Experienced car wash operators know: your vacuum system is critical. It might be a small part of your wash, but it’s a big part of customer experience.
The vacuum is often the only place in the wash where users experience hands-on contact with your equipment. That tactile and sensory engagement with your service makes it all the more memorable if it works or doesn’t. Also remember, in today’s world, everyone has a smartphone. If your car wash’s vacuum pressure fails while customers are using it, people can take pictures of the dirt or debris left behind, and post it in online reviews.
If you provide an exceptional vacuuming experience to top off a fantastic wash, your customers will appreciate it, notice it, and give you the word-of-mouth reputation you want.
The Importance of Vacuum Pressure for Car Washes
Let’s look at components of the car wash vacuum experience.
• Vacuum pressure, the key to vacuum power or suction
• Ease of use – does the hose reach where it should and swivel properly (if on an arch)
• Vacuum tool (nozzle) present and not broken or lost
• No annoying whistle from system leaks
Obviously, all of the above are a factor, but maintaining optimal vacuum pressure is far and away the most critical. Too little suction prevents the vacuum from effectively removing dirt, so your customers must repeatedly vacuum the same area as debris particles fail to go up the hose. Their frustration builds as they waste their time.
Vacuum air pressure is measured in WC. WC stands for inches of water column, a unit of measurement for static pressure. It’s used in North America to measure pressure drop and is a key metric for determining how much resistance air must overcome to reach a specific area. (There will not be a quiz on this.)
Higher pressure can translate to greater airflow through your vacuum hose, measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Pressure is required to generate airflow. The flow of air that moves through the hose is what picks up and moves dirt through your vacuum system and into the collection bag. If the CFM is too low, you don’t get enough suction, and the dirt doesn’t move.
The best vacuum technology uses a low horsepower motor combined with a vacuum that produces high CFM. This way, you save energy while customers get the suction they need to enjoy a perfect vacuum experience.
Common Reasons Why Vacuum Pressure Can Fail in a Car Wash
Understanding common reasons why car wash vacuum pressure can fail will help you avoid loyalty-destroying pressure failures and quickly troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
You can usually quickly diagnose and repair most car wash vacuum pressure problems. More extensive failures may require replacement parts or even entire replacement pumps. NCS maintains a complete inventory of car wash supplies, including Vacutech system components and parts that allow you to get back up and running fast.
Here are the five most common reasons vacuum pressure can fail in a car wash.
Blocked Vacuum Hose
If your vacuum loses suction or has reduced suction power, it usually means that something in the hose is obstructing the airflow. You may hear the vacuum making a loud or unusual noise that indicates the motor is working harder to create suction.
Common causes of a blocked vacuum hose are large pieces of debris stuck in the hose, or dust and dirt attached to the inside creating buildup. This can be caused by not cleaning or replacing the filter or the bag regularly. To unclog a vacuum hose, check both ends for any visible blockages. If you can’t reach the clog, you can clear it out by using an arch cleaning kit such as the Vacutech Arch Cleaning Kit.
Damaged Vacuum Pump
To diagnose a damaged vacuum pump:
- Inspect the vacuum pump for oil leaks, cracks, corrosion or other visible damage
- Listen for unusual noises from the pump, like squealing, grinding, rattling or clicking
- Check the vacuum gauge for low or erratic readings
Find a new vacuum pump from a reputable manufacturer if it presents any of the above problems or shows other signs of severe damage.
Low Fluid Level in the Vacuum Pump
A low fluid level in your car wash vacuum pump can cause damage and reduce performance. To check the fluid level, find the sight glass on the side of the pump. Compare the fluid level with the recommended level marked on the glass.
If the fluid level is low, add the correct oil or fluid until it reaches the desired level. Check for signs of leakage, like oil stains, drips or puddles. Do not overfill the pump because overfilling can cause leaks and overheating.
Air Leak in the Vacuum System
Car wash vacuum system air leaks can cause low suction power and increase noise levels and energy consumption. You can use a soap solution or a leak detector spray to detect an air leak. Apply it to the joints and connections of the vacuum hoses, pipes, and fittings. If bubbles form, there is a leak.
To fix air leaks, you may be able to use a sealant or tape for a temporary fix until you can get replacement parts. (Note: this is not a permanent or semi-permanent solution, despite some atrocious “field fixes” we’ve seen.) Turn the system off before tightening connections or replacing damaged hoses, pipes or fittings. Leaks could be prevented by using premium hoses, or by switching out legacy connectors for the ones found in the Vacutech Power Kit.
Faulty Vacuum Switch
A faulty vacuum switch can cause reduced suction power or result in the vacuum pump and motor overheating. Take these steps to diagnose and repair switches:
- Check the vacuum pressure gauge and compare it with the manufacturer’s specifications
- Inspect the vacuum switch for wear, corrosion, or damage
- Test the switch with a multimeter to measure resistance and continuity
Replace the vacuum switch if it is defective or malfunctioning, then adjust the pressure settings according to manufacturer instructions.
How To Check the Vacuum Pressure in Your Car Wash
Checking the vacuum pressure in your car wash helps maintain optimal suction performance and avoid customer frustration. You’ll be able to detect and fix any vacuum leaks, clogged hoses or dirty filter bags that may cause suction loss which can help you avoid unexpected shutdowns or revenue loss due to faulty vacuum motors or equipment.
Follow these steps to ensure an efficient and reliable operation that attracts repeat customers:
Locate the Vacuum Pump
Tracing the vacuum hose can lead you to the vacuum pump. It should be in a metal box or cabinet near the vacuum arches, the vacuum islands, or in a separate room or building.
The vacuum pump is usually a cylindrical device with a fan-like rotor inside. It may have pipes or hoses connected to it that carry air and water. It should have a label or a sticker on it with the model number and specifications.
Many vacuum pumps have a pressure gauge built into them. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to follow these steps to check vacuum pressure.
Disconnect the Vacuum Hose From the Vacuum Nozzle
For safety, turn off the power to the vacuum pump and unplug it from the electrical outlet before starting. The vacuum hose that connects the vacuum pump to the vacuum nozzle is usually a thick hose with metal clamps or connectors on both ends.
Loosen the clamp that secures the vacuum hose to the nozzle using a screwdriver or a wrench, being careful not to damage the hose. Pull the vacuum hose away from the vacuum nozzle and detach it completely. You may need to twist or wiggle the hose slightly to remove it.
Attach a Vacuum Gauge to the End of the Hose
Attach the vacuum gauge to the vacuum hose, being careful to ensure there are no air leaks.
Turn on the Vacuum Pump
Plug the vacuum pump back into the electrical supply and turn on the pump.
Check for Desired Vacuum Pressure
Your gauge should show you the vacuum measurements recommended by leading car wash industry sources.
For your customers to have the best vacuuming experience, your system should be able to produce at least 100 WC in suction power to dislodge dirt and an airflow of 100 CFM to move particles through the vacuum hose.
Verify Power With the Vacuum Performance Meter
The fastest and easiest way to test vacuum power directly at the nozzle is the Vacutech Vacuum Performance Meter. This patent-pending tool is designed for frequent pressure checks as part of a consistent vacuum maintenance program. It’s also designed for any staff member to use.
Featuring a user-friendly, color-coded gauge – green, yellow, and red – the meter visually communicates the vacuum’s airflow condition in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A green indicator means everything is functioning well, yellow suggests it’s time to keep an eye on performance, and red warns of potential problems.
By catching issues early, such as blockages or damaged filter bags, this intuitive tool helps prevent operational interruptions, thereby preserving efficiency and improving overall customer satisfaction.
Pro Tips for Maintaining Optimal Vacuum Pressure
The type of vacuum system that’s best for you may depend on your location, which will influence vacuum maintenance. Humidity and elevation both affect vacuum pressure and performance.
Dedicated systems with an individual vacuum pump for each vacuuming station produce the most reliable, consistent vacuum pressure because they have only one relatively short hose connected to them. The user can utilize all of the vacuum power. They are also suitable for small operations.
Large central vacuums can work well if there are not too many users accessing the system simultaneously. During peak periods when many customers use vacuum systems with shared vacuum pumps, pressure and airflow can decrease because multiple hoses compete for power. The longer hoses used with centralized vacuum pumps can also affect vacuum pressure.
Inspect the Vacuum Hoses and Connections Regularly for Signs of Wear and Tear
Unfortunately, customers sometimes pull hoses around roughly and jerk on connections. Unsightly, badly worn hoses or damaged connections reflect on your brand image. Those same issues are also a significant source of air leaks that reduce vacuum pressure and cause poor customer experiences.
Regular inspection of vacuum hoses and connections will help you spot worn equipment, a potential source of a poor customer experience.
Keep the Vacuum Areas Clean and Free of Debris
Dirty or debris-littered vacuum stalls could lead to accidental clogs, such sap vacuum power. Nobody wants to pull their vehicle into someone else’s mess, either. Training your staff to regularly inspect and clean vacuum areas can also help avoid brand image issues.
Operate the Car Wash Within the Recommended Vacuum Pressure Range
Optimum vacuum pressure also saves energy consumption, as maintaining the recommended pressure helps to avoid wasting more energy than the vacuum requires. Correct pressure levels reduce maintenance costs and minimize wear and tear to preserve the quality and functionality of your equipment. Problems are caused by too little pressure, and also about too much.
Get The World’s Most Powerful Vacuum Solutions
Vacutech, an NCS company, has been pioneering car wash vacuum innovations for decades. Today, it leverages the most recent innovative technology to bring custom applications to your car wash. Among these is the field-serviceable, highly efficient and longer lasting T-Force Vacuum System, a true game-changer for car washes.
When you need vacuum equipment, repair or advice, contact us and we’ll get you in touch with the right Vacutech professional. VaccuTech’s efficient vacuum application systems deliver unmatched power and save energy while delivering an exceptional customer experience. Check out the world’s most powerful vacuums now.
