Our March mastermind session focused on RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems. We were fortunate to have three seasoned BioClean Operators who are RO specialists to join: Shaun Reiner from Des Moines Mobile Wash, Nate Ferrier from Northern Lightning Wash in Michigan, and Kenny LeNoue from Mobile Clean Truck Wash in Fargo. These operators have been running RO systems for years, and their expertise was truly illuminating. Please log onto the Operator Page to view this video discussion.
My own knowledge of RO was pretty basic – I knew it was reverse osmosis and that it helped achieve cleaner, spot-free results. That was about it! So, I was eager to learn from these professionals. The goal of our session was to understand:
- Why they chose RO systems.
- Key considerations for those thinking about implementing RO.
- Associated costs and maintenance.
A Journey Through RO Experience
Started by asking how long they’d been using RO systems:
- Nate shared that he transitioned to RO around 2010 (about 15 years ago) for cost-effectiveness, after initially using DI (Deionized) water.
- Shaun has been using an RO system for approximately seven years.
- Kenny has been in this for over 20 years. West Fargo water is incredibly hard, straight from the well. We tried a water softener, but it wasn’t enough. Eventually, the hardness of the water made Kenny realize he needed a better solution when he invested in an RO system.
They highlighted several key benefits:
- Spot-free results: RO eliminates the frustrating water spots, especially on dark vehicles, which are common with hard water.
- Reduced chemical usage: RO water allows for weaker chemical mixtures, saving on product costs.
- Customer satisfaction: While customers were initially happy with clean trucks, the shift to spot-free results raised expectations, leading to calls when the system wasn’t functioning optimally.
Practical Considerations: Space, Maintenance, and Costs
The conversation then turned to the practical aspects of RO systems:
- Space: RO systems, particularly the large storage tanks, require significant space. Nate and Shaun both have large storage tanks, and Nate has even plumbed an extra tank outdoors for seasonal use.
- Maintenance: Shaun emphasized the importance of pretreatment to extend membrane life, although the pretreatment chemicals can be expensive. Regular TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) monitoring is also crucial.
- Costs: Besides the initial system investment, ongoing costs include pretreatment chemicals, water bills, and potential plumbing repairs due to the “hungry” nature of RO water.
- Water Bills: Nate explained how he worked with his city to adjust his sewer bill, as most of the water he uses is hauled away, not going into the sewer system.
Expert Advice for Those Considering RO
Kenny advised that RO systems are most beneficial when you are looking to expand your operations. He also mentioned to start small and investigate your water source to ensure that you have a strong water coming into the building. Nate added that RO water has allowed him to tap into new markets, such as car lot washing, by offering spot-free results without the need for shammying.
Key Takeaways
- RO systems offer significant benefits, including spot-free results, reduced chemical usage, and the ability to expand into new markets.
- Careful consideration should be given to space requirements, maintenance needs, and associated costs.
- Starting small or lease
- Investigate the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) from your water source.
- RO water is “hungry” water, and can cause pinhole leaks in plumbing over time.
This mastermind session was incredibly valuable, and I’m grateful to Shaun, Nate, and Kenny for sharing their expertise. Their insights will undoubtedly help you to make informed decisions about RO systems.