Masonry Magazine May 2005 Page. 25
The recycling water will soon become too hot to cool the pump. If no water is flowing through the pump, the possibility of this destructive process is increased and the time it takes is decreased - it can take only seconds for the pump to overheat.
The Water-heater
THE WATER-HEATING UNIT is very similar to an oil burner on a home furnace. It takes very little maintenance. The important thing is to make sure that the fuel tank and filter are kept clean and the burner does not get wet while it is running.
Chemicals and Cleaners
AS YOU KNOW, the chemicals used to clean masonry, either new or restoration work, are strong and harsh. The chemical handling systems that are built into standard pressure washers are not made to handle the kinds of chemicals mason contractors use, although some pressure washer manufacturers say their products can. Unless they make machines specifically for cleaning masonry and know the conditions of your work, they don't understand the complexity.
For almost all cleaning applications, a standard chemical handling system will work. But not for cleaning masonry. Standard pressure washers are made to handle standard conditions and chemicals. Masonry cleaning machines, like those made by Kem-O-Kleen, are made for cleaning masonry and handling masonry cleaning chemicals.
There are preventive measures that you can use with whichever acid handling system you are using. As a rule, do not pump masonry cleaning chemicals or powdered detergents through the water system.
• Use clean chemicals. Oftentimes reused chemical containers and drums will accumulate dirt in the bottom. If you are using a pump to transfer the chemical, keep the pump from touching the bottom of the container so you can lessen the risk of drawing dirt or other impurities.
• Flush the chemical handling system with water when finished. Also, immediately rinse any chemicals spilled on surfaces.
• Do not leave chemicals in the tank for long periods of time. They may separate or cause corrosion. Do not cover any chemical tanks or containers.
Conclusion
ALL OF YOUR EQUIPMENT is an investment and valuable to your company. Keep your cleaning equipment in good order so the final step that you need to take at the end of a job-cleaning your good work-will be the shine on the apple and a source of pride to you, your masons and your clients.
Ronald Baer is President of Unique Industries, Inc., manufacturer of Kem-O-Kleen masonry cleaning equipment, and Enterprise Consulting of Colorado, Inc., a consulting firm providing management services to family-owned businesses. He is also a facilitator for The Alternative Board (TAB). He may be reached at (800) 274-4121.
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The Voice of the Mason Contractor
May 2005
Masonry
23