Essential Van Setup for UK Window Cleaners

Setting up your window cleaning van properly is one of the smartest investments you can make in your business. A well-organised van saves time, reduces costs, and looks professional to customers. This guide covers the essentials of a water-fed pole (WFP) system setup — the most popular choice for UK window cleaners.

This guide focuses on practical, proven setups used by successful UK window cleaning businesses. Your exact setup will depend on your route density, job types, and budget.

Why Water-Fed Pole Systems Dominate in the UK

Water-fed pole systems have become the industry standard in the UK for good reasons:

• Safety first: Work from the ground, no ladders required for most domestic and low-rise commercial
• Speed and efficiency: Clean frames and glass in one pass; rinse and leave to dry naturally
• Better results: Pure water (no chemicals) leaves no residue or streaks
• Professional image: Modern equipment signals a professional operation
• Regulatory compliance: Meets health and safety requirements (Working at Height Regulations 2005)

Core Components of a WFP Van Setup

1. Water Tank (The Foundation)

Your water tank size determines how many jobs you can complete before needing a refill.

Popular tank sizes for different operations:

• 350–400 litres: Solo operator, tight urban routes, frequent refill access
• 500–650 litres: Standard solo operator or small team, good balance of capacity and payload
• 800–1000 litres: Two-person operation or rural routes with limited refill access

Tank considerations:

• Material: Food-grade plastic (polyethylene), UV-resistant for longevity
• Shape: Custom-fitted tanks maximise space; baffled tanks reduce water surge when driving
• Positioning: Low and central in the van keeps centre of gravity stable
• Payload: Check your van's payload capacity (typically 1,000–1,300kg for common vans); water is 1kg per litre

Typical UK setup: 500–650L tank mounted on a racking frame or custom base, secured with straps and brackets complying with load-securing regulations.

2. Pump and Controller

The pump delivers water from your tank through the hose to your pole.

Pump types:

• Shurflo: Reliable entry-level pump, moderate flow (5–7 litres/min), affordable
• Varistream or Ionics: Variable speed controllers for adjustable flow and battery protection
• FloController: Digital controller with flow display, delivery adjustments, and pump protection

Key specs:

• Flow rate: 5–7 L/min is standard; higher flow for commercial or three-storey work
• Pressure: 80–100 PSI typical for domestic work
• Controller: Variable speed saves battery life and lets you dial in the perfect flow

Best practice: Fit your controller in an accessible spot (dashboard or cab area) so you can adjust flow without opening the back.

3. Leisure Battery and Charging

Your pump runs off a leisure battery, separate from your van's starter battery.

Battery options:

• 110Ah lead-acid/AGM: Standard, affordable, lasts 1–2 full days of work
• 110Ah+ lithium (LiFePO4): Lighter, longer lifespan, faster charging, higher upfront cost

Charging setup:

• Split-charge relay or DC-DC charger: Charges leisure battery from alternator while driving
• Mains charger: Top up overnight if you don't drive far between jobs
• Solar panel (optional): 100–150W panel helps maintain charge in summer

Safety: Securely mount and fuse the battery; ensure good ventilation if using lead-acid (gas release during charging).

4. Hose Reel

A good hose reel saves time and hassle.

Reel types:

• Manual wind reels: Budget-friendly, simple, require manual winding
• Electric reels: Fast retrieval at the touch of a button, powered from leisure battery

Hose specs:

• Minibore (6mm ID): Lighter, easier to handle, ideal for domestic and low-rise work
• Microbore (4mm ID): Even lighter, but slower flow; best for compact setups
• Length: 50–100m covers most residential work; longer for commercial or rural

Mounting tips:

• Mount reel inside van or on rear door/side (inside is better for security and weather protection)
• Swivel mount or quick-release bracket for flexible positioning
• Ensure hose feeds out smoothly without kinks

5. Pure Water System (RO/DI)

Pure water is essential for spot-free drying.

System options:

• Home-based RO/DI system: Fill tank at home/yard each morning; lower ongoing cost
• Van-mounted RO system: Fill from any tap on the road; more flexibility, higher initial cost
• Pre-filled pure water delivery: Buy pure water by the litre; convenient but higher per-litre cost

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids):

• Aim for 0–5 ppm TDS for spot-free results
• Test regularly with a TDS meter (cheap and essential)
• Replace DI resin when TDS creeps above 5–10 ppm

Typical UK setup: Many operators use a home RO/DI system to fill their tank each morning, topping up from customers' taps if needed (with permission) or using a van-mounted system for all-day flexibility.

6. Water-Fed Poles

The pole is your main tool; invest wisely.

Pole types:

• Aluminium: Affordable, heavier, good for learning and occasional use
• Carbon fibre: Lighter, faster, less fatigue; essential for full-time work
• Hybrid: Carbon lower sections, aluminium top sections; budget-friendly compromise

Common lengths:

• 18–25 feet: Standard for most UK domestic (two-storey houses)
• 30–40 feet: Three-storey, low-rise commercial, gutter clears
• 45+ feet: High-level commercial (requires training and experience)

Brush heads:

• Rectangular (10–14 inch): Versatile for most domestic work
• Fan-shaped: Good for larger panes (commercial)
• Smaller brushes (6–8 inch): Tight spaces, Georgian bars, small panes

Best practice: Keep one pole ready with a brush attached, secured in a pole tube or clamp inside the van. A second pole is handy for backup or different brush types.

Optimal Van Layout

A well-planned layout maximises efficiency and safety.

Layout principles:

• Tank low and central: Keeps weight balanced and secure
• Reel accessible: Near rear or side door for quick access
• Battery and controller protected: Secured away from water, easily accessible for checks
• Pole storage secure: Tube or clamp to prevent poles sliding or rattling
• Shelving/storage: For brushes, spare resin, tools, cleaning supplies, paperwork
• Non-slip flooring: Rubber or vinyl for safe footing on wet floors

Popular layouts:

• Tank flat-mounted with racking above: Reel on rear door or side, shelving along one side, battery under shelving
• Tank upright at bulkhead: Reel beside it, shelving opposite, more floor space in rear
• Custom racking systems: Professional installer-designed for maximum space utilisation

Safety and compliance:

• Secure all loads to prevent movement in a collision (Road Traffic Act)
• Use ratchet straps, brackets, and dedicated mounting points
• Heavy items (tanks, batteries) should not be loose or able to shift

Cost Breakdown (Typical UK Startup)

Here's a realistic budget for a mid-spec WFP van setup:

Total initial outlay: £10,500–£20,000 (depending on van choice and DIY vs professional install)

Depreciation & running costs: Budget for fuel, maintenance, consumables (resin, brushes), insurance, and equipment replacement over time.

DIY vs Professional Installation

DIY install:

• Pros: Lower cost, learn your system inside-out, flexible timeline
• Cons: Time-consuming, requires tools and skills, potential for mistakes
• Best for: Handy operators on a tight budget, willing to research and learn

Professional install:

• Pros: Faster, guaranteed workmanship, optimised layout, compliant with regulations
• Cons: Higher upfront cost (£1,000–£3,000 for full install)
• Best for: Those who want to get working quickly, less DIY experience, prefer peace of mind

Hybrid approach: Buy core components from specialist suppliers (Gardiners, Purefreedom, Brodex, Ionic Systems) who often provide guidance, then DIY the install with support from online forums and video tutorials.

Common Setup Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Overloading the van

   • Check payload capacity before buying your tank
   • Account for water weight (500L = 500kg) plus equipment, operator(s), and fuel
   • Overloading is illegal and unsafe

2. Poor load securing

   • Loose tanks or batteries become projectiles in a crash
   • Use proper brackets, straps, and mounting points
   • Have setup checked by a professional or experienced operator

3. Undersized battery

   • A 75Ah battery may not last a full day
   • 110Ah+ AGM or lithium is recommended for full-time work
   • Check amp draw of your pump and calculate daily usage

4. No TDS monitoring

   • Dirty water = spotting and callbacks
   • Test TDS every morning and after refills
   • Replace resin promptly when TDS climbs

5. Cheap poles and brushes

   • Poor-quality poles break, flex, and slow you down
   • Invest in a good carbon pole; it pays for itself quickly in reduced fatigue and faster work

Maintaining Your Van Setup

Regular maintenance keeps your system reliable and extends equipment life.

Daily:

• Check TDS before starting work
• Top up tank if needed
• Inspect hose for kinks, leaks, or damage
• Ensure battery is charged

Weekly:

• Clean pump filter
• Check battery water level (if lead-acid)
• Inspect pole sections and clamps
• Test controller and flow rate

Monthly:

• Deep-clean tank (prevent algae and biofilm)
• Inspect hose reel and mountings
• Check battery terminals for corrosion
• Review equipment for wear and tear

Annually:

• Service pump (replace seals, check pressure switch)
• Replace membranes/resin as needed
• Professional check of electrical system and load securing
• Service van (MOT, routine maintenance)

Upgrading Your Setup Over Time

Start with a solid basic setup and upgrade as your business grows.

Common upgrades:

• Electric hose reel: Saves time and effort (£200–£500)
• Lithium battery: Lighter, longer life, faster charging (£500–£800)
• Van-mounted RO system: Fill on the go, no need for home tank (£800–£1,500)
• Heated water system: Faster cleaning, work in winter, premium pricing (£1,000–£2,000)
• Longer or lightweight poles: Reach higher, reduce fatigue (£300–£800)
• Twin-operator setup: Second pump and reel for a team (£500–£1,000)

Upgrade strategically: each improvement should either save time, increase capacity, or enable higher-value work.

Keeping Your Van Organised with Surehand

Once your van is set up, efficient job management keeps you on schedule and profitable:

• Route optimisation: Plan your day to minimise travel time between jobs
• Real-time scheduling: Update job status from your phone as you work
• Digital invoicing: Send invoices on-site, get paid faster
• Customer notes and access info: Know gate codes, parking spots, and customer preferences before you arrive
• Recurring job schedules: Automatically book regular customers, so you always know your workload

A great van setup gets you to the job; great software keeps your business running smoothly. Try Surehand free or learn how we support window cleaners on our Window Cleaning Software page.

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FAQs

What's the best van for window cleaning in the UK? Popular choices include Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro, VW Transporter, and Renault Trafic. Look for good payload capacity (1,000kg+), reasonable fuel economy, and reliable service network.

How much pure water do I need per day? A typical solo operator uses 200–400L per day, depending on job size, efficiency, and rinse habits. A 500L tank gives you a comfortable margin.

Can I fill my tank from customers' taps? Yes, with permission. If using a van-mounted RO system, this is common. Always be polite and offer to pay for water if it's a regular refill spot.

Do I need insurance for my van setup? Yes. Van insurance, public liability insurance (£1–5 million cover), and employer's liability (if you have staff) are essential. Some insurers offer specialist window cleaning packages.

How long does RO/DI resin last? Depends on your source water TDS. With typical UK tap water (150–300 ppm), expect 500–1,500 litres of pure water per litre of DI resin. Monitor TDS and replace when it climbs above 5–10 ppm.

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Further Resources

• Gardiner Pole Systems: Leading UK supplier (poles, brushes, systems)
• Purefreedom: Specialist in pure water and van mount systems
• Ionic Systems: Pumps, controllers, and complete systems
• Brodex: Professional window cleaning equipment
• UK Window Cleaning Forums: Advice, troubleshooting, and community support
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Working at Height Regulations guidance