One of the most common questions people ask after receiving their portable sink is how they are supposed to care for it. These devices have tanks, pumps, complex tubing, and sometimes even a heater.
So, in addition to keeping the devices clean and sanitized, it is important to make sure the device is properly maintained to ensure it runs well and all of its users can receive clean and safe water.
So, let’s look at how you can maintain your portable hand washing sink.
General Maintenance Tips
Before we go into ways you can clean and maintain your portable sink, let’s discuss some general tips for caring for it.
- Avoid Hard Water: Excessively hard water and mineral content can cause scale buildup with the faucet and heater (if present) and can cause the sink to become inoperable. If the region you are using the sink in has hard water, it may be necessary to use filtered water.
- Avoid Freezing Temperatures: To avoid causing damage, it is important to avoid subjecting your portable sink to freezing temperatures.
Daily Cleaning and Maintenance
It is important to perform some daily maintenance to ensure that your portable hand washing sink remains clean and functional. Here is how.
- Clean the Basin, Faucet, and Surrounding Area.
Wipe down these surfaces daily using a soft rag and a non-abrasive cleaning chemical. Afterward, dry all surfaces. Remember to check the allowed cleaning chemicals for your sink before using bleach, as this can cause damage to components in some models.
- Regularly Check Fresh and Wastewater Tanks.
It is extremely important to regularly check the wastewater tank and drain it before it becomes full to prevent overflowing. It is also important to prevent the fresh water tank from becoming completely dry during operation.
- Clean the Strainer
If the sink has a strainer present, always remove debris at the end of the day. By keeping the drain clean, you can prevent buildup that could reduce the flow of water.
- Wipe Down Cabinet
Wipe down the sink’s cabinet and ensure it is dry. This is particularly important for water-resistant models. In this case, it is meant to resist damage but not to remain wet permanently.
Weekly Maintenance
Weekly maintenance requires a little more in-depth work to ensure a portable hand washing sink remains clean and working at its very best. Here is how to do it.
- Clean Both Tanks
Every portable hand washing tank comes with two distinct tanks. One tank is filled with clean water for handwashing, and one will fill with used wastewater. Both tanks must be thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis.
Depending on the handwashing sink you are using, the appropriate cleaning chemicals will vary. There are some specialty cleaners, but in some models, this may be as simple as a 1:10 ratio of bleach to the water.
- Inspect Hose Connections
When you are taking out tanks for cleaning, inspect the hose connections for signs of wear, cracks, and damage. This applies to the tubing as well. By regularly examining these parts, you can catch issues early before they cause serious damage.
- Clean The Sink’s Aerator
The sink aerator is the part of the faucet that mixes in the air to reduce water use. Often times it is forgotten during regular cleaning. Try to wipe down the outside daily and remove and clean the inside weekly to prevent debris buildup.
Monthly Maintenance
There are not as many maintenance items required for monthly maintenance. However, they can be critical for the safety of your system, and they should not be neglected. So, let’s take a look at them.
- Clean the Pump System
The exact procedure for this depends on your portable hand washing sink’s manufacturer; however, all require regular cleaning. The chemicals for cleaning vary as well, and sometimes it is a 10% bleach solution the same as you used to clean the tanks. However, this varies, and it is important to contact the manufacturer before assuming.
- Examine Electrical Connectors
It is important to examine your electrical plug and cable every month to ensure there are no signs of damage. Ensure that the wires are not worn or frayed, and the plugs are neither bent nor broken. If there are any signs of damage, then have the plug replaced immediately.
Final Thoughts
Proper maintenance of your portable hand washing sink confuses many operators. However, a good maintenance routine is critical to the life and smooth operation of your machine. By performing regular maintenance, your portable sink will last longer, and its users will definitely notice the difference.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions on how to maintain your portable handwashing sink or to rent a unit, call Flush Services at (978) 778-8000 or connect with us on Facebook.
