DIY Plumbing from IBC Tote to Pressure Washer: Affordable Water Supply Setup
As you launch your pressure washing business, a reliable water supply is essential for consistent performance on jobs. Using an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tote as a buffer tank is a smart, economical choice—far cheaper than custom tanks while providing ample capacity and mounting points for gear. We've used IBC totes on trailers with 6GPM setups and now in vans with 8GPM washers. This guide shows how to plumb from an IBC tote to your pressure washer, focusing on an 8GPM configuration. Sourcing totes is easy via Facebook Marketplace or local businesses like car washes—just rinse thoroughly and check previous contents to avoid chemical issues.
Importance of a Filter for Your Pressure Washer Pump
A filter on your pump inlet is crucial to protect against debris, sediments, and contaminants that could damage internals or reduce efficiency. For IBC setups, we recommend a Banjo filter to catch particles from the tote or hose. Clean it every 3 months (or more in dirty water areas) by removing, rinsing, and inspecting—preventing clogs and extending pump life.
Plumbing to Pressure Washer
Components for Pressure Washer Plumbing
| Item | Link | QTY | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1” Vac Line 10ft | Buy on Amazon | 1 or 2 | Depending on distances |
| 1” Banjo Tee | Buy on Amazon | 1 | For branching lines |
| 2” Cam Lock (IBC Tote) to 1” Hose barb | Buy on Amazon | 1 | Connects tote outlet |
| 1” PVC Ball Valve | Buy on Amazon | 1 | Controls flow |
| 1” Barb to 1” NPT | Buy on Amazon | 4 | For connections |
| 1” Barb to ¾” NPT (into the pump) | Buy on Amazon | 1 | Pump inlet adapter |
Note: If plumbing to a smaller pressure washer, just swap the brass barb out to the correct size for the pump inlet. It’s a good idea to leave the rest of the components the same size though so you can keep the same plumbing when upgrading from a 4gpm or 6gpm to an 8gpm.
Steps to Build Pressure Washer Plumbing
- Attach 2” cam lock to tote outlet, connecting to 1” vac line with barb/NPT fittings.
- Run vac line to Banjo tee; branch one to ball valve for control.
- From tee/valve, use additional barbs/NPT to route to pump inlet (step down to 3/4" if needed).
- Test for leaks; add filter at inlet. Rinse tote first.
Plumbing the Water Supply Side of the IBC Tote
To optimize your IBC tote setup, add a 3-way valve system for selecting water levels with two float valves—one for full capacity and one for working level (about half). This lets you carry less weight for daily use or fill completely for sites with weak supply, saving time and effort. It's a simple upgrade for flexibility in your pressure washing operations.
Components for Water Supply Plumbing
| Item | Link | QTY | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson Float Valve 1” | Buy on Amazon | 2 | For level control |
| 1” PVC Nipple | Buy on Amazon | 1 | For connecting the high level float valve |
| 1” PVC Threaded Adapter | Buy on Amazon | 2 | For connecting the mid level float valve |
| 1” x 2ft PVC Pipe (cut to size desired) | Buy on Amazon | 1 | For mid level float valve |
| 1” Banjo 3-Way Valve | Buy on Amazon | 1 | For diversion between high and mid level fill |
| 1” NPT to ¾” Barb Banjo Elbow | Buy on Amazon | 4 | For between 3-way valve and bulkhead fittings |
| 1” NPT to ¾” Barb Banjo Straight | Buy on Amazon | 1 | From 3-way valve to hose reel |
| 1” PVC Bulkhead | Buy on Amazon | 2 | For top of tank |
| ¾” Tubing | Buy on Amazon | 1 | For connecting the 3-way valve elbow fittings to the bulkhead elbow fittings |
Steps to Build the Water Supply Plumbing
- Drill 2 holes in the top of the IBC tote and install the bulkhead fittings - drill these close to the top cover so you can reach them from the access port to install the internal fittings.
- Subassemble the float valves - use primer and cement for the slip fittings. Sealant for the threaded surfaces.
- One with just nipple
- One with the threaded adapters and PVC pipe cut to length (measure on your IBC tote)
- Thread the float valves into the bulkheads from inside the tote
- Install 2 elbows to the bulkhead and direct towards the future location of the 3-way valve
- Subassemble the 3-way valve with the 2 elbows on the sides (pointing up) and the straight fitting on the center port.
- Connect the straight port to your water supply hose reel
- Run ¾” tubing from the 3-way valve sides to the float valves
- Be sure to use hose clamps
- Test before installing the tote if installing in an enclosed trailer or van.
- Enjoy
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