.”
Longevity, of course, is a persistent concern for equipment users, but it’s just one of many. Ease of use is another.
For instance, gaining a longer lifespan for a hose by adding to its weight is a less-than-desirable choice. Balance is the operative goal.
Thus, “light weight” is certainly one of the features end users look for in hoses, says Theis. “It is a longstanding conclusion that ‘hose management’ or ‘hose handling’ is a common complaint of users.”
The heavier and stiffer the hose is, the more difficult unrolling, moving, and recoiling the hose will be, explains Theis. “Dragging hoses over hard or sharp surfaces—think parking lots and/or concrete stairs—will accelerate cover wear.”
Surface damage accelerates deterioration. “That abrasion will eventually expose the reinforcement material, leading to hose failure,” explains Theis.
And here’s where the balancing act comes in. In fact, it’s one that every ardent gardener who operates with both lightweight and heavier hoses can confirm.
“It stands to reason that a lighter hose will not abrade as quickly just due to less surface friction,” says Theis. “On the other hand, most contractors using hot-water machines lean toward using two-wire reinforced hoses versus onewire reinforced hoses even with the heavier weight. This is largely attributed to longer life of two-wire hoses due to an inherent design life that provides for longer impulse resistance.”
The type of material(s) from which a hose is made obviously affects its service and longevity. It’s another consideration for anyone using a hose.
Contrast rubber and thermoplastic. “Our company manufactures hightenacity yarn and steel wire thermoplastic hoses, and one- and two-wire reinforced rubber hoses,” says Theis.
“Thermoplastic hoses in general have better abrasion resistance than rubber hoses,” explains Theis. “Part of the reason is they are inherently lighter. Also, chemical and UV resistance is vastly better.”
So why not just use all thermoplastic? “Thermoplastic hoses are generally limited to operating at a maximum temperature of about 160°F. Rubber hoses are preferred for higher temperatures as rubber is a thermoset material and is very stable.”
But context is everything, and the major division for the pressure washer user begins with hot water or cold water. “The vast majority of pressure washer population in the field are cold water machines,” says Theis. “Therefore, thermoplastic hoses are the preferred option often due to price considerations.”
The main issue for the end user, however, is that most of the thermoplastic hoses are stiff, use inexpensive materials, and kink easily and permanently, explains Theis.
“There are more expensive options that are kink resistant and more flexible, which are desirable characteristics.”
In the category of kink resistant and more flexible thermoplastic hoses, there are several contenders. Theis cites his company’s U.S. made Uberflex.
Getting the longest service and best service from a hose begins with a careful assessment of needs and goals before the purchase is made. Make a list of features wanted and be able to check off each one.
Light, durable, and easily retractable is the condensed list we suggested as a basic one to Jeff Schultz, general manager of Suttner America Company in Dubuque, IA, a manufacturer of precision-engineered components (nozzles, lances, connections, etc.). Is the list we propose reasonable?
“I would add that pressure rating, flexibility, non-marking, abrasion resistance, and heat resistance are also important criteria that can be added to this list,” says Schulz. Naturally, each end user will make his or her own list, working backwards from the way the hose will be deployed.
“Will the length of hose be suf ficient for the cleaning application?” says Schultz. That’s a fundamental question about function that ought not be overlooked in the quest to get the best form of hose.
Schultz lists some other questions a hose buyer should be able to answer: “Does the application require a non-marking hose? Is the hose going to be used with a hot- or coldwater unit? Will there be cleaning agents traveling through the hose? If so, make sure the hose is compatible with the cleaning agents being used. What fittings will the hose require for the cleaning application?”
The fittings component is important. Hoses must be coupled (hose plus coupler equals hose assembly). Fittings should never be overlooked.
When creating an assembly, always use the type of coupling or adjustable clamp recommended by the OEM. Whenever a change in coupling
or clamp is made, test the assembly before using it.
How important is the material used to construct the hose and ultimately the hose assembly to function? “It is very important,” says Schultz.
“For example, the tube material in a pressure washer hose should be one that is optimum for hot water, cold water, and cleaning agents,” explains Schultz. “Great bonding between the tube, reinforcement, and cover are
highly important when constructing a pressure washer hose. The ferrule and fitting materials being used are also quite important when constructing a hose.”
It’s worth pausing to remind readers that the failure to think through the way a hose/hose assembly will be used can lead not only to equipment damage but also to injuries. Safety in use and longevity of a hose both depend upon the correct match being made.
Using a hose that has a working pressure less than the pressure washer can result in a blowout and injury. The foregoing is one of the reminders that Schultz has given to us in another context. Another of his reminders is to always give close attention to the temperature rating.
A good hose/hose assembly matched to use will be the safest, assuming it has been cared for properly. Proper care includes never pulling, yanking, etc., and it includes proper
storage. Rubber hoses, for example, require attention to the location of storage. No exposure to sunlight or fluorescent light is one rule. No storage near electrical equipment (tied to ozone production) is another.
An equipment user wants to be able to be able to do apples-to-apples comparisons. Apples to oranges comparisons are just not useful.
CETA [Cleaning Equipment Trade Association] is committed to facilitating a move toward uniformity whenever possible. Gus Alexander, the CEO of FNA Group in Pleasant Prairie, WI, tells us about the efforts underway involving hoses.
“The CETA technical committee is working on the final touches regarding our standard for high-pressure hoses,”
says Alexander. “We expect that the standard should be approved by the CETA board of directors for publication included in the CPC-100 performance standard shortly.” Guideposts help keep everyone on track. So it is with standards, such as the one being developed.
“The goal is providing a performance standard to be used by our CETA members and CETA associate members,” explains Alexander. “This new standard is the result of extensive industry collaboration, technical expertise, and contractor input to ensure that high-pressure hoses meet the needs of durability, safety, and reliability in the field.”
In addition to the trio of factors Alexander enumerates, there is the over-arching objective of moving the in dustry in the direction of uniformity—uniformity that enables comparison and fosters strength.
Why such a goal? “To make certain that we provide measurable, uniform performance criteria across manufacturers,” explains Alexander, “thereby giving end users confidence and helping distributors, contractors, and end users easily identify compliant, high-quality hoses as we continue to position CPC 100 as the trusted benchmark for professional cleaning equipment, raising standards across our industry.”
Alexander offers a general observation about the way hoses are viewed in our industry. “Normally contractors really don’t pay attention to hose material since they expect the sellers and manufacturers of hoses to take responsibility in providing reliable material.”
Among contractors “the focus is very often on how long it lasts, how easy it is to use, and whether it’s safe for the pressure/temperature/chemical load of the job,” explains Alexander. “Contractors may focus on psi and gpm ratings, but the wrong material can make a hose frustrating, short lived, or even unsafe.”
Alexander’s company is a U.S. manufacturer of highpressure hoses. On his list of core criteria for high-pressure cleaner hoses are the following: durability and abrasion resistance, ease of handling (flexibility), ease of storage retractability—including reel compatibility, pressure rating, and safety—including the “must” of burst protection, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, connection integrity, length options, cost/ value balance, and warranty and brand trust.
Each of the experts commenting herein could offer many, many more insights into hose structure and function. But we conclude with an interesting observation from Alexander that illustrates the significance of manufacturers learning from end users and distributors.
“Contractors often prefer longer hoses—50 to 200 feet— to reduce moving the pressure washer constantly,” explains Alexander. Reflect on that information.
When a manufacturer provides a contractor with the optimal length hose, the manufacturer promotes safety, enhances positive ergonomic outcomes, and bolsters the possibility that a hose will attain its manufacturerpredicted lifespan. All because the hose is less likely to be pulled, dragged, or twisted CT
T(CETA) hosted its annual PowerClean trade show at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, NV, September 25–27, bringing together industry professionals for three days of networking, education, and celebration.
The event kicked off with a lively golf scramble and the Women of CETA gathering, followed by an evening of laughter courtesy of comedian Kevin Horner. Attendees enjoyed several outdoor equipment demonstrations and explored the tradeshow floor during two dedicated afternoons, engaging directly with manufacturers and suppliers about pressure washing equipment, accessories, and chemicals.
Educational sessions spanned two mornings, covering topics such as soft wash techniques, benchmarking strategies, and CRM software and emerging AI trends. A technical committee update provided insights into industry standards and innovations. A highlight of the event was the inaugural Manufacturer Innovation Award presented to FNA Group for their outstanding contributions with their new DualWash Pro.
PowerClean also featured a formal business meeting where CETA
honored exceptional individuals with the Community Service Award, Distinguished Service Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award. The
gathering concluded with a vibrant reception sponsored by General Pump, fostering camaraderie and connection among attendees. Overall,
PowerClean 2025 delivered a wonderful mix of learning, recognition, and hands-on engagement for the cleaning equipment industry.
Make plans to attend PowerClean 2026 from October 8–11, 2026, which will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL. CT
by Diane M. Calabrese
orld War II led to metal shortages, so dairy operators substituted glass tubes for pipes. That’s where the story of in-plant cleaning or cleaning in place (CIP) gets started, according to Timothy J. Bowser.
In August 2023 Bowser published a paper titled “What Is Clean in Place (CIP)?” as an Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet. The open access six-page document (https://extension. okstate.edu/fact-sheets/what-is-cleanin-place-cip.html) is laden with concise information about CIP.
According to Bowser, the use of glass in dairies spurred development of CIP because the disassembly of such tubes increased the possibility of breakage. A key innovator in the development of CIP was Dale A. Seiberling, again according to Bowser.
Bowser labels Seiberling’s work as “instrumental” in advancing CIP, first in the food industry and then in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to the advent of CIP, manual cleaning got the job done despite the many challenges. In food processing plants, for example, the need to clean and sanitize
manually put an upper limit on pipe and storage tank sizes. Tools used by cleaning personnel had to be able to reach all parts of production lines. Limitations on size (10-ft. pipes and eight-ft. high tanks) resulted.
Writing from his vantage as a professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering at Oklahoma State University, Bowser produced a lucid and robust fact sheet. The document belongs in the reference file of anyone interested in CIP.
Of course, in 2025 the attraction of CIP extends well beyond avoiding
breakage of components. CIP means there’s no need to take a production line apart in order to clean it; that’s a real time savings. But let’s get some perspective from a member of our industry who has a close-up knowledge of CIP systems.
Keith Bailey, the automated equipment sales manager and an employerowner at Hydro-Chem Systems in Caledonia, MI, has expertise in automated track, wash sales, service, and setup/startup as well as design plans
and engineering. He has been with his company for over 10 years.
Hydro-Chem Systems provides customized solutions for fleet and industrial cleaning. One of its specialties is automated systems for cleaning large vehicles
In a CIP solution all the components must be aligned with one another. Built-in access to water (and necessary chemicals) for cleaning, wastewater containment and removal, electrical safeguards, etc. are thoughtfully tied together in a perfect fit when a system is custom-designed and engineered.
That should generally confer an advantage to the owner of the system.
Yet before skipping broadly from components brought together in service to CIP and advantages, we must acknowledge that designing a CIP is not simply an additive process. Bailey elaborates a bit on the sorts of issues that must be considered by using an in-place vehicle-washing system as an example.
A stationary drive-through vehicle cleaning system can be considered a dimension of in-place systems. Thus, it shares some properties with
CIP in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries.
“An ideal water supply for an inplace system is 50 gpm at 50 psi,” says Bailey. “If this minimum cannot be met, accommodations can be made to adjust through system design.”
Then, there’s discharge. “For discharge, a connection to a city sewer system is preferred,” explains Bailey. “Rinse water must pass through an oil/water separator before entering
the sewer. If city sewer access is not available, a water reclamation system can be designed to properly handle and recycle the used rinse water.”
What’s the return on investment in CIP in terms of time and money?
“In-plant cleaning systems are typically up to ten times faster than cleaning by hand, reducing the process to just a few minutes per vehicle,” says Bailey.
Continuing the appraisal within the context of fleet washing, Bailey
says time savings is significant. “By automating, the wash owners of fleets save not only valuable time but also significant costs; on average an inplant system is about ten times more cost-effective per use compared to traditional cleaning methods.”
Given the time and monetary savings, many plants of all kinds may be interested in retrofitting their existing structure to allow for CIP. Is a retrofit feasible?
“Many systems can be retrofitted into existing facilities, provided minimum requirements for electrical service, water supply, and sewer capacity are available,” says Bailey. “The optimal layout includes a wash bay measuring approximately 100 feet in length by 20 feet in width along with a dedicated, enclosed equipment room to house pumps and controls.”
Efficiency gains often coincide with less strain on the environment, such as doing more with less water and using fewer chemicals. But that’s not always the case.
Across the repository of background information on CIP, it’s easy to find cautionary discussions about the release of pollutants. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, in a document titled “Food Manufacturing Clean-in-Place Systems/P2” ( https://azdeq.gov/cip-systems ), states that pollution prevention (P2) practices require focus.
P2 practices demand optimization of CIP systems. The optimization (in design and engineering) begins with the mechanical components and encompasses variables such as temperature (best fit), chemicals (least possible), and cleaning cycle (shortest and most integrated workable). Ideally a CIP is built to enable some reuse of water and chemicals.
The Arizona DEQ advice includes embracing the latest pigging technology, which uses a physical device to clean, inspect, or recover product from pipelines, when cleaning the
CIP pipelines, including emerging technologies (e.g., flexible vane pigging, ice pigging, and air pigging). And it suggests that builders of CIP systems for food plants should consider alternatives to water and chemicals, such as ozonation.
Ozonation is sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a method for killing microbes. The FDA requires food, beverage, and pharmaceutical plants to provide validation of cleaning methods, but it does not specify which methods must be used in a CIP (or any other) system.
Although the FDA may swoop in and assess a CIP system functioning in an industry within its purview, it relies on the written standard operating procedures (SOPs) that a pharmaceutical, food, or beverage manufacturer maintains as evidence of acceptable practices. The amount of documentation the FDA requires increases with the sensitivity of the product being made and the risks of cross contamination (especially of drugs), etc.
Instead of offering a template for documentation of cleaning processes, the FDA sets expectations and refers manufacturers to guidance from their professional and trade organizations. Members of our industry who build CIP systems for sensitive industries can expect a manufacturer to establish the criteria that must be met. They can also expect to perform beta-tests on the system, not only for desired results in cleaning but also for residues (unacceptable).
The FDA and EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] are just two of the regulatory entities that will take an interest in a CIP system at some juncture. The interest of OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] is ever present in industry.
Because CIP systems enhance worker safety by putting space between cleaning chemicals and cleaning personnel, they are considered positive for workers. But OSHA will still be interested in affirming all shutoffs, tagout, electrical safety, and other related features of systems.
Uniformity of outcome in the results from cleaning is one of the biggest benefits a CIP system offers. And as controls continue to improve and coatings (e.g., for surfaces in food industry) become more durable—even stainless steel can be corrupted—CIP methods will continue to multiply.
What CIP systems are not is maintenance free. Routine maintenance on surfaces, pipes, calibration systems, etc. is essential.
Gaskets haven’t gone away, and they should not be forgotten. (Dismantling still has a place in CIP systems as a prudent preventative during routine maintenance.)
Cleaning in place can offer such benefits in cleaning efficiency, cost savings, worker protection, reduced cleaning time, environmental protection, and more that it will continue to be an area of growth for pressurized water applications. CT
by Wood Defender ®
In fence and deck staining, perfection isn’t just about the fence line—it’s about everything around it. Even with masking and wind checks, mist and microspatter can land on vehicles, windows, trim, and concrete. Cleanup that’s slow or risky drags crews off schedule, threatens customer satisfaction, and can snowball into claims.
Educational objective—give contractors a repeatable field method to remove overspray and tough residues efficiently while protecting delicate adjacent surfaces.
Overspray happens anywhere stain is sprayed especially near property lines, on breezy days, or when production schedules compress setup time. Common pain points include vehicles parked nearby, vinyl or metal trim, windows, and patios.
If left on the surface, dried stain becomes harder to remove, increases the likelihood of etching or marring if harsh solvents are used, and erodes trust even after the “main” job looks great.
• Escalating labor—manual scrubbing, multiple chemical steps, or calling in detailing services
• Surface risk—aggressive solvents can haze plastics, lift paint, or streak glass
• Reputation & cost—callbacks, discounts, or insurance claims negate project margins
Historical approaches—Acetone/ xylene wipes, strong alkalines, and multi-product routines can work but raise flammability and surface-compatibility risks. They often require PPE and extra rinsing/ neutralizing—time the crew rarely has.
A modern alternative—EZ Kleen Multi-Purpose Cleaner (concentrated) is designed for the realities of stain job sites. Contractors can dial dilution to the task, apply, allow a short dwell, and rinse/ wipe clean, reducing steps and risk.
Roy Branch, director of wholesale distribution, comments, “Cleanup is where reputations are won. A reliable, surface-safe cleaner gives crews confidence to solve problems on the spot and finish the day on time, protecting their margin.”
Scenario—A staining contractor, 3/23 Fenceworks, wrapped a fence project when a customer texted photos from next door of a Jeep Rubicon speckled with Cape Codcolor overspray across the hood, fenders, windows, trim, and even the tires. The twist was the vehicle had
sat in sun and heat for four days before anyone noticed.
• Walk-through with the neighbor
• Move the vehicle into the shade; cool surfaces
• Test EZ Kleen at light dilution first
• Scale only as needed; use soft towels/brushes
STEP-BY-STEP
• Pre-rinse to remove dust/grit
• Apply EZ Kleen to test area
• Short dwell—do not allow to dry
• Light agitation with soft towel/brush
• Rinse thoroughly section by section
• Final check and spot repeat as needed
The outcome was the overspray lifted without damage to paint, plastics, or glass. No third-party detailing was needed. The contractor avoided a claim and logged less than an hour for the remediation. The contractor’s verdict: “It freaking works.”
Roy Branch says, “Job sites are unpredictable. Even great crews get caught by wind shifts and tight property lines. EZ Kleen exists for
those moments—it turns a nightmare into a manageable, professional fix.”
1. Prevention still rules—mask, shield, check wind conditions, and communicate with neighbors.
2. Make cleanup a planned step— stock EZ Kleen and inspect before teardown.
3. Start mild and scale methodically—always spot test first.
4. Work smart in sun/heat— keep sections wet and rinse early.
5. Document fixes with before/ after photos.
6. Train to a checklist—ensure consistency across crews.
• Glass only—Agitate with extension brush and rinse well.
• Concrete/pavers—Tight brush agitation may help in cleaning pores. If stain is persistent, graduate to Zep Degreaser.
• Stubborn deposits—re-wet, stronger solution, short dwell cycles.
• Avoid hot panels in full sun, abrasive pads, and aggressive solvents that can haze plastics or lift paint.
Overspray is a fact of life in highproductivity stain work. The difference between a happy customer and a costly callback is a safe, disciplined cleanup process. EZ Kleen gives contractors a single, job-tested tool to dissolve stain residue on glass, trim, paint, and concrete with fewer steps and less risk—protecting schedules, margins, and relationships. If you’re looking for that 5-Star review, go ahead and wash all their windows!
Wood Defender®, a Standard Paints Inc. brand, develops pro-grade exterior wood stains and supports job site solutions used by contractors nationwide. From training resources to field-proven products like EZ Kleen Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Wood Defender helps professionals deliver consistent results efficiently. Roy Branch serves as Director of Wholesale Distribution for Standard Paints, working closely with distributors and contractors to streamline supply, training, and product support across the fence and deck staining industry CT
s it begins its 36th year, the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association, CETA, continues to build on the strongest of foundations.
CETA facilitates peer-to-peer collaboration, learning, and debate as it functions as a strong voice for the industry. Gus Alexander, CEO of FNA Group in Pleasant Prairie, WI, will serve as president of the association in 2026.
A broadly based group of board members will serve alongside Alexander as officers and directors of CETA. (See the sidebar for a list of the 2026 CETA board of directors.)
Alexander says that he steps into the role of president with a sense of
both responsibility and opportunity.
“Our association stands at a unique point in its history—one where innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose will shape not only our future but also the broader industry we serve.”
Indeed, to shape that future in a meaningful and lasting way, Alexander wants to facilitate maximum interaction. He intends to create an environment that allows the collective strengths of board members to coalesce and illuminate new ventures while invigorating existing ones.
“Listening carefully, fostering dialogue, and helping align diverse perspectives toward a common goal are the essential components of the role
of president,” says Alexander. “It is about ensuring that CETA continues to provide leadership and value to our members, the industry, and the communities we touch.”
As Alexander looks to the year ahead, he sees four areas that will merit particular focus: strengthening industry standards, expanding education and training, encouraging innovation, and enhancing member engagement.
And Alexander elaborates a bit on each area of focus. “Working to establish and advance benchmarks that enhance safety, quality, and reliability will strengthen industry standards,” he notes.
Expanding education and training will equip members with knowledge
by Diane M. Calabrese
and resources that foster professional growth, explains Alexander. It will also strengthen the next generation of leaders.
Innovation is important across industry and commerce. Encouraging it involves “supporting technologies and practices that improve sustainability, efficiency, and performance,” says Alexander. That’s something CETA is very committed to doing.
The energy that fuels CETA derives from its members. Their engagement will be enhanced by “creating new opportunities for collaboration, networking, and sharing best practices,” says Alexander.
In addition to the board members to whom Alexander refers as “the
backbone of CETA progress,” there are committees that further fortify the association. The committees bring cohesion as well as vision to projects.
“Several committees will be given new emphasis this upcoming year, ensuring that important programs receive the attention and resources they deserve,” says Alexander. For instance, the technical standards and performance committee will redouble efforts to strengthen industry benchmarks. And CETA University, the repository of learning tools available to members, will expand.
Alexander also envisions the possibility of new committees and initiatives that would form in response to
emerging needs in the industry, such as sustainability innovation. Of course, member engagement will permeate all efforts.
Member engagement and forward-looking efforts are integral parts of all things at CETA. Even as the rich program of PowerClean ® 2025 invigorates members, the association prepares for PowerClean 2026 (October 8–11 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, FL).
Supporting the work of the board and members is Debbie Murray, the managing director of CETA. She plays the vital role of coordinating communication among board members and members and so much more.
• Gus Alexander—President
• Scott Hansen— Senior Vice President
• Greg Sprunk—Vice President
• Chad Reiffer—Secretary
• Raj Trivedi—Treasurer
• Karl Loeffelholz— Past President
• R. Calvin Rasmussen— Executive Advisor
• Tim Mendoza—Director
• Fred Hunt—Director*
• Alexis Campbell—Director*
• Gary Ashurst—Director
• Delany Johnson—Director
• Phil Petty—Director
• Michayla Thomas—Director*
• Maxwell Baldwin—Director*
*New to board service
Suppose a member needs a certain product or a location of someone who can be of assistance—someone who is nearest to them geographically. That’s the sort of issue the CETA main office helps resolve as a matter of routine, explains Murray.
Myriad kinds of assistance are provided to members just as an essential part of membership benefits. “We help members connect with other members who have been in the business longer or who have more experience in certain areas,” says Murray. “We answer questions for potential members and let them know how much CETA can help them expand their business.”
Ask. That word summarizes the universal theme of CETA communication. “Ask” is what central office staff and board members would advise CETA members and prospective members who have a question to follow through and do.
Questions open lines of communication. Answers strengthen the lines
and ignite collaboration among peers (and true, often competitors at the same time). Not only the association but also the industry grows stronger.
Murray notes that members of CETA represent the United States, Canada, Italy, Germany, China, and beyond. Across the wide geography, however, there is “a sense of community” shared by all.
Like the board members of CETA (present and past), Murray acknowledges, accepts, and appreciates the time committed to the association.
“Our days are often long and demanding, particularly as we prepare for events like PowerClean, but the chance to serve our members makes it all worthwhile,” says Murray.
New to the CETA board of directors in 2026 are the following: Maxwell Baldwin, owner and director of operations at Whisper Wash in St. Petersburg, FL; Michayla Thomas, sales and marketing supervisor at Pacific Bay Equipment (PBE) in Modesto, CA; Fred Hunt,
director of sales and marketing at RW Beckett Corp. in North Ridgeville, OH; and Alexis Campbell, national sales manager at Pressure Systems Innovations in West Palm Beach, FL.
Baldwin has shared his knowledge of surface cleaners—their structure, maintenance, and use—many times in the pages of Cleaner Times. “People are the key to success,” he told us when recalling his own business trajectory in in 2024.
People—a very astute observation. “It’s not in the car you drive or the house you own,” says Baldwin. “It’s in the people you surround yourself with and the effort made in cultivating relationships.”
Thomas began her career as a customer service representative with PBE in 2016, advancing to customer service manager and then to sales and marketing. She oversees sales activities, coordinates marketing campaigns, and supports team goals that move the company forward.
“I’m really looking forward to giving back to the industry that has given so much to me,” says Thomas as she joins the CETA board. She welcomes the collaborative opportunities and chances to contribute to efforts that add value for members.
“As a woman on the board, I’m proud to bring a different perspective and hopefully encourage more women to see the opportunities in this industry,” says Thomas.
Hunt has been with his current employer for over seven years. He leads a team of professionals across various business units, distribution channels, and geographies. His experience includes employment with Sherwin-Williams, The Scotts Company, Rubbermaid, and John Deere.
Before entering the civilian workplace, Hunt served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, flying aircraft for more than 10 years on active duty. He earned both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Texas Tech University.
“This is a great industry with longstanding relationships that endure,” says Hunt. “The needs of our business
cross many areas, topics, and applications. I look forward to digging in and helping to see those needs are met on behalf of our members.”
Campbell says that it’s been a privilege to work in our industry for more than 23 years. She adds that by starting out in customer service, she gained a great understanding of the business from the ground up.
“What I love most about this industry is the people,” says Campbell. Add,
too, the ever-evolving nature and opportunities the industry presents.
“Building relationships, finding solutions that make sense for customers, and helping others in the industry grow” are important to Campbell, she explains. “I always try to bring an approachable, collaborative style to everything I do, and I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned along the way.”
With that reflection, Campbell speaks for all. CT
The things we know to do and the things we do sometimes diverge.
No member of our industry is unaware of the basics of chemical storage. Make that safe chemical storage. Yet haste and exhaustion have a way of pushing people toward a just-this-one-time decision, and somehow a liquid chemical and a dry chemical get stashed side by side.
Complacency has become the polished term for an avoidable error, but we know complacency just gives some cover to the harsh reality of a lackadaisical attitude. Careless action—often the same as inaction— leads to serious problems in all spheres. In the sphere of chemical storage, incompatible chemicals that meet can lead to injuries and death as well as structural damage to edifices and vehicles.
Yes, damage can impact vehicles because chemicals must be stored correctly in all settings. That includes inside the vehicles of contractors and haulers for manufacturers and distributors.
Safety is the priority issue that proper storage addresses. But it’s not the only issue.
Degradation of chemicals that are stored improperly can lead to serious problems on jobsites. To ensure chemicals do not degrade, contractors must keep them in an environment that prevents alteration.
“Contractors should pay closer attention to temperature control in chemical storage,” says Missy Tanguay, business development manager at Deco Products Inc. in Denver, CO. “Excessive heat or cold can alter chemical stability, reduce effectiveness, and even create safety hazards.”
Tanguay emphasizes that her recommendation pertains to all. “It applies not only to our company’s products but to all coatings, sealers, and related chemicals—always store them in climate-appropriate conditions to maintain performance and safety.”
The amount of assistance with chemical storage from the federal
government—particularly the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] and OSHA [Occupational Safey and Health Administration]—along with state environmental and safety government partners and local jurisdictions is enormous. Professional organizations and the many commercial vendors of safety instruction can help contractors, distributors, and manufacturers sort through the mass of information.
In addition, manufacturers of chemical products and manufacturers and distributors of chemicals provide assistance through the instructions for use (including storage) that accompany their products.
Always read the instructions/ directions first. How many times has each of us heard that admonishment? It’s a serious one when chemicals are involved. Foodstuffs may perish if they are not stored properly, but people may perish if chemicals are not stored correctly.
Heat and light are often not taken into consideration by contractors, says Linda Chambers, brand and sales manager at GCE/Soap Warehouse Brand in Norcross, GA. She says, “These are the major killers of chemicals.”
What makes them killers? “Heat excites the molecules allowing bonds to break and reduces the strength of the cleaner,” says Chambers. “Light is not as harmful but will still degrade the product and may change the color of the product depending on the type of dyes used to color it.”
Everything about compounds must be taken into consideration by chemical compounders, manufacturers, and distributors. And it is.
For instance, red dyes are more susceptible to light, explains Chambers. “That means a red or purple product may turn a light pink or turn blue or turquoise green when left in the sun.” Sunlight-induced change in dye color may be tolerable. But if a product heats up due to sun exposure, its strength may be altered, says Chambers.
Both heat and light affect bleach, explains Chambers. “It is why most vendors sell bleach in solid color containers like blue versus opaque white or clear.”
True, says Chambers, it may be easier to see levels of bleach in a clear
IF THERE’S ONE OVERARCHING PRINCIPLE IN STORAGE OF CHEMICALS, IT IS TO MINIMIZE RISK. THE MINIMIZATION BEGINS WITH COMMON SENSE, SUCH AS LABELED, SEALED, AND SUITABLE CONTAINERS IN A SECURE LOCATION.
THAT’S A SECURE LOCATION PROTECTED FROM VANDALS AS WELL AS THE ELEMENTS. CONTAINERS SHOULD BE EASY TO ACCESS AND DIFFICULT TO DISLODGE OR TIP OVER.
container, but the transparency allows heat and light to degrade the bleach. And the degradation is not insignificant at all. As much as “one percent degrades every 30 days,” says Chambers. “In heat bleach gasses off, loosing potency, so keep containers as near to full as you can and keep lids tight.”
There are many areas of concern regarding storage that tend to be overlooked by contractors. Even if a jurisdiction has no laws against storing chemicals in vans or trucks when they
are not in use, or even if the chemical seems relatively innocuous, the practice can still be risky given the incidence of vehicle theft and vandalism.
“Not only to avoid theft but for safety and chemical mixture hazards, precautions must be taken,” says Chambers. “All chemicals should be locked away and stored separately depending on type.”
An example? “Never store acids in the same space as bleach due to the possibility of reactions from spills.”
Beyond avoiding the dangers of inadvertent mixing, anyone storing chemicals—on a vehicle or in a stationary structure—must impose barriers between chemicals and people. “You need to make sure the public cannot come into contact with your containers. Even chemical residue left on the outside of a container, if touched by any unknowing person, can be dangerous and become a costly lawsuit,” explains Chambers.
Indeed, Chambers recalls an incident (some 15 years ago) in which a child (may have) touched unmarked jugs on a contractor’s open trailer, which was parked in a grocery store lot. The child touched its eyes and began to wail.
Doctors figured out the eye injury was from chemicals, and the mother recalled the open trailer. “When police investigated, they found acids, caustics, and bleach containers with wet and dried residue on the outside of them along the edge of the open trailer,” says Chambers.
Legal action was taken against the contractor, whose defense argued the child could have touched the chemicals in the store. It could not be proven the trailer was the place where the child touched the chemicals. Nevertheless, the judge ruled that the contractor had created a hazard to the public. The legal fight was long and costly.
Restricted, secure access is a must when storing chemicals, whether on vehicles, in transit, or in a storage room/facility. One of the challenges for contractors is finding containment solutions.
“When looking online, you will mostly find only large-sized solutions being offered and sold, like entire chemical buildings or tall storage lockers,” says Chambers. “It is difficult to find smaller storage solutions, so alternative solutions can be adapted from other applications.”
Chambers has a suggestion. “I like metal, lockable toolboxes sold for trucks, trailers, or RVs. Then line them
with rubber or plastic trays or bins for spill containment.”
“New and fledgling contractors may find metal-is-too-expensive solutions,” says Chambers. “Then heavy plastic lockable bins are an option. Etrailer.com has both metal and plastic options. Stores like Lowes and Home Depot sell metal job boxes that will also work. Stores like Tractor Supply have plastic and larger composite-sided containers normally used to store feed.”
A safe storage plan begins with following the guidelines from OSHA for storage, segregation, and handling of chemicals just as Chambers’ company does. Chambers shares two examples of the result of adherence to the guidelines. “We have chemical storage cabinets in the shop for oil, aerosol spray cans, and small amounts of liquid chemicals. We have a large outdoor storage shed for the tanks of bleach, other chemical storage in the warehouse, totes with containment trays, and bagged chemicals separated from liquid chemicals they could react with if we had a spill.”
If there’s one overarching principle in storage of chemicals, it is to minimize risk. The minimization begins with common sense, such as labeled, sealed, and suitable containers in a secure location.
That’s a secure location protected from vandals as well as the elements. Containers should be easy to access
and difficult to dislodge or tip over. (No one should be bumping into containers as they move to get from one place to another.)
Prepare for the worst. If there is a spill, are SDSs [safety data sheets] immediately accessible? Do employees know how to respond, and have they been regularly tested in response?
Beyond the OSHA expectations for storage, there are complementary and some additional expectations from other entities. For instance, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and CISA (CISA.gov) enter the picture.
CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, could take an interest in stored chemicals at any time. Until July 2023 when the law for Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) expired, it required a separate accounting of certain chemicals to be submitted. Now it offers ChemLock, which is a voluntary chemical security program offering
on-site assessments and guidance for a facility security plan.
NFPA 30, the fire and combustible liquids code, applies to all stored chemicals; and OSHA CFR 190.176 applies to all storage areas, including those for chemicals.
Depending upon what’s being stored, the requirements to be met could increase. If chemicals deemed hazardous are kept on site (i.e. any chemical that requires an SDS), a Tier II inventory form must be submitted to meet the requirements of EPCRA [Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act], which is administered by the EPA.
That concludes a very short list of the output from regulatory bodies interested in chemical storage. In addition to starting with common sense to achieve safe and manageable storage, be sure to continue with good hygiene (e.g., routine checks and updates, retaining only what is necessary in the smallest workable amounts). CT
by Mark E. Battersby
No one plans for a loss. Many smart pressure cleaning contractors and business owners do, however, plan to minimize the effect of losses, reverse them more quickly, and in some cases, reap the benefits of increased cash flow and lower tax bills today and in the future.
Whether the result of the economy, competition, or events outside the control of the pressure washing operation’s owner or manager, losses are almost inevitable. Thanks to our tax laws, however, anticipating losses—whether past, current, or future—can help every pressure cleaning business and its owner ease the bite of those losses, recover faster, and in many cases, reap a number of tax breaks.
Ensuring preferential tax treatment—and a lower tax bill—for losses should begin now, well before any loss occurs. Consider, for example, the routine losses every business may encounter.
While lost profit is not actually a loss, an unpaid invoice might be. In fact, it may be possible to write unpaid invoices off on the annual tax return. Unfortunately, these losses are available only to those pressure-washing businesses using the accrual method of accounting. This means that the total for those invoices was already included in the operation’s gross income reported to the IRS.
Business bad debts, on the other hand, are often labeled as losses. Regardless of whether the business bad debt arose from an owner’s loans to his or her business or from loans to others, so long as they are business-related, they can be deducted to the extent of their worthlessness.
Unfortunately, business bad debt deductions are not available to shareholders who have advanced money as a contribution to an incorporated business’s capital, or to creditors who hold a debt that is confirmed by a bond, note, or other evidence of indebtedness.
There are also those losses that can be controlled. Quite simply, a loss is allowed for the abandonment
of an asset. If a depreciable business asset or an income-producing asset loses its usefulness and is subsequently abandoned, the loss is equal to its adjusted basis. Obviously, an abandonment loss must be distinguished from anticipated obsolescence.
And, whether a good or a bad thing, this type of loss applies to the abandonment of a business, as well as abandonment of intangible assets, such as contracts.
Inventory losses, casualty and theft losses (to the extent not covered by insurance), and losses on the sale of business assets may also be deductible. Losses from fire, storm, shipwreck, or other catastrophic events are clearly tax deductible. Of course, casualty losses must be due to a sudden unexpected or unusual event in order to qualify as tax deductions.
Casualty losses, at least if they are the result of a legitimately declared “disaster,” can be utilized to recoup taxes paid in the previous tax year. In essence, a casualty loss resulting from a declared disaster may be claimed as a tax deduction in the year preceding the year in which the disaster actually occurred. This allows the pressure washing operation to amend its prior year tax returns and receive an immediate refund as a measure of relief.
The owners and operators of many troubled pressure cleaning businesses have discovered the advantages—yes, advantages—of big-time losses.
A net operating loss (NOL) is the total excess of allowable deductions over gross income with required adjustments. In other words, if all of the pressure washing operation’s expense deductions exceed income shown on the tax return—or the owner’s return—there may be an NOL.
Depending on how much of a loss it sustains, the business can benefit from the negative income for a prolonged period of time until it becomes profitable again. Owners of an unincorporated business—a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company—can claim their business operating losses on their annual personal tax returns.
Currently NOLs can no longer be carried back to offset the taxable profits in earlier years. They can, however, facilitate future tax relief. NOLs can now be carried forward indefinitely although they are limited to a maximum of 80 percent of the upcoming year’s income. A 20-year limit applies for losses that occurred prior to 2018.
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) impacted the tax treatment of business losses, particularly the limited deduction for so-called “excess business losses” (EBLs). This impacts the amount of losses that a sole proprietor, partner, S corporation shareholder, or limited liability member can currently deduct.
An EBL is the excess of the pressure washing operation’s total income or gain attributable to the taxpayer’s business plus a threshold amount. The threshold amount is indexed for inflation and is $313,000 for 2025.
The OBBB also changed how total (or aggregate) business deductions are calculated by including any “specified loss”—that is, any excess business loss that was disallowed for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024—in the total amount.
The tax rules are pretty clear: ordinary losses can only be deducted against ordinary gains, and capital losses can only be deducted against capital gains. Since most people usually have much more ordinary income than capital gains, ordinary losses are usually more useful than capital losses in reducing taxable income.
Passive activities are those in which the owner or shareholder doesn’t materially participate. Material participation is generally defined as being involved in an activity on a regular, continous, and substantial basis. Under these rules passive activity losses that exceed income from passive activities
are disallowed for the tax year although they can be carried forward to he next tax year where they face the same passive loss rules.
While not as common as it was several years ago, insolvent banks and other financial institutions can cause their customers—both individuals and businesses—to lose substantial amounts of money.
Should a bank or financial institution become insolvent, customers can deduct any non-insured losses as either casualty losses or non-business bad debts. If none of the losses were insured, an investment loss might be claimed instead.
Unlike the standard deposit insurance amount, which is $250,000 per depositor (per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category), capital losses are limited to $3,000 ( $3,000 loss limit is the amount that can be offset against ordinary income).
When it comes to theft losses, they are tax deductible. Of course, the pressure cleaning operation must prove that the loss was due to theft—suspicion alone is not enough. What’s more, if property is simply missing, a theft loss can’t be claimed.
Increasingly the IRS is assuming two or more years of losses is enough to label an operation as a “hobby.”
Quite simply, as a hobby the operation’s expenses can be deducted but only up to the amount of its income. In other words, hobbies don’t have losses that can offset income from other sources, only businesses do.
Planning for losses begins with the key types of losses recognized by the IRS. The tax rules allow deductions for ordinary losses from ordinary income. This reduces the amount of taxable income and reduces the income tax bill.
Owners of unincorporated businesses who sell or liquidate their
businesses at a loss are allowed to deduct those losses against their ordinary income. Owners who sell or liquidate their corporations at a loss are required to deduct those losses against their capital gains. If their capital losses exceed their capital gains, they are allowed to deduct the loss in increments of up to $3,000 per year to offset their ordinary income. Depending on the amount of the capital loss, it may be many years before the entire loss is deducted.
To give the owners of small incorporated businesses the same deduction advantages as the owners of unincorporated businesses, Congress created Section 1244 stock with a unique tax treatment for its qualified restricted shares. Section 1244 stock allows a business to report certain capital losses as ordinary losses for tax purposes. This lets new or smaller businesses take advantage
of lower effective tax rates and increased deductions.
Specifically, Section 1244 stock allows shareholders of an eligible small business corporation to treat up to $50,000 of losses (or, in the case of a husband and wife filing a joint return, $100,000) from the sale of stock as ordinary losses instead of capital losses.
Would a refund of taxes paid by the formerly profitable pressure cleaning business in years past help ease the pain of lingering losses this year? What if last year’s business losses could offset next year’s profits and reduce the tax bill for years to come?
Many pressure washing business owners and managers are discovering that tough times mean making the most out of a bad situation by utilizing existing tax laws to reduce the impact of those losses. Of course, thanks to the complexity of our tax laws, professional guidance might be necessary. CT
Coxreels is proud to introduce a new line of three industrialduty LED lights now available on the C (dual purpose) air/ electric reels. The new LED lights feature a variety of industrialgrade features and options, including a 50,000-hour rating, internal light diffusers, and shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses. Coxreels’ new LED lights also feature adjustable steel hooks for hands-free placement.
Whether you are looking for the compact LED light feature (-M), the LED light with the additional power source (-K), or the industrial-duty, UL-listed LED light (-H), these reels have the perfect features to complement a variety of applications.
Note: Product News submissions should be emailed to jkidder@cleanertimes.com. Please be sure that your product announcement is accompanied by a high-resolution photo of the product . CT
Coxreels has remained steadfast and focused on manufacturing high-quality, industrial-grade hose, cord, and cable reels with leading industry innovation since 1923. Offering a full product line serving the industry in every channel and application, Coxreels takes great pride in designing, building, and supporting each and every product made exclusively in the U.S.A.
For further information on Coxreels industrial-duty LED lights, contact customer service at 800-269-7335 or visit www.coxreels.com .
Wayne Combustion Systems is excited to announce our move into a new production facility later in 2025. Along with a change of address, we are welcoming improved manufacturing capabilities, product enhancements, and updated packaging. Building on a tradition of nearly 100 years of innovation and development, our team tailors burners to customer applications, optimizing performance, reliability, and value to our customers. Model MSR and EH burners are outstanding examples of our commitment to product versatility. Available for 120-volt ac, 240-volt ac, and 12-volt dc systems, Wayne’s diesel-fired burners are suitable for mobile applications, ensuring a long operational life even on the most demanding jobsites. From 0.50 gph to 6.0 gph, the MSR and EH burners maintain positive flame retention and a controlled flame pattern for use in a wide range of applications. Among the optional features are various air tube lengths, drop-out timer, check valve, OEM specific wiring plugs, 12-volt dc safety control, and single part number ordering. Wayne burners are built to perform and backed by people. Our experienced staff is ready to assist and support your burner needs.
For more information, call 800-443- 4625, email sales@waynecombustion.com, or visit www.waynecombustion.com .
by Diane M. Calabrese
Aburner stops working. Could it be a fuel pump issue? Perhaps.
“This is not a great topic as a fuel pump is kind of like a toothache,” says Roy Pennington, owner of Hi Pressure Cleaning Systems Inc. in Houma, LA, “You don’t spend a lot of time worrying about it unless it starts hurting.”
True enough. Teeth and fuel pumps both get high marks for strong and reliable performance in the 21st century when treated well.
But occasionally there is some ado, or commotion, in one realm or the other. We stick to fuel pumps here, but first a clarification.
“Which one?” must be the first question answered before we discuss
troubleshooting a fuel pump in the context of a pressure washer.
Contractors using pressure washers may interact with more than one fuel pump during their day. Thus, “which one?” is a priority question when discussing fuel pumps, explains Pennington.
“Hot water, gasoline-powered skids will generally have two fuel pumps:
one for the engine and one for the burner,” says Pennington. “Cold-water units will generally have OEM— Briggs, Kohler, or Honda fuel pumps— as part of the package. Electric hotwater units will have one fuel pump for the burner.”
Let’s start with gasoline- or dieselfueled engines. Are problems with fuel pumps on combustion engines overstated?
“Yes, rarely does a fuel pump on an engine cause problems unless it is due to operator error,” says Pennington, “such as gas being poured into the diesel tank.”
Would the absence of a fuel pump (because of the presence of an electric motor) help to make an electric-driven system (pressure washer) more popular than a system driven by a combustion engine because fewer problems are anticipated? In other words, one fewer fuel pump to maintain would reduce the number of troublesome issues with fuel pumps for the owner, would it not?
That would only be true if pressure washer owners chose machines based on fuel pumps, but they don’t.
“The fuel pump is not involved in the choice of gas versus electric,” says Pennington. “The application is the issue; is sufficient electrical supply available?
“Five gpm at 2000 psi is going to require a minimum of 230 volts of power, or a 16 hp engine,” continues Pennington. “If it is a gas engine, with fuel tank on top of engine, gravity does the fuel delivery; and the only fuel pump will be on the burner. If there is a remote tank, then an electric 12 volt or a diaphragm fuel pump operated by the engine’s pulsating base pressure operates the fuel pump for the engine.”
If gravity moves (delivers) the fuel, the engine does not have a fuel pump as Pennington explains. And, again, when there is a fuel pump on the engine, it’s unlikely to be a problem.
For the burners, are problems with their fuel pumps overstated? “No, the problems are not overstated,” says Pennington.
In the case of burner fuel pumps, the role of the operators of equipment tends to be understated, explains Pennington. “Water and contaminated fuel are a major issue. I have seen an operator pick up any bucket lying around on the work yard and go fill the bucket from the drain on the bottom of the bulk tank and pour it into the burner fuel tank—trash, water, precipitate and all.”
Equipment operators who “don’t care” about the consequences of approaches are a problem, says
Pennington. Any disconnect with ownership or a not-my-money attitude may lead operators to do what they should not, such as “run an oil-fired burner without fuel, not knowing the fuel being pumped is the lubrication of the pump itself.”
In general, it’s the burner fuel pump most likely to cause problems, and it causes them “due to operator error and abuse,” says Pennington.
Troubles with fuel pumps on engines and fuel pumps on burners often have the same origin. That origin is operator error or operator abuse of the pump.
Take two common issues with the fuel pump on a pressure washer engine. “Nasty ethanol-damaged diaphragms are a problem for fuel pumps on engines,” says Pennington. And there are also “unknowledgeable operators who think a remote fivegallon outboard-type fuel tank needs an outboard priming bulb and blows the diaphragm.”
Failure of the fuel pump on the burner may occur “due to dirty plugged-up filters, dirty fuel, gas in diesel tank instead of diesel, or ruining the pump by running it with no fuel,” explains Pennington. He adds that the best prevention is to change out the operator, but that may be difficult.
Suppose the owner is the operator. That’s a good thing because the owner is invested in the performance and longevity of the equipment, explains Pennington.
But to make certain to keep the good thing going, the operator should commit to changing filters when needed and not running the unit without fuel, says Pennington. “And don’t make non-factory improvements to the system based on your knowledge that ‘you know a guy who dated a girl whose brother once worked as a technician.’”
Overall, Pennington observes that fuel pumps (like healthy teeth) do not get a lot of attention. “In 34 years I have never been queried on ‘what kind of fuel pump’ makes a burner work, or had anyone ask about its efficiency rating.”
The lack of inquiries follows a pattern, though. “Did anyone ever ask the car dealership, what kind of fuel pump is on a 5.7-liter engine?” says Pennington.
Two voices—unless at odds— are stronger than one. When offering perspective on things like troubleshooting or maintaining equipment, one voice amplifies the other. With the reinforcement, it’s more likely that recommendations will not be missed.
Here, Roy G. Chappell, CEO of Chappell Supply and Equipment in Oklahoma City, OK, gives us more advice about fuel pumps. We start with the perception question.
Should the absence of one fuel pump in an electric-driven power washer make the system more popular, given it may have fewer problems with one less fuel pump to maintain? “It’s true that electric cold-water units don’t require a fuel pump, so there is technically one less part to maintain,” says Chappell. “That is what makes them a good option for light residential cleaning.
“However, in a commercial setting, hot water is key for cleaning
effectively and quickly,” continues Chappell. “To have hot water, you need an engine and burner system, which means using fuel pumps. While that adds another component, the increased cleaning speed and efficiency of hot water far outweigh the small amount of extra maintenance.”
In fact, “extra” is a relative term. With regular maintenance, modernday fuel pumps on engines are exceedingly reliable, explains Chappell.
Then, what of the fuel pumps on burners? Are problems with them significant?
“The real issue isn’t the pump itself but the fuel quality going into it,” says Chappell.
“Water or debris in the fuel is the most common cause of burner trouble, not the pump failing,” explains Chappell. “Think of it like aviation— before takeoff, pilots drain a small sample of fuel to check for water because even a little contamination can cause big problems.”
A nettlesome fuel pump on a pressure washer may not invite the calamity possible with an aircraft failure. But the check for water in a pressure washer fuel pump derives from the same principle.
“Taking a few minutes to check for water in the tank or pump can prevent issues,” says Chappell. “Fuel expands and contracts with temperature changes, and condensation will settle at the bottom of the tank. That’s why, growing up on the farm, we never poured the last bit from the fuel can into equipment—that’s where water collects.”
In fact, the source of fuel pump problems is often misplaced. “The most common issue is water or debris in the fuel, not the pump itself,” says Chappell. “Using clean cans, avoiding the bottom of the container, and draining the system monthly prevents nearly all problems.”
A preventive approach preempts the need for much troubleshooting. “With clean fuel and basic checks,
burner pumps are extremely reliable,” says Chappell.
If a pressure washer has more than one fuel pump, is one of the fuel pumps more likely to pose problems than the other? “Yes, but not in the way most people think,” says Chappell.
“Neither the engine fuel pump nor the burner pump is inherently unreliable,” explains Chappell. “Most problems come from fuel quality, not the pump itself.”
So where do most problems begin? “Dirty cans, water, or debris are real culprits,” says Chappell. That’s why it’s important to use a clean container, drain off any water in the engine fuel pump once a month, and drain the water separator on the burner.”
Maintain the fuel pump and there will be little need to troubleshoot.
“Replacing the filter element every six months keeps everything running smoothly,” says Chappell. “These simple steps may take ten minutes a month and can save hundreds of dollars a year in labor, fuel, and pump repairs.” CT
Barens has announced the appointment of Ryan Lindaman as its new vice president of sales, bringing extensive leadership and sales experience to the company’s growing team.
Lindaman has built a strong career in the pressure washing and equipment industry. Most recently he served as director of sales at Atrix for just over a year, where he contributed to expanding the company’s distributor partnerships and strengthening its sales strategies. Prior to that he spent six years with Hydra-Flex, advancing to the role of director of sales and playing a key role in driving growth through innovative product launches and customer-focused initiatives.
In addition to his professional achievements, Lindaman has been active in industry leadership, serving as secretary on the CETA board of directors from November 2021 to February 2024. “Ryan’s leadership and kindness made a real impact during his time on the board,” says Debbie Murray, CETA executive director. “I hold him in the highest regard and am thrilled to see him continuing to shine in the industry.”
Founded in 1994 in Seneca, Pennsylvania, Barens has grown into a leading North American distributor of pressure washer parts and accessories, with operations now in both Pennsylvania and Arizona. The company is recognized for its extensive inventory, fast shipping, and commitment to serving manufacturers, retailers, and service providers across the U.S., Canada,
and Mexico. Since being acquired by BE Power Equipment in 2019, Barens has continued to operate with the same dedicated staff and customerfirst approach.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan Lindaman as sales manager at Barens Inc.,” said the CEO of BE Power Equipment. “Ryan brings not only a wealth of industry experience in highpressure nozzles, but also the leadership and vision to help guide our sales team and strengthen relationships with our customers and partners. His energy and expertise will play a key role as we continue to grow and expand our reach in the pressure washer parts industry.”
“I am excited to join Barens and contribute to its continued growth and success,” Lindaman added.
Assembled Products Corporation is proud to announce a new chapter
in the Rogers, Arkansas-based company’s history. The innovative manufacturing and assembly company is rebranding as Kiefer Sage, a name that
honors the company’s history while embracing its future, and celebrates its move into a new, expanded Rogers facility with a ribbon cutting. Founded
by Bill Sage more than 40 years ago and now led by his daughter, President Erin Kiefer, the company builds purposeful products and solutions that impact communities worldwide. Guided by empathy and innovation, Kiefer Sage delivers solutions to people such as first responders and those with limited mobility to make their lives better. This transformation marks a bold new era as the company moves into a state-of-the-art campus that brings all operations under one roof, strengthens its leadership team, and positions the business for continued growth. As part of this evolution, Kiefer Sage is also launching a new co- assembly service, opening its doors to innovators and businesses seeking a trusted U.S.-based production partner.
“Kiefer Sage is rooted in the same values that started this company in Rogers more than 40 years ago,” says Erin Kiefer, president. “We’re building on that proud history with a new name, a new home, and new opportunities to create solutions that improve lives, support jobs, and serve customers here in Arkansas and around the world.”
Kiefer Sage, formerly Assembled Products Corporation, is proud to call itself an Arkansas native. Founded in Rogers in 1983 by Bill Sage and inspired by his grandmother’s need for easier mobility, Sage created the world’s first electric shopping cart, making independence more accessible for millions of shoppers in stores such as Home Depot, Walmart, BJ’s, and Trader Joes with the Martcart™. In the following years the company created Spraymaster™, a central cleaning system that helps leading businesses, from Chick- Fil-A to the San Diego Zoo, stay spotless and welcoming; and Jotto Desk®, the first mobile office desk for first responders. Today Jotto has grown into a leader in total vehicle mounting solutions, delivering the equipment and mobile solutions
that professionals rely on.
Congressman Womack said during a visit of Kiefer Sage’s Rogers facility, “What I really appreciate more than anything is the quality of the premises, the quality of the employees that are out there on the floor doing this work, the conditions under which they work, and the contributions they are making to the greater Rogers and Northwest Arkansas economy and the world. And sitting down with management and listening to their vision and what they want to do with this company and where they want to take it should be a source of inspiration for everybody. This is an American story here that is unfolding, and I am just so pleased that it is right here in the middle of the town where I’ve been a mayor and I’ve lived for all these years.”
The company’s rebranding to Kiefer Sage isn’t just a new name; it’s a clear signal of how they’ll continue to show up and innovate for customers, suppliers, and communities. In addition to the rebrand, they’ve consolidated the 150-person strong workforce into one campus in Rogers. The move will boost collaboration, efficiency and future growth while delivering measurable sustainability gains, including a 42 percent reduction in utility expenses and more than 4,000 fewer truck miles each year.
Driven by her vision for future growth, President Erin Kiefer brought new leadership to drive the next chapter in the company’s growth, led by CEO Justin Sparks, formerly an executive at Tyson Foods and recognized on the Arkansas Business Forty under Forty list.
“This is more than a rebrand— it’s a transformation,” says Justin Sparks, CEO of Kiefer Sage.
“By bringing our leadership, talent, and production together under one roof, we’ve built the foundation for the next era of growth. We’ve redefined our goto-market strategy, strengthened
our team with both seasoned and new talent, and positioned Kiefer Sage as a world-class assembly partner right here in Arkansas. This moment is about honoring our legacy while boldly expanding what’s possible for the future.”
Alongside the debut of its new corporate identity, Kiefer Sage is opening its doors to new partners with the launch of its co-assembly services. The company is offering proven expertise in design, assembly, logistics, and scalable production to companies that are reshoring production and seeking a reliable U.S.-based partner. The company is inviting innovators, startups, and established businesses alike to bring their products into its U.S.-based ecosystem, where ideas can be transformed into market-ready solutions. Kiefer Sage has begun the process with its first client and is officially opening its doors to more today. Interested parties can learn more at www.kiefersage.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
(888) 889-WASH (9274) www.rcpce.com
Industrial Pressure Washer Sales, Service, Parts, Detergents, & Diesel-Powered Equip. Available.
Sellers Sales Co. Inc. Pumps & Equip 1904 So. Loop Drive Waco, Texas 76704 (254) 754-5761
info@sellerspump.com
Cat Pumps dist for 50 years. Pump Sls/Parts/Repairs/Cstm Built Pump Pkgs
AaLadin Central Pressure Washers & Supplies 2339 East Front Street Kansas City, MO 64120 (816) 221-1007
www.aaladincentral.com
Aaladin Elite Dist. Sales, Service, Parts, Soap for all brands. Chappell Supply & Equipment
• CETA Certified Distributor 6509 W. Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73127 (405) 495-1722
service@chappellsupply.com
1-Stop-Shop for Industrial Cleaning Equip. Needs.
KO Pressure Supply 2950 E. Division
Springfield, MO 65803 (888) 301-3005
www.kopressuresupply.com
Quality Parts, Equipment, Chemicals, and Service.
ZONE 7
Omega Industries, Inc. 11317 W 47th St. Minnetonka, MN 55343 (952) 988-8345
http://omegaindustriesinc.com
Sayers Wash Systems 21020 Cambodia Ave. Farmington, MN 55024 (800) 456-9840
www.SayersWashSystems.com
Servicing Virtually All Brands of Pressure Washers.
ZONE 8
Michigan Power Cleaning 2101 Palmer Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49001 (269) 349-3656
MichiganPowerCleaning.com 35y+ Parts/Service Cat General Hydrotek and Other Brands.
ZONE 9
Pressure Washer Supply Center 480 Hylton Rd. Suite D Richmond, VA 23238 804-708-9851
pressurewashersupplycenter.com
Commercial Pressure Washer Sales, Service, Parts, Chemicals & Repair. Pressure Washer Supply Center 110001 Houser Dr. #13 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (804) 708-9851
pressurewashersupplycenter.com
Commercial Pressure Washer Sales, Service, Parts, Chemicals & Repair.
ZONE 10
American Water Works East 3000 Nuzzo Ln. Conway, SC 29526 843-399-1055
www.americanwaterworks.net
Delco of Knoxville 6675 Clinton Hwy Knoxville, TN 37912 (865) 938-4486
Sales. Parts. Service. Rentals. Etowah Chemical Sales & Service
• CETA Certified Distributor 1706 Rossville Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37408 (423) 756-5763
www.etowahchemicals.com
Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.
Etowah Chemical Sales & Service
• CETA Certified Distributor 5720 A Middlebrook Pike Knoxville, TN 37921 (865) 584-7477
www.etowahchemicals.com
Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.
Etowah Chemical Sales & Service
• CETA Certified Distributor 878 Davis Dr. (Atlanta) Conyers, GA 30094 (770) 760-7031
www.etowahchemicals.com
Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.
Etowah Chemical Sales & Service
• CETA Certified Distributor 206 5th Ave. SW Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 734-1208
www.etowahchemicals.com
Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.
Etowah Chemical Sales & Service
• CETA Certified Distributor 7688 Spanish Fort Blvd. (Mobile) Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 621-1901
www.etowahchemicals.com
Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.
Etowah Chemical Sales & Service
• CETA Certified Distributor 3521 Richard Arrington Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35234 (205) 323-6441
www.etowahchemicals.com
Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.
Etowah Chemical Sales & Service
• CETA Certified Distributor 2618 Forrest Ave. Gadsden, AL 35904 (256) 547-7527
www.etowahchemicals.com
Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.
Etowah Chemical Sales & Service
• CETA Certified Distributor 1624 ½ Hamilton Road LaGrange, GA 30240 (770) 668-6319
www.etowahchemicals.com
Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.
GCE, Georgia Chemical Equipment 1580 Beaver Ruin Road Norcross, GA 30093 (770) 921-0397; (800)762-7911
https://georgiachemical.com
Sales, Service, Chems, Rentals Repairs on Nat Brands. North Georgia Airless 2126 Hilton Drive Gainesville, GA 30501
(770) 532-4442
www.NorthGeorgiaAirless.com
Trusted Sales, Rental, Parts and Repair Center.
Power Cleaning Equipment, Inc. 5020 Hwy 157 Florence, AL 35633 (800) 423-8605
joe@power-cleaning.net
Full-service P.W. Dist & Chem. Mfg. (TN also)
ZONE 12
Faitella Enterprises
• CETA Certified Distributor Ft. Pierce, FL (800) 874-0607
www.faitellaenterprises.com
Since 1976, Sales & Service at Your Location or Ours.
Florida Pressure Washing Equipment & Supplies 671 Progress Way Sanford, FL 32771 (407) 688-4532
www.floridapressurewashing equipment.com
Mi-T-M Dist. Seal´nLock, PW Sales, Service, Parts.
ZONE 13
ETS, Equipment Trade Service Co. Inc. 20 East Winona Ave. Norwood PA. 19074
(610) 583-7657
www.etscompany.com
All PW’s! Sales, Repairs, Rental, Parts, Chems, Since 1970. Hydro-Spray 2928 Washington Avenue Clearfield, PA 16830 (800) 528-5733
www.hydrospray.com
A full-service car wash & pressure wash equip provider. Kepner Equipment, Inc. 2365 Firehall Rd. Canandaigua, NY 14424 888-895-2632
www.kepnerequipment.com
Helping You Clean Up Your Act Since ‘92! Sales, Service, Detergents Portage Power Wash 814 736-6288 217 Main St. Portage, PA 15946
www.portagepowerwash.com
We are a family-owned business that has over 40 years of experience.
ZONE 15
PSC Pressure Systems Company, Inc. 3300 Steeles Ave. W Concord, ON, L4K 2Y4 www.pscclean.com (800) 246-9689
Manufacturing, Sales, Parts and Service, since 1969.
Accessories: Schedule 80 Aluminum Wands, cut & threaded. Call for price, 800-874-0607.
PA SpA: +39 0522 623 611; www.pa-etl.it.
Steel Eagle: 800-447-3924; www.steeleagle.com.
Barens, Inc.: 800-676-0607; www.barens.com.
CETA: 800-441-0111; www.ceta. org.
PWNA: 800-393-7962; www. pwna.org.
Wayne Combustion Systems: 260425-9200; waynecombustion.com.
J.E. Adams: 319-363-0237; www. jeadams.com.
Etowah Chemical Sales & Service: 800-848-8541.
ITD Chemical: 800-472-1233; www.itdinc.biz.
Coils-R-Us: 479-549-3880; www. coils-r-us.com.
Farley’s Inc.: 479-524-9594; www.farleysinc.com.
Aaladin Industries: 605-356-3325; www.aaladin.com.
American Washall: 833-645-4275; AmericanWashall.com.
BE Pressure Supply, Inc.: 800663-8331; www.bepressure.com.
Cam Spray: 800-648-5011; www.camspray.com.
Epps Products: 888-826-9191; www.eppsproducts.com.
HiJet Cleaning Equipment: +86-574-26289620-618; www. hmccleaning.com.
Mi-T-M Corporation: 800-5539053; www.mitm.com.
PowerJet Pressure Cleaning Systems: 877-765-9211; www. powerjetpressure.com.
Powerwash.com: 800-433-2113; www.powerwash.com.
Midland Industries: 800-8215725; www.midlandmetal.com. GRAFFITI REMOVAL
Equipment Trade Service Co.: 877-824-7763; www.taginator.com.
Graffiti Solutions: 651-777-0849; www.graffitisolutions.com.
U.S. Aluminum Inc.: 800-8777026; www.usaluminuminc.com.
J.S O’will, Inc.: 360-226-3637; https://val6.com.
JTI Trade, Inc.: 360-226-3637; www.val6.com.
Coxreels: 800-269-7335; www. coxreels.com.
Hannay Reels: 727-835-0674; hannayreelsales.com.
ProPulse: 563-785-5303; www. powermovingforward.com.
CSC Insurance: 724-929-2300; cscinsurance.com.
Joseph D. Walters: 800-878-3808; www.josephdwalters.com.
Pressure Systems Inc.: 602-2539579; www.pressuresystems inc.com.
Arthur Products Co.: 800-3220510; www.arthurproducts.com.
Chappell Supply & Equipment Company: 405-495-1722; www. chappellsupply.com.
Alkota: 800-255-6823; https:// alkota.com.
Dyne Power Packs: 772-332-1662. FNA Group: 847-348-1500; www.fna-group.com
Kärcher North America: 800444-7654; www.kaercher.com/us Pressure Systems Innovations: 561-249-2830; https://pressure systemsinnovations.com.
PSC Cleaning Systems: 800246-9689; www.pscclean.com. Ramteq: 713-983-6000; www. ramteq.com/en.
Spraymart: 800-752-0177; www. spraymart.com.
VPW Enterprises LLC: 540-8792180; vapressurewasher.com. PUMPS
Udor USA: 651-785-0666; https://udorusa.com.
Valley Industries/Comet USA: 800-864-1649; www.comet pump.com.
PUMPS
AR North America: 763-3982008; www.arnorthamerica.com.
SPRAY GUNS
Suttner America Company: 563556-3212; https://suttner.com.
STEAM CLEANING
Steamericas: 844-877-8326; https://steamericas.com.
SURFACE CLEANERS
Whisper Wash: 727-577-1292; www.whisper-wash.com.
THERMOSTATS
Cotherm North America: www. cotherm.com.
Universal Trailer: 818-252-0706; www.americanwaterworks.net.
VALVES
Midland Industries: 800-8215725; www.midlandmetal.com.
WASTEWATER
CAPTURE SYSTEMS
WATER TREATMENT
Scaltrol, Inc: 800-868-0629; https://scaltrolinc.com.
WOOD STAINING
Wood Defender: 817-658-KOTE (5683); wooddefender.com.
314-241-1445; www. wjta.org.
