I have been operating a pump for about 4 months now and could use some input from some more experienced people in regards to effectively cleaning out after the job is over.

I currently operate an '07 36m Putzmeister which when it comes to cleaning out I don't feel is what it should be. To start all I have ever been shown is to suck a sponge back through (dry with a light mist of water on it). Now I have read and given some answers on the water wash topic but to be honest I just want my pipes clean whether it be sponge, water, or whatever.

I have heard about having the boom A-framed when doing this, but I was shown to have the boom in a M-pattern ( with it being a Z-boom and all ) but that didn't even work the first time I was shown. The guy showing me had to stand the boom straight up in the air in order to even get the ball to move and it has been that way ever since.

My routine is as follows:

1. I pump the hopper down to almost nothing with usually having both barrels showing except for the concrete sitting on top of my S-tube.

2. I remove my trap and reducer and insert the ball in the end of my boom hose.

3. I put the pump in reverse usually at 2 with the engine turning about 1200 for 2 strokes and turn it off while I stand the boom straight up. Once the boom is straight up it takes about 7 shots before the ball even starts to move.

4. I tap my supply line on the top until I hear the ping, give it 1 more stroke and count to 6 and my ball is sitting right  at the back door. I then proceed to clean out my attachments and clamps and fold up to find a good place to clean out where my mess won't be in the way or a problem.

I would really appreciate some input on this because I am new and I don't really have anyone close to ask for advice or to even show me. I have had to change a few things around and have even dared to try new things to see what works or doesn't and had to accept the triumphs or consequences. So any advice or tips would be great and I'm sure I will have many more questions in the near future. 

I always use the sponge, hasnt failed me yet. Sounds to me like you already have a good routine going, keep it up.

It does sounds like you have a good routine. As art said soak your sponge! I keep a couple in a bucket of water in front of the water tank. I use antifreeze in winter. On another sponge note. It must be cleaned real good after every use. If some build up gets hardened on the sponge it will roll by concrete in the 90's on the boom. Eventually causing a "CLOG" during a prime.

Good Luck!

Wet the sponge, squeeze water into it.

just wandering why more of yall dont use go-devils,I used to pull sponges and did well with them but once I started using the go devil I have never had a reason to go back,they clean the pipeline very well and you dont have to worry about the speed of the return,I wouldn't recommend using one unless you start with a new or very clean pipeline any buildup will cause it to hang up,which I always liked because it let me know I had 90s about to wear out,with the sponges I find you can make expensive mistakes in a rookie operator pulling it back to fast and if they hang up once they start moving again they usually will leave concrete somewhere in the boom,I know they will work I'm just asking if its the price for the go devil or just personal preference?

Thanks for all the replies and ideas. I will try to incorporate them if I can to see what works best for me. I was told to use a dry sponge because it keeps the uniform shape better than a wet one but, with not cleaning out the ball completely and allowing some cream to stay in the core will achieve the same outcome and with the water ahead of the ball then a good washing is pretty well a sure thing. Thanks again.

I agree with Pudg, i have been using a go devil for the past 9 years, and have never had a problem. There are know special tricks, plastic bags, 5 gallon buckets of water, soaking sponge, just put the go devil in the end and suck it back. The nice thing about the go devil is that it is so tight you don't have to worry about sucking air by it or rolling through the 90s. So tight you have to beat it in with a hammer.

If you soak a sponge in some primmer it will really come back nicely. And just think your pipes are primed for next time.

With your next job try using a little dawn dish soap on your wet sponge.The suds will help seal any worn gaskets.remember to pull your sponge back SLOWLY with boom straight-up. no need for tapping on pipes to insure your sponge is back, once you can smell the soap in hopper I guarantee your clean without cutting your sponge up with extra strokes. Operators who use dual pipe find it very effective also because it really does no good to tap on pipe. you can't hear if the mud has passed thru 6-5 reducer

I run a 05 38Z

I take off the reducer and jib hose, put the wet sponge ball into the 90, then suck back.

You could also: get 6 plastic bags (small to medium), and 2 sponge balls, put 3 bags inside each other, then the last 3 bags, inside each other, which will give you 2 multi layer bags. Put 1 sponge ball in both multi layer bags. Tie the 2 multi layer bag ends together tightly in a knot, cut off the ears, wrap the knot with duct tape, insert, suck balls back, and there you go.....clean boom pipes.