Downtime is a costly problem for any business, and car washes are no exception. When customers can’t access soap or when wastewater systems fail, it can lead to expensive losses. Regular customers and first-time visitors may also be deterred. When even 30 minutes of downtime can cost you time and money, protecting your business by choosing the right pressure washer valves and hardware the first time is vital.
While they can be easy to overlook, valves play a significant role in how well car wash stations perform and how much downtime a business may face for repairs or replacement. Learn more about the hidden costs of common valve failures and how choosing the right products – from the right manufacturer – can make all the difference.
The Hidden Cost of Valve Failures in Car Wash Systems
Unreliable valve components can cause costly failures. Expenses can start immediately when a pressure valve on a pressure washer fails, and every minute of downtime translates to potential customers driving past your business to the car wash down the road. Troubleshooting, repairing and replacing broken valves come with material and labor costs. Those expenses increase even more if you hire emergency contractors who can service your business right away, especially on weekends.
One of the biggest costs is reputational damage. Dissatisfied customers may leave one-star reviews, spread negative word of mouth or choose not to return to your car wash, creating expensive ramifications even after repairs are complete.
Common Car Wash Valve Failures and What Causes Them
Low-quality valves and incompatible materials can create a range of problems that affect customer satisfaction and overall performance, including complete failure. Common causes of valve failure include:
- Chemical Corrosion
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- Degreasing agents, detergents, soaps and waxes need to be available at every car wash station. However, these cleaning chemicals can degrade valve seals or cause clogs, especially in concentrated industrial doses. Over time, corrosion can lead to leaks, poor sealing and eventual valve failure.
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- Pressure Fluctuations
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- Dynamic pressure levels from switching between settings can overstress valves. When valves aren’t built to handle dynamic pressure, changes in flow can strain internal components, leading to leaks, inconsistent spray pressure and patterns and complete breakdowns.
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- Sediment and Debris Buildup
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- Heavily mineralized or recycled water carries sediment that can accumulate inside valves. This buildup can create clogs, cause valves to stick open or closed and make nozzles and controls perform poorly, leading to service issues and customer frustration.
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- Seal and O-ring Degradation
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- Along with the valves themselves, the seals that prevent drips and leaks can fail. Corrosive chemicals, pressure strain and wear can create failure points in seals, even when the valves themselves remain structurally sound.
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Preventative Strategies: How to Reduce Valve-Related Failures
Preventing valve-related performance problems from the start can keep your car wash functional, profitable and reputable among new and returning customers. Follow these steps to minimize the risk of valve issues:
- Choose the Right Car Wash Valves for Each Application
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- Different nozzles and controls require different valves. Select valve products based on chemical compatibility, fluid temperature and the type of stress they need to handle.
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- Consider Custom Solutions
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- OEMs and specialty car wash equipment providers can benefit from custom valve solutions tailored to specific chemicals, doses and system designs. Look for manufacturers with experience working with different material requirements or assisting with design.
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- Partner with a Valve Manufacturer you Can Trust
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- Choose a supplier who can quickly provide well-designed, precision-manufactured valves on your schedule. The right partner can also offer guidance on proper valve handling and troubleshooting to help maximize performance and extend product life.
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Contact Us: Your Trusted Car Wash Valve Supplier
Car washes benefit from specialty valves and valve seals. Specialty Valve, a division of The Specialty Mfg. Co., manufactures a wide range of pressure washer ball valves, pressure washer check valves, metering valves and pressure valves that can handle all the functions customers expect at modern car washes. Proactively selecting components from our inventory or securing custom-made valve solutions can protect your business by reducing the risk and expense of downtime from valve failures.
The Specialty Mfg. Co. has been serving customers for more than 125 years, and we provide end-to-end manufacturing for OEMs and more at our U.S. facilities. Contact us today to work with our designers to create custom valves based on chemical, space and dosing requirements, or use our online configurator to get started.
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