Can anyone explain the 'bucket' method of cleaning the boom?

I've heard of using a pail of water or even a plastic garbage can full.   Anybody do it?

I do it everyday, as a matter a fact ive done it since i learned it over 12 years ago works great.  What size boom do you run and is it scwing or putz or rock valve or s-tube i should say?

I know a joke about the bucket thing.

42 meter s-tube valve. 5 section z if that makes any difference.

Once you've finished your pour pump your hopper down and blow as much out of the boom as you can ( also always make sure your boom is straight up and down, ive tryed this in z but it don't do so good) especially with the newer putz's due to the fact that the rubber around the hopper is alot lower because of the lid, and once you pull that water back your gonna want as much room in the hopper as you can get.

I use a 50 gallon barrell cut in half and filled to the top, as soon as i get to the job i always put it out and have the mixer driver fill it during the pour that way when im done theres no waiting.  Once you've blown the boom clear, go full voume full throttle in reverse till for 6-8 strokes, then stick the tip hose in the bucket and let the pump pull as much water as it will take and when you can tell its not taking any more then pull it out and let it take a gulp of air (at this time you'll be able to hear a slig shot affect of rock and water ggoing rite over the top and down thru the deck pipe and in to the hopper) after you let the pump gulp the air wait a few seconds and you'll see a lil water fall out of the hose at this time shove it back in the bucket and repeat till water is gone, quick and easy. 

Obviously this method working good is all depending on how air tight your system is i.e. boom gaskets, cutting ring ect.  For all you schwing guys out there that try this, it has been my experiance that a rock valve makes for a lil slower process but still works well when done right.  Give it a try.

I've heard of some guys just using a 5 gallon pail, with their ball in it, and letting the water get sucked up, followed by the ball, maybe they don't have the volume turned up as high and once the ball goes in to create a 'perfect seal' then away it goes. Anybody comment on this? (not bigstick, he'll be thinking impure thoughts)

The only method I know is called the BUG EYED BUCKET METHOD. wonder if Bigstick know this one.

PJ i suck a 3/4 bucket everyday but i also use a sponge as well cleans the pipes very well. If you try to use the bucket method CAUTION what has not been mentioned is buildup some are very good in there method but some are not. Small lares of CC will build up 1,2,3 ? 4 layers that can come loose and stack up in your pipe plugging you up. I pump as much CC out as possible with the largest hose i can minimizing restriction, once confident i got all i can i take 1.2 strokes in reverse relieving possible air before i suck the water. Submerge the hose in the barrel while pumping in reverse full volume suck the entirety of the water you may need to lift the hose out then re-submerge it if you have stiffer mud. After most of the water is gone rase the hose letting the water rush to the hopper listen for sound of rushing water check your hopper. You have successfully sucked a bucket at that point. I would highly recommend using a sponge at the end sucking it back as slow as you can so you don't blast past CC in elbows. At any given time I can open my deck up and it always shines CC free! I hope this helps?

Thanks, yes it does help. I've envisioned the process, but never attempted it. As was stated in the water wash topic, a 'dry run' at the yard would be in order. Perhaps after an early finish job after a good 'sponge bath', while the grout in the gaskets still seals well. Set 'er up and run a pail or 2 back, then maybe try a barrel or half barrel of water, or a plastic garbage container, whatever you have around.

PJ  secret is very write when he says caution, the method does work quite well when done properly but as with anything when not done properly it does leave build-up.  I as well always suck a sponge if there is any uncertinty that theres material still left in the system.  You'll figure it out.

The chances of going wrong can't be much worse than a water wash gone wrong, except maybe there would be more cementitious left in the residue and therefore the consequences of build up a little more dire. A bucket and immediately a sponge would seem to be the ticket. I may give it a go back in the yard after a pour.

what about a 5 section 52m? it's impossible to have it a framed so having the bucket next to the outrigger doesn't work very well, if at all. does anyone know the best configuration for this boom?

With the 41M 5 section I used to lay the 5th flat behind the truck, with the tip towards the hopper so I easily could put water in between the balls.
If you use just one ball, fill the 5th with the amount of water you want to use put it reverse and stuff a ball in.
Why anyone would want to waterwash or use just one ball I don't understand...

in my 63mtr ill suck half a bucket of water to wet the line and clean my whip then i drop it off and suck a sponge back.all this is done A fram,as a framed as you can get a 5 sec.work's like a charm every time.i can use the some sponge for 2mounth or moor.

That sounds interesting for sure i am using the same sponge for the last 15 months now just doing it the old fashioned way wet up the crete and pump it out hard and suck her back slow works every time nice clean pipes.