How to Reduce Water and Chemical Usage in Car Wash Operations

Here are three simple changes to consider to ensure you are delivering the best quality wash using the least amount of water and chemicals. Your customers will appreciate your commitment to operating sustainably and you’ll enjoy improved operating profitability.

• Change #1: Replace nozzles at the first sign of wear; you may save tens of thousands of dollars
• Change #2: Right-size nozzles and reduce water use without compromising wash quality
• Change #3: Use high impact nozzles that can clean faster using less water

#1: REPLACE NOZZLES AT THE FIRST SIGN OF WEAR; YOU MAY SAVE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS

No nozzle will last forever. All nozzles will wear over time and spray above capacity. However, you won’t be able to tell by looking at them. Your nozzles could be spraying as much as 30% over capacity and you won’t see any visible changes in the spray patterns.

With worn nozzles, the flow rate increases and pressure decreases. Not only is water wasted, but pumps work harder and wash quality may be affected. It all adds up quickly.

Calculate how much worn nozzles could be costing in your operations

Learn how to detect nozzle wear

#2: RIGHT-SIZE NOZZLES AND REDUCE WATER USE WITHOUT COMPROMISING WASH QUALITY

The larger the nozzle, the higher the flow rate, but not necessarily the stronger the spray impact. By switching to smaller nozzles in the appropriate areas, you may be able to lower the flow rate without compromising the quality of the wash. Some users report water reductions of approximately 20%. You’ll save on water, chemicals and energy so, once again, the savings can add up quickly.

#3: USE HIGH IMPACT NOZZLES THAT CAN CLEAN FASTER AND USE LESS WATER

Explore options such as high-impact nozzles that clean faster while operating at the same or lower flows. Premium, high-pressure IMEG® WashJet® nozzles are engineered to provide up to 25% greater impact than standard MEG WashJet® nozzles at the same flow rate and system pressure. Though slightly more expensive than standard MEG nozzles, premium IMEG nozzles pay for themselves in enhanced cleaning efficiency and water savings. They also have a longer wear life due to the reduced system pressure and need to be replaced less frequently, leading to improved total cost of ownership.

Nozzle technology continues to evolve. If you haven’t evaluated the latest technology, you could be missing out on water savings and improved profitability.

If you want to learn more be sure to contact one of our spray experts.