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If your business were to buy a professional-grade pressure washer, would it be financially worth it? The answer to that question is not as simple as you think. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 if you are in need of more information about pressure washers and pressure washer accessories.

Almost Any Company Can Benefit from the Cleaning Power of a Pressure Washer

If your company ever has to clean then it is likely they can benefit from a pressure washer. Whether you are a small company or a multi-national company, pressure washers may be an asset. They are powerful and built to get rid of even the toughest cleaning tasks. There are many benefits especially for companies that need to clean industrial and/or commercial areas.

Pressure Washers Are Eco-Friendly

People are often surprised to learn that pressure washers are actually very eco-friendly. That may sound counterintuitive considering how much water they use but in fact they use less water than a hose and brush. How? Because they can clear the same area in a much shorter amount of time. They can get rid of even sticky and greasy debris without the need for hours of water tricking from a hose.

Likewise, a good pressure washer does not even need cleaning agents for most jobs. It is true that some require a cleaning agent, but for most jobs, just heat and water is enough to get the job done. This is great news for companies who do not want to deal with the worry of polluting wastewater by cleaning with harsh chemicals.

You Could Save Money and Make Money with the Right Pressure Washer

If you ever rent a pressure washer, do the math to determine how many times you would have to rent one to make up for it by investing in your own pressure washer. If you do not already have one, consider how many hours your employees spend cleaning each week. Then consider how many hours could be saved if a pressure washer was being used. Your employee could be doing more valuable activities for your company during that time.

In addition to saving you money, you could even make money from your pressure washer. Depending on what your business is, it’s possible you could add valuable services to offer with your pressure washer. If that is not a possibility, then you could rent it out for a profit when you are not using it. There are many different ways to take advantage of your pressure washer.

If you are in the market for a pressure washer and are not sure if it is the right choice for you, or which option to decide on, you can count on Hydro Tek to help. Just contact us at 800-274-9376 and we can get to you right away.

As you search for the right pressure washer, you likely want a simple answer. You want to know which pressure washer is the best pressure washer. While you can trust that pressure washer products from Hydro Tek are the best in the business, this does not help you choose the specific unit that will work best for you. The truth is that we cannot simply tell you which unit is best because the right unit for one project will not be the right unit for another.

To learn about the three factors you should consider to find the right pressure washer for your needs, keep reading. If you have questions or want to get a quote for your new pressure washer, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 right away.

1. How Difficult the Cleaning Job Is

One of the most important factors in finding the right pressure washer is considering how difficult the job you are facing is. If you have just dirt to remove, you likely do not need as strong of a power washer as one that is going to remove graffiti. Likewise, if you are not cleaning up grease or oil, then you can choose a cold water pressure washer, while a restaurant that did regularly work with grease or oil would be better off choosing a hot water pressure washer.

2. How Often You Will Use the Pressure Washer

If your intention is to use your new equipment on a regular basis, then you are going to want to choose a higher-quality, more durable option even if it costs more. You will want one that has a higher capacity to increase efficiency because you will be using it often. On the other hand, a smaller washer may be find if you are going to use it only for short jobs and infrequently.

Generally speaking, our rule of thumb is that if you are going to use the power washer for less than 20 hours each year, a residential unit will likely be fin. If you plan to use it around 30 hours or per each week, then you likely want a commercial unit. If you are going to use it for more than 40 hours per week then you will want the heaviest duty option, an industrial pressure washer.

3. The Cost of the Pressure Washer

Should the cost be the only thing you consider when choosing a pressure washer? Certainly not – but it will be one factor. In some cases it is worth spending more if it means better efficiency and lower costs in the long run. In other instances, it may not be worth the extra cost. You can always count on Hydro Tek to offer honest advice on your options.

You do not want to use more water than is absolutely necessary on your dairy farm for a few reasons. First, you are paying for your water. The more water you use, the more you pay – and the less your profit is. Second, depending on the specific use of any particular amount of water, you may have to follow stringent regulations to get rid of it. This can be costly as well. Finally, the more water you have around, the more bacteria can grow – and this can cause a real issue on your dairy farm.

At Hydro Tek we are proud to have one of the simplest and most effective solutions to help you reduce the amount of water used on your farm: Industrial pressure washers. Keep reading to learn why they can make a huge difference in how much water you use, then contact us at 800-274-9376 if you have questions about choosing the right pressure washer.

1. Using a Pressure Washer

If you are going to follow just one tip on this list, make it this one. While it may look as though pressure washers use a lot of water, the truth is that they can use just one-tenth of the amount of water you would use if you were simply using a hose. The high pressure in these units means you can use way less water to get the same or better results.

Pressure washers are also easier to direct than your typical hose. You do not have to waste water trying to get at a specific point – you can simply point the nozzle where you need it to go and you will be able to clean what you need to clean.

2. Use a Smart Meter

If you do not know how much water you are using then you cannot find much success in reducing it. At Hydro Tek we find that many clients think they are using way less – or way more – water than they are. A smart meter keeps on how much water you are using and tells you exactly where it’s going. Once you have this information, it is much easier to ensure that you are reducing your water consumption.

3. Invest in a Water Recovery System

Water recovery or water recycling systems are not as helpful on dairy farms as they are in other uses because so much of the used water on a dairy farm will not be fit for reuse. However, some of it will. If you can recycle just a small portion of the water you are using, you can see a significant reduction in the overall water used.

Whether your primary goal is to save money, save the environment, or simply create a positive talking point for your dairy, there are many reasons to reduce water usage – including the three listed here.

There are many reasons that many companies choose to invest in water recycle systems for their pressure washer equipment. At Hydro Tek we work tirelessly to ensure that every client has access to exactly the equipment they need. The right type of water recycle system will depend on a client’s individual needs but a portable water recycle system that can be mounted right to your truck or trailer may be the right choice for you.

Keep reading to learn more about this option and its advantages. If you have questions, or are ready to invest in a water recycle system, contact us at 800-274-9376 for additional help.

It is Easy to Protect the Environment and Comply with Government Storm Drain Regulations

The good news is that by using a quality water recycle systems you can achieve two important goals. First, you can protect the environment from chemicals and other debris in water. Second, you can ensure that you are complying with all state and federal governmental storm drain regulations. Using a water recycle system makes this both simple and economical – especially when you choose our AZV series.

You Get 6 Stages of Filtration with the AZV Series

When you choose the AZV series, you get a full six states of filtration. This is as much as 8gpm continuous five micron processing of your wastewater if soaps and other chemicals are not used. The way it works is simple: Wastewater is recovered through a vacuum. It can handle up to 12gpm, which prevents run-off.

Once the water has been cleaned and recycled, it is pumped right back into your bulk water tank to be reused. It can be used on concrete and other flatwork. You could also divert your treated water for use in landscaping or through the sewer, depending on the local ordinances and what is permitted.

Any heavy solids collected during the recycling process can be removed quickly and easily through a quick purge dump valve.

Get a Fully Self-Contained Mobile Wash Unit

If you use a water recycle system in conjunction with any of your SC series washer and our ProTowWash trailers or tank skids, you can create your own self-contained unit for washing, recovering watering, and recycling that water. This is a great way to comply with all EPA storm drain requirements, save water, and help protect the environment.

At Hydro Tek we specialize in power washers and are standing by to provide the service you need. Whether you need to find the best price, you need advice on what unit to buy, or you are searching for accessories, we stand ready to help you.

There are many advantages to using concrete but there is one major downfall: It can stain easily. T

his is why it is so important to remove spills as soon as you can after they happen. This can help prevent them from becoming permanent. Keep reading to learn how a pressure washer can be helpful in reducing or removing stains from concrete.

Soak Up Spills as Soon as You See Them

If you catch a spill early enough, you will not necessarily need to use a pressure washer to get it clean. Instead, soak up the fluids that have been spilled. You can use a number of things to soak up the liquid. If it’s a simple spill, use paper towels or cloths. If it’s oil or something else you do not want to touch, use kitty litter to soak up the liquid, then sweep it and throw it away. Make sure that you are only patting the fluid and never wiping it – wiping fluids can cause the stain to spread even further.

Sealed Concrete is Less Likely to Stain

We strongly recommend sealing your concrete to make it harder to stain. If you have unsealed concrete, any stains that do happen can easily get very deep into the concrete. When you use a high-quality topical sealer or film, there is a barrier on the surface of the concrete. This makes it harder for anything to soak into the concrete. We do recommend that if you are going to apply a sealant, you first power clean the surface to ensure you are not sealing any dirt in and to help the sealant better adhere.

A Few Notes About Sealing Your Concrete

There are companies that specialize in providing concrete sealing services. They can get it done quickly and more economically than you might think. However, if you are going to take on the project yourself make sure that you first test a small area of the concrete to ensure that there is no damage to it. Wait a few days to make sure that it does not have unintended consequences such as lightening parts of the concrete.

How to Use Paint Strippers and Solvents to Remove Stains

If you have stains made up of oils, fats, silicon, or something extra-sticky like chewing gum, paint strippers or solvents may provide the right solution. First, choose the right substance, whether acetone, a de-greaser, or a mentholated spirit.

Get as much of the spill as you can by patting it with a towel. Once again, do not rub it as this can spread the stain. Cover the stain with the cleaning solution you have chosen and let it sit for 20 minutes to half an hour. Then use your pressure washer to get rid of the cleaner and the stain. Remember that if you need help selecting the right products or equipment, Hydro Tek is here to help.

Pig farm biosecurity involves a combination of management practices that are specifically created to prevent disease or agents that cause disease from being introduced or transmitted. This is a very essential part of herd health management, and properly cleaning and sanitizing with pressure washing equipment are essential parts of the biosecurity plan. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 if you need assistance selecting the best pressure washing equipment.

Procedures Often Associated with Biosecurity

There are a number of procedures that are commonly associated with a good biosecurity plan on a big farm. They include barn and transportation sanitation, worker and visitor entrance policies, rodent control, and other farm security issues. If there is already a disease present, then biosecurity can work to prevent it from spreading. That said, all biosecurity measures have the primary focus of preventing any disease from entering in the first place.

Understanding Disease Transmission

One of the most important steps in preventing disease transmission is understanding how disease is transmitted on a pig farm. It is also important to understand how disease is spread once it is in occurrence. Remember that pigs can come down with many different types of disease, and disease are caused by pathogens. Those pathogens can be parasitic, bacterial, or viral.

Disease can be transmitted in many ways, including from other farms where pigs are comingled. As a result, a good pig farm biosecurity plan will take into account how these diseases are transmitted to work to minimize exposure in as many ways as possible.

Monitoring Transportation is One of the Most Important Elements

Some of the organisms that most often cause disease is in pigs (such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites) are capable of surviving in many materials and under many conditions. As a result they can be transported in manure, feed, mud, snow, shavings, and many other materials. One of the biggest risks of cross-contamination is improper transport practices.

Disease can be spread via trailers, boots, sort panels, clothing, tires, undercarriages, an virtually any other thing that is taken from one area to another. Simply walking through a contaminated area and then walking through another area of the farm can cause contamination.

Cleaning and Sanitizing is an Essential Part of Pig Farm Biosecurity

It is easy to see that cleaning and sanitizing equipment, boots, and many other things can help to keep a pig farm safer. At Hydro Tek we have all the pressure washing equipment and accessories to help ensure your farm is as safe as possible. Contact us today to find out how we can help you make a big difference.

There are few things more important on a hog farm than biosecurity. There are few things more important to the prevent of disease on a hog farm than proper cleaning protocol. There are few things more important in proper cleaning protocol than pressure washing equipment. At Hydro Tek we can help you select the right equipment. Keep reading to discover other ways to boost your hog farm biosecurity as well.

1. Signage is Essential

First, make sure that your signage is doing its job. You can identify disease control areas so that any worker or visitor immediately recognizes where these areas are and what is not available to them. We also recommend designating places for visitors to park. You want to ensure that this visitor parking as far away as possible from the farm where the swine are housed and / or where the manure is contained.

2. Always Use a Visitors Log

It is one thing to have a visitors log but it is another thing to use that log consistently. Make sure that every visitor signs in every time. Make sure that they always include their full name and full contact information. Their arrival and departure times should be noted, along with the reason they are visiting. Any regular service providers, such as vets or feed truck drivers, must sign the long too. This information will be essential if there is a swine disease outbreak.

3. Consider Downtime

If you have visitors that come directly from another swine production system, you can be putting your own operation at risk. Talk to your vet to determine how much time a person must have between contact with other swine and contact with yours. This should apply to everyone, including delivery drivers, and even your vet. It is an essential step in preventing transportation of disease.

4. Make Sure Employees and Visitors Are Wearing Clean Coveralls and Boots

Your employees should have clean coveralls and boots at all times. They should have different, clean coveralls each time they move to a different premises. If you regularly have visitors, consider stocking coveralls for them in a variety of sizes.

5. Do Not Share Animal Equipment

No matter how well you clean it, you should not share equipment that is involved in animal handling or waste handling. This includes chutes, manure-spreading equipment, trailers, and skid steer loaders. You should clean and disinfect all equipment between uses.

6. Work with Your Vet to Create a Plan for Introducing New Animals

You and your vet should work to create a plan to introduce new animals to your farm. It should likely include quarantine. Remember that no properly handling this step could potentially infect your entire stock.

If you have questions about getting the best cleaning materials or products, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 today.

There are many advantages to using concrete but there is one major downfall: It can stain easily. This is why it is so important to remove spills as soon as you can after they happen. This can help prevent them from becoming permanent. Keep reading to learn how a pressure washer can be helpful in reducing or removing stains from concrete.

Soak Up Spills as Soon as You See Them

If you catch a spill early enough, you will not necessarily need to use a pressure washer to get it clean. Instead, soak up the fluids that have been spilled. You can use a number of things to soak up the liquid. If it’s a simple spill, use paper towels or cloths. If it’s oil or something else you do not want to touch, use kitty litter to soak up the liquid, then sweep it and throw it away. Make sure that you are only patting the fluid and never wiping it – wiping fluids can cause the stain to spread even further.

Sealed Concrete is Less Likely to Stain

We strongly recommend sealing your concrete to make it harder to stain. If you have unsealed concrete, any stains that do happen can easily get very deep into the concrete. When you use a high-quality topical sealer or film, there is a barrier on the surface of the concrete. This makes it harder for anything to soak into the concrete. We do recommend that if you are going to apply a sealant, you first power clean the surface to ensure you are not sealing any dirt in and to help the sealant better adhere.

A Few Notes About Sealing Your Concrete

There are companies that specialize in providing concrete sealing services. They can get it done quickly and more economically than you might think. However, if you are going to take on the project yourself make sure that you first test a small area of the concrete to ensure that there is no damage to it. Wait a few days to make sure that it does not have unintended consequences such as lightening parts of the concrete.

How to Use Paint Strippers and Solvents to Remove Stains

If you have stains made up of oils, fats, silicon, or something extra-sticky like chewing gum, paint strippers or solvents may provide the right solution. First, choose the right substance, whether acetone, a de-greaser, or a mentholated spirit.

Get as much of the spill as you can by patting it with a towel. Once again, do not rub it as this can spread the stain. Cover the stain with the cleaning solution you have chosen and let it sit for 20 minutes to half an hour. Then use your pressure washer to get rid of the cleaner and the stain. Remember that if you need help selecting the right products or equipment, Hydro Tek is here to help.

There is no question that dairy farm cleaning can be a challenge. With various government and local regulations you must always be sure to be in compliance with, coupled with your own personal high standards, it can be hard to get every inch as clean as it should be – that is unless you have a high quality pressure washer to handle the job for you. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of cleaning a dairy farm with a pressure washer, then contact Hydro Tek to fulfill all your pressure washer and pressure washer accessory needs.

Today’s Dairy Equipment is Built to Be Washed

The good news about using pressure washing equipment on a dairy farm is that today’s dairies are specifically built to be washed down. Every dairy owner is fastidious about keeping their dairy sanitary and ensuring that their milking parlor and all milking equipment is as clean and safe as possible. Doing so becomes easier when the farm is built specifically for ease of washing – and when the right equipment is available.

The Best Way to Clean Dairy Farm Equipment with Pressure Washing Equipment

The first step is to sweep up waste into either a pit or collection point. Do this by using medium or high pressure. In most cases, cold water will work for this part of the process. You will then want to use hot water to clean your walls (we recommend at least 180F). Apply detergent from the bottom up and apply chemicals to as large of an area as you can clean without allowing said chemicals to dry. Keep the walls near where you we working wet – this will help prevent slash from sticking.

You’ll want to wash anything that’s above the floor, such as machinery, rails, and pipes. If you have a traditional milking parlor setup with a deck or you have a milking pit layout, wash smaller sections of the deck toward your walls. At the same time, clean toward the collection pit. The final step should be to wash the milking pit’s vertical surfaces and then the floors. You may need to do a second wash if there has been a lot of splash created.

The Best Techniques for Dairy Farm Cleaning

One of the biggest challenges is getting rid of scum buildup if you are milking 24 hours per day. We recommend hot water, chemicals approved by the USDA, and controlled pressure. High volume and low pressure can provide you with the results you want.

If you need assistance finding the best products for your dairy operation then we welcome your call to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 . We are standing by to provide you with the help you need to properly clean and sanitize your dairy equipment.

There is no question that all equipment on farms should be cleaned and in good condition but it is all too common for farm workers to not realize just how important it is to make sure that their stationary pressure washers are both cleaned and sanitized. Keep reading to learn five reasons that it is so important. Then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 if you are ready to invest in pressure washing equipment.

1. It Helps with Maintenance Issues

If you have mud or debris on your pressure washer, you can have hidden issues that will not become apparent until a major issue has occurred. If you regularly clean and sanitize your equipment, you can find leaks and parts that have been worn or broken. Cleaning can expose potential serious issues too, such as corrosive elements that may be in herbicides or fertilizers and that could be eating away at the parts and paint on your equipment.

Ideally, you would clean equipment as soon as you are done using it. However, we know that this is not always possible. At a minimum, clean and sanitize the equipment before it is stored. If you store it before it has been properly cleaned, then anything corrosive on it will have unfettered access to eat away at your equipment.

2. You Can Increase Trade or Resale Value

If you end up selling or trading your equipment months or years down the line, any corrosive or rusty parts can significantly lower the value. There is no question: Clean equipment that is free from rust or corrosive is going to sell or trade for more than damaged or dirty equipment.

3. Your Equipment Will Offer Superior Performance

When your pressure washing equipment and accessories are cleaner, they don’t have to work as hard. When equipment is allowed to get dirty or clogged with debris, it will run hotter. The hotter the radiator and engine is, the harder the equipment has to run. Not only does this reduce the performance in the short term, but it can negatively impact long-term performance as well. To keep your equipment in the best possible running order for as long as possible, keep it clean and sanitized.

4. Take Pride in Your Equipment

It is understandable that farmers feel great pride in their equipment. If they have clean, sanitized, and well-maintained equipment in their lineup, it speaks volumes about how they run their farm. Employees are also more likely to treat clean, sanitized equipment well compared to older, broken down equipment.

5. You’re Lowering Fire Hazard

If equipment is allowed to buildup dust, debris, etc., then it can cause a fire hazard. If there is excessive oil or fuel then it stands to reason that an accidental fire is more likely. If you need help learning about proper cleaning procedures, or finding the right pressure washing equipment, contact Hydro Tek now.