What is Pressure Washing?
It utilizes high-pressure water spray to clean surfaces, objects, and vehicles of loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt. In mechanical pressure washers, the volume is measured in gallons or liters per minute, typically designed into the pump and not adjustable. The pump’s pressure, expressed in pounds per square inch, can be adjusted by adjusting the unloader valve; however, the pressure is determined by the pump. The pressure produced can range from 750 to 30,000 Pa (5 to 200 MPa) or more.
Some argue that the terms power washing and pressure washing are interchangeable in many circumstances and whether they are actually distinct processes.
When water is flowing, the swiveling bar of a pressure washer rotates with two to four nozzles that generate high pressure. As a result of this action, flat surfaces can be cleaned rapidly and uniformly.
Is pressure washing a profitable industry?
This might be a lucrative side hustle or full-time job. Remember that the average cost to perform a power washing project ranges from $192 and $401. Your yearly salary would be $130,000 if you performed 260 days each year and finished two jobs at a price of $250 each. That is a respectable wage with lots of unrestricted time to unwind.
How to Start a Pressure Washing Business?
1. Get a handle on pressure washing by learning how to do it right:
Before starting a pressure washing business, you should learn how to pressure wash like a pro for 2 reasons:
- It is important to gain experience so that you cannot only clean your customers’ surfaces well, but do not ruin the surrounding environment (high-pressure water and flowers/plants do not mix, and flying debris does not do the environment any good).
- How do you feel about your job? Why would you start a business doing power cleaning if you hate it so much?
By following this process you will not become an expert but you will build a solid foundation on which to build your career. At this point, you can subscribe to YouTube to learn how to clean the more difficult surfaces such as a wood deck and driveway. During this stage, you will also determine if you despise the work. You could also offer to work for free every Saturday for a month for a pressure washing company nearby (not in direct competition) and ask them to do the work for you. Learn by asking questions.
Read More: What Is Easement? And What Are The Different Types Of Easements?
2. Is it possible to make money from pressure washing? You Can Know These Things:
An organization’s profit is like oxygen to its employees. In the absence of it, you’ll be left behind. Then you are missing out on a lot. -Peter Drucker, The Effective Executive, Best Seller.
Even if your company makes lots of money, if the money out exceeds the money in, you will still lose money. Power washer business owners need to determine whether or not they can turn a profit. You can do that by following these steps.
Expenditures:
Software and digital companies have low upfront cash requirements, which is why so many startup businesses are in these industries. Power cleaning is a service-based business that requires more capital to begin.
Upfront expenditures can be classified into four groups:
- Power washing equipment includes pressure washers, surface cleaners, chemicals, and trailers.
- Business permits, contractor licenses, and insurance costs.
- Initial customer acquisition costs (advertising, pamphlets, flyers, etc.).
- You must pay for transportation (trucks, vans, etc.) to reach the customer’s home.
By providing pressure cleaning services to clients, you make money. Price your services at a level that gives you a profit and is competitive with the prices of other businesses offering the same service.
3. Don’t break the law. Understanding the permit, license, and insurance requirements for pressure washing businesses:
When damaged property or injured on the job, it is important to get the proper insurance, licenses, and permits to avoid jail time and bankruptcy. Here are the essentials.
Business Documents:
To find out the requirements in your area, please contact the licensing office in your city or the clerk’s office in your county. State law varies widely.
- The state requires you to get a business license
- Obtaining a permit to run a pressure washing business may require you to post a bond.
- Registration with the IRS for sales tax purposes is important.
- Be sure to contact your local licensing office to find out if you need a specific contractor permit for pressure washing your area. Googling “[your town]+contractor license” gives you the whole story.
- Permit for discharge to storm sewer systems – During many discharges to a storm drain, environmental permits may be required by some states.
- Read More:
4. If you want to get the best results from your pressure washer, you should invest in good equipment rather than go cheap:
Although the best pressure washing equipment is expensive, it serves as a sign of commitment to the process. You gain instant credibility and increase the likelihood of the customer recommending you to others.
You can also do any job you are asked to do more easily with good equipment. We remove paint, wash fleets, and more. With a 1.4 GPM 1,400 PSI machine, you can’t do that work.
You can market your business for free:
Quality and perception go hand in hand in business. Regardless of what service you offer, if it is not perceived as such, you will not succeed. It is never too early to make a good impression.
Your phone number and what your service is visible on your side of the truck, and you’re driving around in a tough-looking truck with pressure washing equipment in the bed, you’re sure to get calls. Using the same sign will not result in you getting calls. Humans can’t avoid it – it’s in our nature.
Trust and authority are gained through it:
It shows your commitment to your business when you invest money into it. You’re likely to be hired by a truck owner rather than a kid. By getting quality gear, you have solidified your authority.
5. You’re Pressure Washing Business’s Secret to Getting Customers:
A person needs to catch their attention then pique their interest so that they will want to buy what you are selling. You will want to write this on your flyers when you are sending them door-to-door:
- Your headline: Clean a patio and a front stoop for free with the purchase of a driveway
- How Can Having a Clean Driveway Increase the Perception of the Value of Your Home by $10,000?
- Almost all your neighbors chose to improve their curb appeal in the past 30 days, so create desire by making them feel left out. Is it your turn yet?
- Your Offer Will Get More Response When You Give a Timeframe: This offer is expiring in 5 days so please call me at XXX-XXXX or email me at some.email@someemailservice.com to book your service.
It’s that simple. It makes sense to try out different flyer content and offers. Your services will be booked as soon as the customer calls. A deal that expires frames your service well.
