Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Spray Equipment - Don't Wait for that Problem
When it comes to your spray equipment, if you know you are about to have a problem, fix it now, don't wait.
A good friend of mine once told me, "if I have to eat sh-t, I want to eat it all now. I don't want to come back for seconds. I don't want to nibble a little bit for a few days. I want to be done with it".
The same applies to your pest control equipment and your weed sprayers.
Look at this photo of a mosquito fogger.
The plastic hoses and PVC fittings are severely sun damaged. The pest control technician came in one day and said, one fitting on my fogger broke, can you fix it?
We said yes we can, BUT! Here is the but: All the fittings and hoses are made from the same material, they all had the same amount of hours of operation on them and they all had the same chemical through them and the same exposure to the Arizona sun.
We told the technician that since one fitting failed, it was a certainty that all the fittings would eventually fail. We suggested he let us replace them all.
He said he could not spare the time and would take his chances. 3 days later he was back with another broken fitting. We repeated our concern. Again he was too busy. The next day, when the 3rd fitting failed, he called us to schedule an appointment to replace them all.
Think of all the downtime his company incurred. Not to mention gas and payroll to and from our shop three times and having to explain to the client three times why the job wasn't finished. Also, by definition, every hose or fitting break on this machine is a chemical spill.
I run a business; I understand schedules. But this was crazy. We (and the tech) knew there was going to be a problem. Technician was so worried about spending an hour that he wasted many times that.
If you see something on your spray equipment is going to be a problem, get it fixed. It will be faster and cheaper than putting it off. Comments?
A good friend of mine once told me, "if I have to eat sh-t, I want to eat it all now. I don't want to come back for seconds. I don't want to nibble a little bit for a few days. I want to be done with it".
The same applies to your pest control equipment and your weed sprayers.
Look at this photo of a mosquito fogger.
The plastic hoses and PVC fittings are severely sun damaged. The pest control technician came in one day and said, one fitting on my fogger broke, can you fix it?
We said yes we can, BUT! Here is the but: All the fittings and hoses are made from the same material, they all had the same amount of hours of operation on them and they all had the same chemical through them and the same exposure to the Arizona sun.
We told the technician that since one fitting failed, it was a certainty that all the fittings would eventually fail. We suggested he let us replace them all.
He said he could not spare the time and would take his chances. 3 days later he was back with another broken fitting. We repeated our concern. Again he was too busy. The next day, when the 3rd fitting failed, he called us to schedule an appointment to replace them all.
Think of all the downtime his company incurred. Not to mention gas and payroll to and from our shop three times and having to explain to the client three times why the job wasn't finished. Also, by definition, every hose or fitting break on this machine is a chemical spill.
I run a business; I understand schedules. But this was crazy. We (and the tech) knew there was going to be a problem. Technician was so worried about spending an hour that he wasted many times that.
If you see something on your spray equipment is going to be a problem, get it fixed. It will be faster and cheaper than putting it off. Comments?
Monday, February 25, 2013
#pestcontrol Help! I need a favor. I have applied to be a speaker at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) annual conference in Phoenix this fall. If you have found any of my material helpful, please send an email to NPMA, recommending me as an expert speaker. Please send the email to anyone you know at NPMA. If you don’t know anyone personally, please email Jim Fredericks, Ph.D. at jfredericks@pestworld.org.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
B&G Sprayers - Clean That Filter for Productivity & Profit
The B&G Sprayer
is the lifeblood of most pest control professionals. We use our
B&Gs every day to service our clients. We rely on it as much as we
rely on our truck. It is critical to treat the B&G 1 Gallon Sprayer like the important piece of equipment that it is.
One of the most important things a pest professional can do to ensure great performance from their B&G is to check and clean the filter.
A clogged B&G filter will cause downtime, missed appointments and unnecessary repair expense.
Check out the B&G filters in these two photos. Both were brought into our pest control equipment repair shop for service.
Of course we appreciate the business, but I think it is crazy for a pest control professional to pay someone else to clean their filter. This is something every pest control technician should be responsible for him or herself.
Unfortunately, it does take two wrenches to open the spray wand to get to the filter. This is probably the reason these filters don't get checked more frequently.
Photo: Top - old B&G Filter screen that had not been cleaned in quite some time.
Bottom: what a new B&G filter screen looks like.
Key Points:
1. Your B&G Sprayer is critical to your business; take care of it.
2. Inspect and clean your B&G filter screen periodically (at least monthly)
3. If you are a pest technician and don't know how to do it, ASK.
4. If you are the Company owner or manager inspect your tech's B&Gs to ensure they are being properly cared for.
5. Don't assume techncians are doing it right. Provide reinforcement training to technicians on B&G's proper care and maintenance.
6. Keep spare parts, such as filter screens available to avoid downtime.
7. Consider keeping a backup B&G to prevent downtime.
One of the most important things a pest professional can do to ensure great performance from their B&G is to check and clean the filter.
A clogged B&G filter will cause downtime, missed appointments and unnecessary repair expense.
Check out the B&G filters in these two photos. Both were brought into our pest control equipment repair shop for service.
Of course we appreciate the business, but I think it is crazy for a pest control professional to pay someone else to clean their filter. This is something every pest control technician should be responsible for him or herself.
Unfortunately, it does take two wrenches to open the spray wand to get to the filter. This is probably the reason these filters don't get checked more frequently.
Photo: Top - old B&G Filter screen that had not been cleaned in quite some time.
Bottom: what a new B&G filter screen looks like.
Key Points:
1. Your B&G Sprayer is critical to your business; take care of it.
2. Inspect and clean your B&G filter screen periodically (at least monthly)
3. If you are a pest technician and don't know how to do it, ASK.
4. If you are the Company owner or manager inspect your tech's B&Gs to ensure they are being properly cared for.
5. Don't assume techncians are doing it right. Provide reinforcement training to technicians on B&G's proper care and maintenance.
6. Keep spare parts, such as filter screens available to avoid downtime.
7. Consider keeping a backup B&G to prevent downtime.
Your Power Sprayer Tank is NOT a Trash Can
The tank on your power sprayer is not a trash can. This may sound obvious, but our spray equipment repair experience proves it is not uncommon for spray techs to use their spray tank as a trash can.
Here is a great example. Client brought their weed sprayer in for service, reporting pump not functioning properly. We found the power sprayer filter clogged with disposable rubber gloves. The white stuff is dried herbicide. The tech assumed that since there is a hole in the top of the tank, it must be for trash.
This spray equipment problem is common. Some of the stuff we have found in tanks (power sprayer and manual sprayers): beer cans, soda cans, food wrappers, rocks, men's underwear, Honda pull cord. The most common foreign object found in spray tanks: labels from pesticide & herbicide labels. Often the debris gets caught in the filter. Sometimes debris can clog the output line starving the pump. This is particularly a problem with top pickup, which uses a pickup tube to suck material to the top of the tank. Heavy stuff like rocks usually sits in the bottom of the tank.
Here are some key points:
1. instruct techs that nothing goes in the tank except water and chemical
2. techs don't listen, so
3. re-instruct techs that nothing goes in the tank except water and chemical.
4. spot check filters regularly to find/remove any debris
5. periodically completely clean out spray tank. For manual sprayers, clean out monthly; power sprayers clean out quarterly.
6. run clean water through the entire system to help prevent chemical buildup. Consider using a tank cleaner product to increase effectiveness of cleanout.
Here is a great example. Client brought their weed sprayer in for service, reporting pump not functioning properly. We found the power sprayer filter clogged with disposable rubber gloves. The white stuff is dried herbicide. The tech assumed that since there is a hole in the top of the tank, it must be for trash.
This spray equipment problem is common. Some of the stuff we have found in tanks (power sprayer and manual sprayers): beer cans, soda cans, food wrappers, rocks, men's underwear, Honda pull cord. The most common foreign object found in spray tanks: labels from pesticide & herbicide labels. Often the debris gets caught in the filter. Sometimes debris can clog the output line starving the pump. This is particularly a problem with top pickup, which uses a pickup tube to suck material to the top of the tank. Heavy stuff like rocks usually sits in the bottom of the tank.
Here are some key points:
1. instruct techs that nothing goes in the tank except water and chemical
2. techs don't listen, so
3. re-instruct techs that nothing goes in the tank except water and chemical.
4. spot check filters regularly to find/remove any debris
5. periodically completely clean out spray tank. For manual sprayers, clean out monthly; power sprayers clean out quarterly.
6. run clean water through the entire system to help prevent chemical buildup. Consider using a tank cleaner product to increase effectiveness of cleanout.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Power Sprayer Debris - What's That Turd Doing in There?
What is this junk and how did it get into the power sprayer? 
Technician brought his power sprayer in last week and said it wouldn't spray. Our power sprayer experts checked all the usually suspects when someone brings in a weed sprayer or pest sprayer with a problem:
- Clogged filter
- Clogged tip
- Air leak, etc.
Couldn't find a problem. Then they started blowing out hoses to attempt to find a clog. None of the hoses were overly clogged.
Eventually they determined that the hose reel hub was almost completely clogged with a soft sludge. They pulled the input hose off the reel and blew out the brown green crap you see above (George Washington wasn't clogging the reel, he is provided for size comparison).
Think of how hard the pump had to work to push water through or against this stuff. The pump life was definately shortened because of it.
It is critcal to clean out your power sprayer periodically. Run clean water throught the system. Once a month would be great, though most people don't even do it once per year.
If it has been a while since you cleaned our your sprayer, you probably need to check the hoses and fittings as well. Use a compressor to blow air through each hose. Be sure to blow the debris out of the system, not deeper into it.
If fittings are getting clogged, replace them. It is faster to replace them then to try to clean them out.
Here is a earlier post detailed power sprayer tank clean out.
Technician brought his power sprayer in last week and said it wouldn't spray. Our power sprayer experts checked all the usually suspects when someone brings in a weed sprayer or pest sprayer with a problem:
- Clogged filter
- Clogged tip
- Air leak, etc.
Couldn't find a problem. Then they started blowing out hoses to attempt to find a clog. None of the hoses were overly clogged.
Eventually they determined that the hose reel hub was almost completely clogged with a soft sludge. They pulled the input hose off the reel and blew out the brown green crap you see above (George Washington wasn't clogging the reel, he is provided for size comparison).
Think of how hard the pump had to work to push water through or against this stuff. The pump life was definately shortened because of it.
It is critcal to clean out your power sprayer periodically. Run clean water throught the system. Once a month would be great, though most people don't even do it once per year.
If it has been a while since you cleaned our your sprayer, you probably need to check the hoses and fittings as well. Use a compressor to blow air through each hose. Be sure to blow the debris out of the system, not deeper into it.
If fittings are getting clogged, replace them. It is faster to replace them then to try to clean them out.
Here is a earlier post detailed power sprayer tank clean out.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Spray Equipment Safety - Secure Your Load
Spray equipment
is expensive. You rely on it to service your customers and make money
to support your family. Take care of it. In addition to using your
spray equipment properly and doing required preventative maintenace, it
is critical to make sure it is secured in your vehicle. Look at this
photo:
The backpack is in the bed of the truck, unsecured. There is a bungee cord, not attached to anything (nice landing - wrong airport!). If there is an accident or the driver is forced to make a sharp stop or turn, this backpack will cause problems. There are a number of risks apparent in this photo:
1. The backpack sustains damage, causing chemical spill (perhaps on spray tech), downtime, repair expense, etc.
2. The backpack flies through the rear windshield, hitting the driver. Ouch!
3. The backpack slams into the pump, causing pump damage. Pump damage equals: chemical spill, downtime, repair expense, etc.
4. The backpack flies out of the truck in the event of an accident, perhaps hitting another vehicle. Can you say "lawsuit"? It is not worth losing your company over this.
Take a minute at the start of your day to ensure all your weed spray equipment and pest control spray equipment is properly secured to prevent damage, spills and injuries. Don't just check your backpack sprayers and B&Gs. Periodically check toolboxes, tank straps, skid sprayers, etc.
Here is the key point: Just because its in the truck, don't assume it is attached.
The backpack is in the bed of the truck, unsecured. There is a bungee cord, not attached to anything (nice landing - wrong airport!). If there is an accident or the driver is forced to make a sharp stop or turn, this backpack will cause problems. There are a number of risks apparent in this photo:
1. The backpack sustains damage, causing chemical spill (perhaps on spray tech), downtime, repair expense, etc.
2. The backpack flies through the rear windshield, hitting the driver. Ouch!
3. The backpack slams into the pump, causing pump damage. Pump damage equals: chemical spill, downtime, repair expense, etc.
4. The backpack flies out of the truck in the event of an accident, perhaps hitting another vehicle. Can you say "lawsuit"? It is not worth losing your company over this.
Take a minute at the start of your day to ensure all your weed spray equipment and pest control spray equipment is properly secured to prevent damage, spills and injuries. Don't just check your backpack sprayers and B&Gs. Periodically check toolboxes, tank straps, skid sprayers, etc.
Here is the key point: Just because its in the truck, don't assume it is attached.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Weed Sprayers - Know Before You Buy
Weed sprayers must stand up to hard use. It is important that you buy a well designed weed control sprayer, built with quality components. Here are some photos of a weed power sprayer that was not well designed and did not use quality components.
The client came to us and said she began having problems with this sprayer almost immediately. She had purchased a low price sprayer to save some money. She quickly realized her mistake.
We took one look at the sprayer and saw lots of issues.
1. Homeowner grade, not professional grade. Thin steel frame, cheap plastic fittings, cheap supply hoses.
2. Client complained she couldn't agitate and spray at the same time. The reason is the spray pump is undersized (GPM too low) for what she was trying to do.
3. Filter was installed very close to frame and it was difficult to open. Because it was difficult to open, she didn't check it as frequently as she needed to. The filter was clogged and this affected sprayer performance.
This is a homeowner grade engine, not a commercial grade engine. At least its a Honda.
Weed control sprayer is on a steel skid that was installed too close to the trailer side rail. When the engine pull cord breaks (it will), the recoil is too close to the side rail to remove. The entire skid will have to be unbolted from the trailer to allow the recoil to be removed. A 5 minute maintenace project becomes a two person, labor intensive operation.
This photo shows another design problem with this weed sprayer.
1. Hose is rubbing against tank. Hose or tank will eventually leak
2. Really cheap plastic fitting will crack after hot summers, cold winters, bouncing trailer.
And last but not least:
1. ball valve on supply line is needed to allow user to shut off flow and check the filter. Problems:
1. valve hard to reach
2. turning the ball valve handle will put too much torque on the cheap plastic fitting. Fitting will break, tank will empty. Client will have a nice chemical spill to deal with.
Client had us make some significant modifications to this weed sprayer to get it to perform the way she needed it to perform. It would have been cheaper for her and fewer headaches to spend a little more up front to buy what she needed.
Here are some key points to consider when buying a weed control spray rig (or any power spray rig).
1. Know the Company you are buying from.
2. Know what you are getting.
3. Discuss your requirements with the vendor in detail before buying. Consider how you will be using the sprayer, how will maintenance be done, etc.
4. Even little inexpensive things like plumbing fittings matter.
5. If the sprayer won't do what you need it to do, or if it continually has problems, you did not save money by buying low cost.
Comments?
The client came to us and said she began having problems with this sprayer almost immediately. She had purchased a low price sprayer to save some money. She quickly realized her mistake.
We took one look at the sprayer and saw lots of issues.1. Homeowner grade, not professional grade. Thin steel frame, cheap plastic fittings, cheap supply hoses.
2. Client complained she couldn't agitate and spray at the same time. The reason is the spray pump is undersized (GPM too low) for what she was trying to do.
3. Filter was installed very close to frame and it was difficult to open. Because it was difficult to open, she didn't check it as frequently as she needed to. The filter was clogged and this affected sprayer performance.
This is a homeowner grade engine, not a commercial grade engine. At least its a Honda.Weed control sprayer is on a steel skid that was installed too close to the trailer side rail. When the engine pull cord breaks (it will), the recoil is too close to the side rail to remove. The entire skid will have to be unbolted from the trailer to allow the recoil to be removed. A 5 minute maintenace project becomes a two person, labor intensive operation.
This photo shows another design problem with this weed sprayer.
1. Hose is rubbing against tank. Hose or tank will eventually leak
2. Really cheap plastic fitting will crack after hot summers, cold winters, bouncing trailer.
And last but not least:
1. ball valve on supply line is needed to allow user to shut off flow and check the filter. Problems:
1. valve hard to reach
2. turning the ball valve handle will put too much torque on the cheap plastic fitting. Fitting will break, tank will empty. Client will have a nice chemical spill to deal with.
Client had us make some significant modifications to this weed sprayer to get it to perform the way she needed it to perform. It would have been cheaper for her and fewer headaches to spend a little more up front to buy what she needed.
Here are some key points to consider when buying a weed control spray rig (or any power spray rig).
1. Know the Company you are buying from.
2. Know what you are getting.
3. Discuss your requirements with the vendor in detail before buying. Consider how you will be using the sprayer, how will maintenance be done, etc.
4. Even little inexpensive things like plumbing fittings matter.
5. If the sprayer won't do what you need it to do, or if it continually has problems, you did not save money by buying low cost.
Comments?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Power Sprayers with Multiple Tanks - Possibilities
There are a million ways to configure Power Sprayers with multiple tanks. I will share some combinations of power sprayer in this blog post and will expand on pros & cons in future posts.
Multiple tanks on your power spray equipment can help boost productivity and improve results by ensuring you have the product you need at a given job. There are other considerations of course: cost, space and cross contamination to name a few. Because multi-tank sprayers are more complicated, employee skill level & training can be an important factor.
Dual
tank power sprayer trailer with single pump. This gives you two
products (e.g., pre & post emergent or pest & termite) on your
job site. The downside is product cross contamination. The line is
contaminated from where the lines from the tank come together all the
way through the entire system to the spray gun.
Power spray rig with single tank, but 2 hose reels. Allows 2 technicians to apply product at the same time to get the job done faster. It is important to select a pump that can drive both reels at the same time.
Dual tank power sprayer with dual hose reels.
This
boosts productivity and can reduce the volume of cross contamination if
one tank is always used with one hose reel. If using both reels for
one tank, the amount of contamination is increased.
Power sprayer with complete redundancy. 2 separate power sprayer systems, each with tank, pump, motor & reel. Zero contamination.
Downside - costs more, takes more space.
When buying a complex power spray rig with dual components, it is critical to spend time up front thinking about EXACTLY how spray techs will be using the system. Get input from colleagues and technicians. Select a power sprayer vendor you trust who can help you understand all the decisions that must be made and the impact of each on your business.
Multiple tanks on your power spray equipment can help boost productivity and improve results by ensuring you have the product you need at a given job. There are other considerations of course: cost, space and cross contamination to name a few. Because multi-tank sprayers are more complicated, employee skill level & training can be an important factor.
Dual
tank power sprayer trailer with single pump. This gives you two
products (e.g., pre & post emergent or pest & termite) on your
job site. The downside is product cross contamination. The line is
contaminated from where the lines from the tank come together all the
way through the entire system to the spray gun.Power spray rig with single tank, but 2 hose reels. Allows 2 technicians to apply product at the same time to get the job done faster. It is important to select a pump that can drive both reels at the same time.
Dual tank power sprayer with dual hose reels.
This
boosts productivity and can reduce the volume of cross contamination if
one tank is always used with one hose reel. If using both reels for
one tank, the amount of contamination is increased.Power sprayer with complete redundancy. 2 separate power sprayer systems, each with tank, pump, motor & reel. Zero contamination.
Downside - costs more, takes more space.
When buying a complex power spray rig with dual components, it is critical to spend time up front thinking about EXACTLY how spray techs will be using the system. Get input from colleagues and technicians. Select a power sprayer vendor you trust who can help you understand all the decisions that must be made and the impact of each on your business.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Your Weed Sprayer - Even the Little Stuff Matters
Your weed sprayer makes you money. If it is running. If your weed control sprayer is down for repairs, it is costing you money. It is important that you are aware of where your downtime risks are on your weed spray rig.
This photo of a weed spray trailer is a good example:
The mechanic for a local government agency called us to look at a weed spray trailer he was having problems with. His purchasing department went low bid and bought the sprayer you see here.
There were many problems with this weed sprayer. The one that scared me most was the cheap plastic fittings under the trailer. In order to get the cost down, the manufacturer used cheap plastic fittings below the spray trailer.
If or when one of these fittings crack (think summer heat, bad roads, debris on roads, etc.), the entire contents of the tank will spill. There is no way to shut it off. You've just dumped 200 gallons of herbicide on a public street. Can you say evening news?
When purchasing a weed control sprayer, it it important to know everything you are getting. If you already have the sprayer, do a thorough inspection so you know what you have. If you see weak points or risk factors, fix them. The cost and time involved in a chemical spill cleanup are much greater than the cost of buying right the first time or fixing it before you have a problem.
This photo of a weed spray trailer is a good example:
The mechanic for a local government agency called us to look at a weed spray trailer he was having problems with. His purchasing department went low bid and bought the sprayer you see here.
There were many problems with this weed sprayer. The one that scared me most was the cheap plastic fittings under the trailer. In order to get the cost down, the manufacturer used cheap plastic fittings below the spray trailer.
If or when one of these fittings crack (think summer heat, bad roads, debris on roads, etc.), the entire contents of the tank will spill. There is no way to shut it off. You've just dumped 200 gallons of herbicide on a public street. Can you say evening news?
When purchasing a weed control sprayer, it it important to know everything you are getting. If you already have the sprayer, do a thorough inspection so you know what you have. If you see weak points or risk factors, fix them. The cost and time involved in a chemical spill cleanup are much greater than the cost of buying right the first time or fixing it before you have a problem.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Wow! Quality Equipment & Spray’s internet sales were up 50% last year. Thanks to all our customers and colleagues for supporting this fabulous growth. Here's hoping 2013 is even better for all of us. Please check us out at:
www.Qspray.com Pest/Weed/Termite Equipment
www.BeeSuitsCheap.com Professional Grade Bee Suits
www.BlackLightsCheap.com Top Quality UV Blacklights
www.BirchmeierBackpacks.com The Best Backpack. Period.
www.TelestepLadders.com World’s Finest Telescoping Ladder
www.Qspray.com Pest/Weed/Termite Equipment
www.BeeSuitsCheap.com Professional Grade Bee Suits
www.BlackLightsCheap.com Top Quality UV Blacklights
www.BirchmeierBackpacks.com The Best Backpack. Period.
www.TelestepLadders.com World’s Finest Telescoping Ladder
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Wow! Quality Equipment & Spray’s internet sales were up 50% last year. Thanks to all our customers and colleagues for supporting this fabulous growth. Here's hoping 2013 is even better for all of us. Please check us out at:
www.Qspray.com Pest/Weed/Termite Equipment
www.BeeSuitsCheap.com Professional Grade Bee Suits
www.BlackLightsCheap.com Top Quality UV Blacklights
www.BirchmeierBackpacks.com The Best Backpack. Period.
www.TelestepLadders.com World’s Finest Telescoping Ladder
www.Qspray.com Pest/Weed/Termite Equipment
www.BeeSuitsCheap.com Professional Grade Bee Suits
www.BlackLightsCheap.com Top Quality UV Blacklights
www.BirchmeierBackpacks.com The Best Backpack. Period.
www.TelestepLadders.com World’s Finest Telescoping Ladder
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Cox Hose Reels - How to Ensure A Chemical Leak
Cox hose reels
can be an important component of your pest control / weed control power
sprayers. This photo shows a problem we frequently see on the Cox Reels.
There is too much weight hanging off this Cox Hose Reel Swivel. There are a couple of steel fittings and a ball valve. This weight puts too much weight and stress on the orings in the Cox Hose Reel Swivel.
There are 2 rubber orings and two teflon orings in the hose reel swivel. Chemicals, pressure, hard use and extreme temperatures are hard on these orings. You need to plan on rebuilding the swivel periodically. Hanging all this additional weight on the swivel, along with the additional torque from opening & closing the ball valve, signficantly reduce o-ring life. When an o-ring wears out, your hose reel leaks chemicals.
Inspect your reel and move any heavy plumbing to another location.
Keep an extra o-ring kit on hand to do maintenance and prevent leaks.
There is too much weight hanging off this Cox Hose Reel Swivel. There are a couple of steel fittings and a ball valve. This weight puts too much weight and stress on the orings in the Cox Hose Reel Swivel.
There are 2 rubber orings and two teflon orings in the hose reel swivel. Chemicals, pressure, hard use and extreme temperatures are hard on these orings. You need to plan on rebuilding the swivel periodically. Hanging all this additional weight on the swivel, along with the additional torque from opening & closing the ball valve, signficantly reduce o-ring life. When an o-ring wears out, your hose reel leaks chemicals.
Inspect your reel and move any heavy plumbing to another location.
Keep an extra o-ring kit on hand to do maintenance and prevent leaks.
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