WaterFed® Water Pressure

WaterFed® products change the way window cleaning professionals conduct business. It’s important to know how to operate and maintain these valuable window cleaning systems. To understand how pure water effectively cleans windows as high as 90 feet (about 10 stories), let’s take a look at its water flow process. In this resource, we discuss water flow as it pertains to WaterFed®. 

System Types & Factors that Determine Water Flow

While all WaterFed® pole systems (WFP) function similarly, the pressure you can expect from your exact system will depend on a few different factors. First, though, it’s important to note that water flow in a WFP is not the same as pressurized window cleaning.

1. Gallons Per Minute

First, water flow is measured by the type of window cleaning system. Each type will determine how many gallons per minute of pure water can be filtered through the pole. Regardless of what system you’ve selected, each has sufficient water flow and pressure to clean and rise windows, both low and high-rise. The gallons per minute for each system is as following:

° DI System - pure water is pushed through a maximum of two filters. You can expect a steady stream of about 5 gallons per minute with a cost of $1 to $2 per gallon. 
° Multistage System - pure water travels through more filters, producing a low-pressure water flow. You can expect about .65 gallons per minute with a cost of $.02 per gallon. This system is much more cost effective for producing clean water.
° Multistage with Pumps - this is the same process as multistage window cleaning system with the added use of a pump to speed up the process. The water flow does not strictly rely on gravity. You can expect about .75 to 2 gallons per minute, depending on the pump and the cost stays at $.02 per gallon. This system is ideal for cleaning windows higher than four stories.

2. Factors that Impact Water Flow

Having the ideal water flow that is both efficient and cost-effective for your current window cleaning services is largely determined by the equipment specifications. The things that affect water flow pertaining to WaterFed® systems and poles include:

° Diameter of WaterFed® hose and tubing 
° Water Pressure from spout 
° Temperature 
° Length of hose and tubing 
° Types of systems 

In general, tubing is used for low pressure systems like multistage, whereas hoses – which are reinforced – are suitable for higher pressure. Hoses and tubing will change how quickly water supply flows and is dispersed. For example, a 50 foot water hose will allow water flow at about a gallon and a half per minute. The same length of tubing will produce about a third of a gallon per minute. This conclusion is based on the same length, same water supply, and pressure, resulting in poor volume for tubing selections. A hose with a slightly larger diameter will increase water flow, even with the same pressure. 

See more on the Abc Window Cleaning water flow experiment below. 

3. Equation for Water Flow Determinants

The system itself will be another factor in waterflow so to get your water flow, the equation can be thought of as:

(Tap pressure and temperature) +
(The hose before the system)’s water flow +
(They system itself)’s water flow +
(The hose/ tubing after the system)’s water flow = 
Your water flow

Abc Window Cleaning WaterFed Test

Abc Window Cleaning equipment providers conducted tests to determine what each factor’s variable would mean to the water flow based on the hose and tubing used. The first test was about diameter. 

° First simulation- 100ft 5/16th inch outer diameter tubing
¾ gallon per minute
° Second simulation- 100ft ¼ inch inner diameter hose
1 and ¼ gallons per minute
 °Third simulation- 100ft ⅜ inch inner diameter hose
4 gallons per minute
° Fourth simulation- 100ft ½ inch inner diameter hose
Goes to the top of the gage at five gallons per minute

The second set of tests compare the length of the tubing using the 5/16th inch outer diameter because while the hose is commonly used before the system, tubing is usually used after the system and inside the pole because it’s lighter and can fit in the pole.

° First simulation- 100ft 5/16th inch outer diameter tubing ¾ gallon per minute
° Second simulation- 50 ft of tubing- 7/8ths gallons per minute
° Third simulation- 25 ft of tubing- just under a gallon and a half

Those two factors combined with the type of system will establish parameters for water flow. 

Try it yourself or use your own parameters:  

Some things to keep in mind for window cleaning specifications and job requirements:


DI WaterFed® systems have very little restriction, creating better water flow.


So why don’t we only use DI WaterFed® systems if they have the best water flow speed? Here are some limitations to the DI system that may impact how window cleaning professionals determine which water flow process is ideal for their applications:

° A DI-only window cleaning pure water filters requires more maintenance and replacement. 
° Often, DI produces more water than is actually needed, which can make it more expensive.
° Unpowered Multistage system- has many filters to go through, so this is the least water flow of the three

So why would we consider using this type of WaterFed system?

A WaterFed system can be helpful in a variety of applications, including:

 

Window cleaning: WaterFed systems can clean windows on high-rise buildings, eliminating the need for ladders or scaffolding.
Solar panel cleaning: WaterFed systems can be used to clean solar panels, improving their efficiency and extending their lifespan.
Building Washing: WaterFed systems can be used to wash the exterior of buildings, removing dirt, grime, and other pollutants.
Gutter cleaning: WaterFed systems can clean gutters on tall buildings, eliminating the need for ladders or lifts.
Car washing: WaterFed systems can be used to wash cars, trucks, and other vehicles, providing a gentle and efficient way to remove dirt and grime.


WaterFed systems are often preferred over traditional cleaning methods because they offer several advantages, such as:

 

Safety: Using a WaterFed system reduces the need for ladders or lifts, which can be dangerous when working at height.
Efficiency: A WaterFed system allows faster and more efficient cleaning, as it can cover a larger surface area in less time.
Environmental friendliness: WaterFed systems use less water than traditional cleaning methods. The water is often recycled, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Cost-effectiveness: While WaterFed systems require an initial investment, they can save money over time by reducing the need for expensive equipment and labor-intensive cleaning methods.

Understanding the Importance of WaterFed Water Pressure in Window Cleaning


WaterFed Water Pressure plays a pivotal role in the efficiency and effectiveness of window cleaning. The pressure determines how quickly and thoroughly the water can clean the surface of the window. High pressure can remove stubborn dirt and grime, while low pressure is ideal for delicate surfaces. Understanding the right pressure for different cleaning scenarios can significantly enhance the cleaning process, making abc Window Cleaning's WaterFed systems a versatile solution for various cleaning needs.

The Role of abc Window Cleaning in Advancing WaterFed Technology


abc Window Cleaning is not just a supplier of WaterFed systems; it's a pioneer in the field. Through rigorous testing and experimentation, abc Window Cleaning has contributed to the understanding of how different factors like hose diameter and length, system type, and tap pressure affect water flow. This knowledge allows abc Window Cleaning to offer tailored solutions to its customers, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness of their WaterFed systems.