Long time lurker got my first SS wash

[tcwash]

Greetings from the PNW! As the title reads, I’ve been around the site for over a year trying to learn what I can, and I’m thankful for all the knowledge everyone shares on this forum.
I had the opportunity to purchase a 5 bay SS wash a few weeks ago and I just closed on it. It was purchased at a foreclosure sale and hasn’t been used in about 4 years.
Previous owner put in a ton of $$ updating things like the pump station (coleman hana power pack), in-bay equipment w card/cash/coin, a new air compressor, and 4 new vacs to name a few things.
Our area gets months of freezing weather and I’m going to have to replace a few valves and meters that froze and split.

My question is: which other components should I look into after being dormant for such a long period of time?

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[washnshine]

Greetings from the PNW! As the title reads, I’ve been around the site for over a year trying to learn what I can, and I’m thankful for all the knowledge everyone shares on this forum.
I had the opportunity to purchase a 5 bay SS wash a few weeks ago and I just closed on it. It was purchased at a foreclosure sale and hasn’t been used in about 4 years.
Previous owner put in a ton of $$ updating things like the pump station (coleman hana power pack), in-bay equipment w card/cash/coin, a new air compressor, and 4 new vacs to name a few things.
Our area gets months of freezing weather and I’m going to have to replace a few valves and meters that froze and split.

My question is: which other components should I look into after being dormant for such a long period of time?

Thanks for any feedback!

Congratulations and welcome! You’ll want to check every pump in the place. With a freeze, any lines, connections or fittings can potentially be broken and will leak. Not sure if there were moisture problems during the dormancy, but that can cause corrosion issues with electrical panels, so give them a good inspection as well.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[Greg Pack]

Once you get water and power on you'll be able to see. Upload some pictures of the wash and you'll get some gret input.

Member Randy here is in the Seattle area and might be able to point you to some good distributors in the area.

 

[tcwash]

Thanks for the replies! I’ll take some “before” photos later this week and give everyone a better idea of the state it’s in.

 

[Blanco]

My first wash I purchased was just like that. A foreclosure from a bank that was not winterized. Your going to replace everything that you can visible see is broken/cracked. Then turn all the ball valves off. Turn the water on and go ball valve by ball valve. Mine I had the replace the meter, some pipes that split, and all the check valves in the attic. Hopefully your pumps didn't freeze up. Good Luck!

 

[tcwash]

My first wash I purchased was just like that. A foreclosure from a bank that was not winterized. Your going to replace everything that you can visible see is broken/cracked. Then turn all the ball valves off. Turn the water on and go ball valve by ball valve. Mine I had the replace the meter, some pipes that split, and all the check valves in the attic. Hopefully your pumps didn't freeze up. Good Luck!

That’s a good way to go about it! I’ve found most of the obvious fixes and should have them repaired soon but wasn’t sure what to do when water is turned back on. Was worried I’d be chasing leaks left and right but your suggestion helps calm my anxiety. How’d your car wash turn out? How many bays? Any major issues other than the mechanics? Any municipal liens?

 

[Blanco]

Turned out great. 5 bays and 1 automatic. My busiest location I own and bought it the cheapest since it was from bank. Nope no major issues.