Water is the main issue
Car washes use and discharge a lot of water, and winter makes it harder. Floor drains, sumps, oil and sand interceptors, water supply, and reclaim systems all need to be sized for the equipment. Discharge to municipal sewers is regulated, and treatment may be required, so we raise it early with the municipality.
Heat matters just as much. Bays must stay above freezing, and wet vehicles bring snow and ice inside. Radiant or unit heating, door seals and drainage details prevent ice buildups that would otherwise make floors dangerous and damage equipment.
Mechanical and electrical scope
Our mechanical crew installs plumbing, water heaters, ventilation and heating, along with drain lines and interceptors. Car wash equipment suppliers provide the washing machinery, and we prepare the building and services to meet their requirements. Our electrical crew, led by a Master Electrician, installs the power and controls for pumps, blowers, conveyors, lighting and vacuum systems, with waterproof and corrosion-resistant methods where needed.
Our interior crew builds the office, equipment room and customer areas with moisture-resistant finishes. Low voltage covers payment systems, cameras, intercoms and signage.
- Floor drains, sumps and interceptors
- Heating and ventilation for wet bays
- Pump rooms and equipment electrical
- Vacuum bays, canopies and lighting
What to plan for
Think about stacking space for queues. A tunnel wash with a long line needs room so that cars do not back onto the street. The site plan, entrance and exit all need municipal approval.
Corrosion is a long-term concern. Salt, chemicals and moisture attack steel, wiring and finishes, so material selection pays off. Renovations, such as adding a tunnel, upgrading equipment, or rebuilding the equipment room, are usually done in short shut-down windows, which we plan with you.
Operating through winter
A car wash in Alberta must keep working through the coldest months. Good insulation, reliable heating, freeze protection on water lines and door seals keep it running. Ask us about the heating cost of the design you choose, since it can be a large operating expense.
We can also set up building maintenance for routine checks of drains, heaters and electrical equipment.