www.procleanexteriors.com Having a good ball valve assembly is critical to being an efficient pressure washer. This video explains how to build one and the materials needed.
Thank you. I was ordering parts and searched what to buy. Ordered this exact setup thanks to you. Nice! Can't wait t put it together.. Ordered 2 of everything for a back up... thanks again
I was thinking of the same thing and found your video. Many thanks for a GREAT VIDEO that confirms my thoughts. Here is a possible solution for the problem I now have with my pressure washer. I haven't tried this yet but it should work. I will order the parts today and give it a try. At the age of 75 it is getting harder for me to start my 3500 PSI pressure washer with my 9 hp B&S engine that does not have the easy start compression release feature on it. If I turn on the water with the wand disconnected it is easy to start but if you connect the wand it is hard to start. Trying to hold the trigger on the wand and pull the rope starter and being able to control the wand once the engine starts is problematic and trying to connect the wand with the engine running is going to get you wet. I think????? if I install the ball valve on the end of my supply hose with the ball valve open then I can easily start my rope start engine as their would limited backpressure. Then once the engine is started I would turn the ball valve off to stop the water flow and install my wand or other attachment. Once the wand is installed I will open the ball valve and pressure would be available at the tip as usual. Should have done this years ago. John
Do you lower your pressure on the unloader valve when using this? I run an 8gpm @ 3500 psi and when I open the ball valve all the way the water sprays lightly and when I turn the valve cracked open it’s a lot of pressure
I don’t know what I would do without my ball valve. What benefits do you see with leading with the female quick disconnect vs a male? And do you have any issues blowing out o-rings while using it to rinse?
I tried using the male end just because all the "pros" kept saying it was the right way to do it. It sucked and I immediately went back to the female end because it sprays so much better and I have never in a couple years blown an oring out.
I want to install something like this on my pressure washer cause it lifts the paint on cars no matter what nozzle degree I use. So I’m thinking if I lower the water pressure before it gets to the gun it would work. But I don’t want to adjust the valve on my pressure washer cause I need to clean other things after.
This doesn't help your pressure problem, only the flow. In fact, more you shut it higher the pressure gets. You can throttle down your washer some, but you really just need to get the right nozzle. My 8.5gpm machine at 3500 psi, with the nozzle I use for housewashing can hold my hand in front of it at 2 feet. You're not using the right nozzle. Look at a nozzle chart. You want full flow just low pressure. You can nozzle it down till it's no more than a hose.
With this particular setup if you used it to rinse off a surface you would more then likely lose the ORing washer in the female quick connect. I use the same setup but use only male quick connect on the discharge end.
Yep, it's personal preference, seems to be about 50-50. I like the frothy action when using to pre-treat and I never cut it way down to where I have a ton of pressure when rinsing. I think I've probably lost 2 orings in past 2-3 years.
Where did you buy your parts from. I can find all the parts on pressure tek except for the ball valve. Thanks in advance. And great video. You explained it very well
They have them. All the distributors carry. Just a 3/8" General Pump ball valve. Usually around $38. pressuretek.com/3-8-fpt-heavy-duty-ball-valve/ That's a little high, think PWS has a sale on them for a less.
Quick question should i use a 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch hose with my 4 gpm 4,000 psi ? And do you have any videos showing how to connect One or half inch plum to whip lines plum to Reels the size of your hose ?
You can order the parts from any pressure washing distributors. I think everything in video came from Southside equipment in Louisville KY. Just tell them you want a ball valve assembly and they'll know. But I go thru all the pieces in the video.
Hi Rick,my question is, is there anything to worry about using a ball valve on a belt driven 4000 psi 4gpm machine? My concern would be would shutting off the flow with the ball valve cause damage to the pump. Thanks for any advice
Thanks man. I actually spray chemicals by hand via a pump sprayer. Any recommendations on something better? Something that I could use between my 3500psi pressure washer and the wand?
Thank you. I was ordering parts and searched what to buy. Ordered this exact setup thanks to you. Nice! Can't wait t put it together.. Ordered 2 of everything for a back up... thanks again
Thank you. I was ordering parts and searched what to buy. Ordered this exact setup thanks to you. Nice! Can't wait t put it together..
Ordered 2 of everything for a back up... thanks again
I know this was two years ago but curious as to what your setup was?
great set up!
Thanks Rick for a great video. I am just starting out in the business and looking for pointers from the pro. Excellent advise.
Excellent!!! Thank you for sharing
Great video and thank you
Thanks for this!
I was thinking of the same thing and found your video. Many thanks for a GREAT VIDEO that confirms my thoughts.
Here is a possible solution for the problem I now have with my pressure washer. I haven't tried this yet but it should work. I will order the parts today and give it a try.
At the age of 75 it is getting harder for me to start my 3500 PSI pressure washer with my 9 hp B&S engine that does not have the easy start compression release feature on it.
If I turn on the water with the wand disconnected it is easy to start but if you connect the wand it is hard to start. Trying to hold the trigger on the wand and pull the rope starter and being able to control the wand once the engine starts is problematic and trying to connect the wand with the engine running is going to get you wet.
I think????? if I install the ball valve on the end of my supply hose with the ball valve open then I can easily start my rope start engine as their would limited backpressure. Then once the engine is started I would turn the ball valve off to stop the water flow and install my wand or other attachment. Once the wand is installed I will open the ball valve and pressure would be available at the tip as usual. Should have done this years ago.
John
Great video ... Thx
Great info
Where can I get one
Can you link these pieces?
Do you lower your pressure on the unloader valve when using this? I run an 8gpm @ 3500 psi and when I open the ball valve all the way the water sprays lightly and when I turn the valve cracked open it’s a lot of pressure
Never use adjust your pressure using your unloader valve. Use your tips.
I don’t know what I would do without my ball valve. What benefits do you see with leading with the female quick disconnect vs a male? And do you have any issues blowing out o-rings while using it to rinse?
I tried using the male end just because all the "pros" kept saying it was the right way to do it. It sucked and I immediately went back to the female end because it sprays so much better and I have never in a couple years blown an oring out.
Where did you order from/?
Need more videos
I want to install something like this on my pressure washer cause it lifts the paint on cars no matter what nozzle degree I use. So I’m thinking if I lower the water pressure before it gets to the gun it would work. But I don’t want to adjust the valve on my pressure washer cause I need to clean other things after.
This doesn't help your pressure problem, only the flow. In fact, more you shut it higher the pressure gets. You can throttle down your washer some, but you really just need to get the right nozzle. My 8.5gpm machine at 3500 psi, with the nozzle I use for housewashing can hold my hand in front of it at 2 feet. You're not using the right nozzle. Look at a nozzle chart. You want full flow just low pressure. You can nozzle it down till it's no more than a hose.
use the widest nozzle and stand much farther back.
Just personal preference. no trouble w/ orings
With this particular setup if you used it to rinse off a surface you would more then likely lose the ORing washer in the female quick connect. I use the same setup but use only male quick connect on the discharge end.
Yep, it's personal preference, seems to be about 50-50. I like the frothy action when using to pre-treat and I never cut it way down to where I have a ton of pressure when rinsing. I think I've probably lost 2 orings in past 2-3 years.
I second this. Lose o rings all the time if not having a male end
Where did you buy your parts from. I can find all the parts on pressure tek except for the ball valve. Thanks in advance. And great video. You explained it very well
They have them. All the distributors carry. Just a 3/8" General Pump ball valve. Usually around $38. pressuretek.com/3-8-fpt-heavy-duty-ball-valve/
That's a little high, think PWS has a sale on them for a less.
Hi wonder were did you get the water valve ? and what kind of valve is that ? thanks
The name of this ball valve is Dn10 ball valve you can get it on eBay, pressuretek and in Amazon
All those ball valve are rated for 3000 psi I have a 4000psi can I still use it?
Did you get an answer because I had the same question?
I noticed that this ball valve has a 3000 psi max . Can it be used on a 4000 psi/ 4gpm pressure washer?
Have used same one on my 4/4000 for years, plus if you're using right tips you're never using at 4000psi, especially when you figure hose in there.
Ball valves crack if your careless for sure. Plus this nice steel one you have if alot more hefty than the brass ones.
What is the PSI rating on the ball joint and your machine? I dont want to get one that is too small.
Those are rated at 3500 but I've used it with a 4000psi machine also.
MTM make a 8750 psi ball valve. if you run at a bit more pressure. Same idea, Really, really good investment.
So do u use a wand with tip? Or do u use this with a tip?
Wand with tip unless using surface cleaner
I haven't been able to find a valve any higher than the ones at Lowe's I think 125 or something like that PSI
Any pressure washing distributor will have. Try Southside Equipment in KY or PressureTek
Does pressure works in Greer have these?
Have no idea. They may have the parts but pretty sure they wouldn't have the assembly.
Quick question should i use a 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch hose with my 4 gpm 4,000 psi ? And do you have any videos showing how to connect One or half inch plum to whip lines plum to Reels the size of your hose ?
us there a parts list and where to buy ? i'm very new. thank you
You can order the parts from any pressure washing distributors. I think everything in video came from Southside equipment in Louisville KY. Just tell them you want a ball valve assembly and they'll know. But I go thru all the pieces in the video.
thank u so much sir
Do you build ball valve assembly??
No, except for myself. Any of the major distributors will have the pieces I referenced.
I thought that female quick connectors were a one way just like on an air compressor.??
most people place the male at the outlet so you can use it to rinse
Jorge duarte you can use the female end to rinse, too.
Hi Rick,my question is, is there anything to worry about using a ball valve on a belt driven 4000 psi 4gpm machine? My concern would be would shutting off the flow with the ball valve cause damage to the pump. Thanks for any advice
No different that getting off the trigger using your gun. Can't let it recirculate for long unless you have a buffer tank.
Or take your unloader hose and disconnect that from the inlet and just let it run on the ground. This way your pump is always getting fresh water.
where do you order or purchase the parts for this thing?
Any of the major wholesales - Southside Equipment, Pressure Tek, The Power Wash Store
Thanks man. I actually spray chemicals by hand via a pump sprayer. Any recommendations on something better? Something that I could use between my 3500psi pressure washer and the wand?
Thank you. I was ordering parts and searched what to buy. Ordered this exact setup thanks to you. Nice! Can't wait t put it together..
Ordered 2 of everything for a back up... thanks again
Can you build me 3 of these and i can just pay you?
You can handle it. It's just screwing the parts together. Takes some teflon tape and couple of crescent wrenches and 20 min
What is the psi of this valve?
You never explained why it’s important to have this assembly!🤔
He explains it at the 0:25 mark.