How much water to power wash a large 4 bed detached house

[pixiemum]

Can anyone give me some idea (even just a rough estimate) as to how much water (litres or whatever) it might take to power wash a 4 bed detached house? Won't bore you with the details but it's a rented house and we're on a water meter!! Thanks.

[vivandorron]

I've no idea.

However, if it's a rented property you need to be very careful because power washing could damage the fabric of the building and you could be held liable for all costs to repair such damage.

You should speak to the owner first.

[Buenchico]

If you've got any idea of how long it might take, the figures in the current Argos catalogue might help a bit. They've got 11 different pressure washers, delivering anywhere between 300 litres per hour and 530 litres per hour. On my current water tariff that equates to between �1.16 per hour and �2.06 per hour. (However, it should be noted that I'm on a low user tariff where I pay more per litre than most users, but with no standing charge. 'Regular' tariffs will charge rather less than I've indicated).

Chris

[pixiemum]

Thanks vivandorron. It is the owner who wants it power washed, so not an issue about that but I appreciate the concern.

Buenchico that's really helpful thanks. They reckon its going to take about 5 hours to complete but I think my tarriff is quite a bit higher than yours but I can easily call the water board and check.

[vivandorron]

Forgive me if I appear to being pedantic on the issues concerned.

The owner may wish the building to be washed, but ,if you contract someone to do it , in my opinion, you are responsible for all costs involved; including any damage which might ensue to the property.

Let the owner make all the arrangements and agree a cost that you are to be re-imbursed for the water which is estimated will be used........Ron

[pixiemum]

No need for forgiveness Ron! In fact, it's a relief to hear what you say as the owner is intending to contract out the work themselves and taking full responsibility, but my concern is indeed that they have no intention of reimbursing me for the water used. That's why I am trying to find out as far as possible how much it is going to use. I reckon it could be about 3500 litres or so which seems a huge amount. Not sure how to get them to agree to reimburse though. Any ideas..... thanks again.

[vivandorron]

Tricky one this; especially if the onwner is refusing to reimburse your costs.

I don't think that 3500 litres is a lot of water for the work concened within a five hour period. However, I can appreciate your concern about being out of pocket.

Perhaps you have a legal right to refuse a supply of water to the actual Contractors, unless they agree to meet your costs. I regret, I don't really know the answer.

However, it might be worthwhile the price of a telephone call to your Local Authority's 'Trading Standards' office, who should be able to give you some free advice on the matter.

Best wishes.........Ron.

[pixiemum]

Thanks Ron. It is a really difficult one as genuinely don't want to be a difficult tenant but equally this is something that they wish to be done but at my expense in terms of the water. Hadn't thought about calling the LA but will do that tomorrow and see what they say. Speaking to someone today they seem to think it would be nearer 5000 litres... oh well! Will keep trying and thanks again Ron.

[BenDToy]

I think water charges for metered supply are around �2.50 - �3 (supply + sewerage) per cubic metre depending on who your supplier is. i only looked at Anglian and Wessex. A cubic metre is 1000 litres, so if your estimate of 5000 litres is correct (seems high to me) then the cost would be in the region of �15.

[tufty7]

if it is a professional company they will be licensed to take water from a stand pipe if there is one nearby that is .... All I can say it must be flippin messy if its going to take 5 hours!!