I did a quick video so anyone thinking about getting a backpack could visualize what we have been talking about when we mention techniques for water conservation.
Pretty cool Tony, thanks for posting it.
Please take a picture of your shut off when you have a chance, I really need something like this, but I’ve seen a lot of different models and NO ONE convinces me. I being trying to create something on my own, but I don’t have the money right now to screw a pole just “experimenting”. My main need is to have a shut off at the end of the pole, not related to the hose position. I know it might be confusing, but if is not clear enough I can elaborate later.
My only viable option now I believe it would be to run my hose outside the pole and twist it around so I can determine when my valve is going to be anytime, but still, not what I’m looking for.
EDIT: I have a mental picture of a rigid piece of tubing, which I.D is slightly bigger than the hose O.D, with some sort of button you can press/slide and it will cut off the water flow, and this tubing can slide up and down as needed. Maybe a little more clear now 
I equipped mine with the RHG EZ-Snap On/Off Valve Kit:
And the nice thing about the backpack is that if you put that near the water source, it will never go away, even if you’re using a longer pole that is going to suck up extra hose…
Hey Guys and Gals,
I too have been looking for an “adjustable” hose shut off valve. I’m still getting the bits and peices together for my wfp. I got an SL-X from Shawn. I will be using 1/4’ air hose with a ball valve at the end where it connects to the pole hose. The thing is, I won’t be using all 8 sections very often so there will be a lot of pole hose between me and the ball valve.
Potential solution. I found these when I was looking for different fittings and miscellaneous stuff. It looks like it will slide up and down the pole hose to wherever you need it. I ordered the 1/4’ inch one and it is way too small, I will be ordering the next size up. If you look around there are several different types of these things available. I think this might be the ticket.
Dura-Clamp Registered Tubing Control - US Plastic Corporation
I hope I got the link posted properly.
Good Luck,
Carlos - I have the one Larry posted on my DI supply line and it comes standard on RHG backpacks. When I wear the backpack I can hold it like I show in the video.
Sean - That clip would be a great alternative to pinching the hose. Good idea.
I bought those and did not work at all, at least the sizes they carry.
I bough 10 and have 9 without use. I Got the 5/16 ones, you more room for the hose to slide thru and get a few ones, they have plastic teeth that wear out really quick. Just wanted to save you some money.
The one that Shawn sells doesn’t work for me either, I need a valve at the end of the pole, needs to stay there no matter where the hose is.
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Nice Video Tony![/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I have used both types of valves. The plastic one can be slid up and down the hose. So you can position it right where the hose goes into the pole. But I like the steel ball valve better. It is on my backpack frame and easy enough to reach.[/FONT][/COLOR]
Nice video Tony. I sure would like to start developing monthly exterior routes.
If you don’t mind elaborating, how many months/ years did it take to get from 1 to 8 houses on a monthly schedule?
are there ever any receivable problems?
how far in advance (if at all) do you let them know that you’ll be there?
And most importantly, does it meet your hourly goal? exceed it?
Thanks in advance for any help.
I went from 1 house in one of my nicer neighborhoods to 8 monthly, 2 quarterly, and 1 every other month in about 1 1/2 years.
If they are home I get a check then otherwise I leave an invoice that says due upon receipt and am paid w/in a week.
There are 2 that I call because I need to access a porch area accessible only from the inside of the house.
I am at the low end of my target hourly goal but it’s easy work and is nice filler thru the winter since I don’t do commercial.
I am trying to get it set up where I have one day a week of monthly houses. I’m at about 1 1/2 days right now.
Thanks Tony,
Also, do you use your backpack on all the jobs? how many times do you need to fill up?
do you have them keep the screens off on all the homes?
if so, did you have to convince them of that, or do they take them off, or do you?
What size of homes are they? roughly how many windows each? (just wandering because of the backpack and water issue?
Thanks Tony
I use the backpack on all the 2nd and 3rd floor windows while my wife does the 1st floor traditionally. I used 20 gallons (filled up 3 times) on 8 homes (they range from 2500 to 4000 sq ft) w/ lots of big round top windows on them. On one of the homes we go inside to remove and replace the screens. On the rest they have either left the screens off or have casements so the screens are internal. I am in the process of setting up my rain barrel system I posted about so I will have 50gal of pure water in the van for the homes so water will be less of a concern.
For backpack usage? Why? The supply hose is only ~4 1/2 feet long. If you see how Tony holds the valve at the pole end, that should meet your requirement.
Hi,
I think Punta and I are talking about regular wfp, not a backpack. Yeah, w/ a backpack you would have all the hose and the valve right with you. I have a Gardiner Super Max that is 41’. If I’m moving around cleaning windows at 25’, the ball valve between my supply hose and the pole hose could be as much as 20" away from me. Seems like pinching the line shut is the basic solution for now.
So we are still looking for a solution. I’m sure we will figure something out. No big deal.
Thanks again,
Unger CarbonTec:
Can be installed at the system base or in-between any 2 sections of pole. On/off flow control at hand saves on water consumption.
http://shop.windowcleaner.com/product.sc?productId=160&categoryId=93
I have tried to think this through as well. I have considered using a velcro or other strap to hold the valve onto the end of the pole, but what about a hook of some sort that holds the valve to your work belt? it could be as simple as taping a carabiner to your hose just before the valve and fasteing that to your belt. The issue that I am concerned about is that sometimes long loop of hose that will catch on everything behind you. Maybe coiling the hose somehow as well?
I really don’t know if it would work at all but you could try one of the little roller clamps they use on hospital IV’s
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the link. I have always thought that the Unger valve thingy was just for the Carbon Tec poles. If I’m not mistaken, the water in a Carbon Tec flows through the pole itself, not a hose inside the pole. Plus, that thing looks awful bulky to me.
Yeah, rigging something to keep the valve at the end of the supply hose at your hip would be easy. But, as has been mentioned, we all know that hoses and extension cords and the like, have minds of their own. And I for one, don’t relish the thought of getting tripped up with my expensive pole 35’ up.
There is one other idea I have been looking at. There is a 12 volt remote switch out there. I think it is really designed for things like turning car stereos and ground effect lights on and off. You carry a little push button remote that looks like a key chain fob. The actual working range is my biggest concern looking at this thing. Logisys 12V 15A Relay Switch With Remote Control RM02*at SVC.com
I haven’t gotten any new bits and pieces yet, but I will post the results when I do.
Thanks again,
It is CarbonTec-specific, and was not a suggestion for use elsewhere. I’ve demo-ed the Unger, and it was light and rigid (didn’t feel bulky as a system.)
A carabiner with split-key ring is the Don Chute method, I believe.
