What you need to know before building a wash bay
When it comes to keeping your equipment clean, a properly designed wash bay is an investment that can pay dividends in efficiency and equipment longevity. But how do you ensure your wash bay meets the specific needs of your operation and compliance regulations? Hotsy has decades of experience helping businesses design optimal wash bay solutions and retrofitting current spaces effectively.
Here are some recommendations and considerations to keep in mind before designing a wash bay for your business to help you avoid costly mistakes.
What are the most common mistakes businesses make when designing a wash bay?
The biggest mistake we see is waiting too long to consult with wash equipment experts. Many businesses invest millions in a washing facility, complete the construction and then expect to “plug in” a washing system.
Critical oversights we frequently encounter include:
- Undersized bays that don’t account for the washing wand and operator
- Poor moisture management, which is especially important in colder climates
- Improperly positioned utilities
- Insufficient floor slope and drainage to handle wastewater
- Inadequate planning for wastewater handling and compliance with municipal regulations
Starting with your operation and team’s specific washing needs allows us to help you design a facility that will work well for years to come.
What size should a wash bay be?
If your primary focus is washing semitrucks, tractors or large machinery, your bay should be designed with their specific dimensions in mind.
If you’re washing vehicles using a pressure washer wand, you need additional clearance on each side to accommodate the length of the wand and the necessary movement for an operator to use it effectively. In general, you should plan for an extra 10 feet on either side of your largest piece of equipment.
How do you handle drainage and wastewater in a wash bay?
Floor design is one of the most critical and frequently overlooked aspects of wash bay construction. Key considerations include:
- Adequate slope: Ensuring water flows efficiently toward drains
- Drainage capacity: Sized appropriately for your washing volume
- Surface texture: Providing traction while facilitating cleaning
- Wastewater management: Incorporating regulation compliant oil/water separators and solids collection systems
- Durability: Using materials that withstand both water exposure and cleaning chemicals
Proper concrete formation with the right pitch and slope toward drains prevents standing water and sludge buildup, minimizing safety hazards and equipment damage over time.
How should equipment access and maintenance be factored into wash bay design?
Wash bay equipment placement is crucial for both operational efficiency and long-term maintenance. While wall-mounted hot water systems are common, they can create challenges when servicing is needed. Hotsy recommends placing equipment in an accessible area to simplify maintenance. If a wall-mounted pressure washing system is preferred, ensure proper support structures are in place to prevent future issues.
For ideal equipment placement, consider:
- Accessibility for regular maintenance
- Adequate space for service technicians
- Proper structural support for heavy components like hose reels
- Protection from moisture and temperature extremes
- Efficient routing of hoses and utilities
The earlier Hotsy is involved in the design process, the easier it is to incorporate these considerations. We can work with your architect during the planning phase to ensure specifications match the requirements of the equipment and meet the needs of your operation.
Should a wash bay have heating and ventilation?
Managing moisture is critical, especially in colder climates where freezing temperatures can make operations unsafe. A well-designed wash bay should include heating elements, such as overhead radiant heaters, floor heat or forced-air systems, to keep the space warm.
Ventilation is equally important to prevent excessive humidity buildup, which can lead to mold growth and equipment corrosion. Fans and proper airflow management help control moisture levels year-round.
What should businesses know about energy costs when operating a wash bay?
Many people focus on the initial equipment costs without considering long-term operational expenses. The equipment itself typically represents only about 5% of the total lifetime cost of operating a wash bay, with energy for heating water being a major ongoing expense.
Different heating options have dramatically different operational costs. Natural gas is typically the most economical, costing about one-fifth as much as diesel or fuel oil over the equipment’s lifetime. Sometimes, the up-front investment to bring natural gas to your facility pays for itself relatively quickly through operational savings. Propane can offer flexibility where natural gas isn’t available. Electric heating systems can have advantages in certain applications. Diesel/fuel oil typically has the highest operational cost.
We can help analyze what’s available at your location and calculate the long-term cost implications of each option.
Why invest in an on-site wash bay instead of using an outside cleaning service?
Some businesses consider outsourcing their equipment and vehicle washing, but over time, an in-house wash bay can be more economical and allow your team to meet the cleaning standards of your business.
Employees can clean equipment as needed without waiting for an external provider, improving turnaround times. As your employees circle the equipment, they can spot potential maintenance issues, like oil leaks — preventing costly repairs down the road and preserving your initial investment in expensive equipment through proper care.
Who benefits most from having a dedicated wash bay?
While many industries benefit from on-site wash bays, we find they’re particularly valuable for:
- Agricultural operations: Modern farm shops handling large equipment
- Livestock and commercial haulers: For regular truck washouts
- Fleet-based businesses: Companies maintaining numerous vehicles
- Equipment dealers and retailers: Maintaining showroom-quality appearance
- Transportation companies: Including rail and trucking operations
Any business that regularly cleans large equipment can achieve significant cost savings and operational benefits from a properly designed wash bay.
What makes Hotsy different when it comes to wash bay design?
At Hotsy, we take a holistic approach to wash bay design. Rather than simply selling equipment, we work to understand your specific cleaning needs, operational constraints and budget considerations. Our approach includes consultation, installation, training and ongoing support.
You’ll receive a free consultation to assess your requirements and an invitation to our demonstration wash bay. Our experts will show you all the options available and help you understand every element that influences the total investment. We can work with architects and contractors to account for proper space allocation, water supply, heating, drainage, standards of compliance and easy access for maintenance.
Our team takes accountability for the entire system’s performance, providing regular follow-ups through our customer service representatives and helping keep your business on a scheduled maintenance and consumable supply management program.
Whether you’re building from the ground up or upgrading an existing facility, we provide the expertise you need to make informed decisions.
How to start designing your wash bay
Building a wash bay requires careful planning and expert guidance. The best way to get started is to schedule a consultation with Hotsy. Visit our demonstration bay to see firsthand how the right equipment and design can transform your cleaning operations.
Our consultations are free, and we can help you determine the best layout, equipment and features for your needs. Our experts will walk you through the options available and help you understand what’s involved, from sizing and drainage to heating and equipment placement. Every detail impacts efficiency, cost and longevity.
By involving Hotsy early in the process, you can design a wash bay that meets your needs and maximizes your investment. Your equipment deserves the best care possible.
Ready to start designing your dream wash bay?
Contact us today to get started!
