Dumb Question ( no faucet in my garage)

4151 Views 27 Replies 18 Participants Last post by jackaustin, 15 d ago

lodogg89

Discussion Starter · Nov 12, 2006

I have a couple of questions about this, i dont have a faucet in my garage, how do i go about cleaning off my truck after a storm?? Im sure you going to say, go to the car wash, well just say its not an option, they're close here, i dont want my equipment to rust, is their anyway to install some sort of heater on the outside faucet, or something like that?? Anybody have a similar dilema.

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21 - 28 of 28 Posts

derekbroerse

· #21 · Nov 14, 2006

LLM Ann Arbor said:
10 dollars at the car wash that costs a dollar or a dollar fifty?

Youve got to be kidding me.

I can soap and rinse the truck and plow down with one cycle.

They are all 3 to 4 minutes for the dollar or buck and a half.

Say they are 3 minutes at 1.50.

It takes you 20 minutes to soap and rinse?

Must be a lot cheaper where you are. Our "local" coin-op car wash takes $2 to start and runs I think for about 2 mins on it. I prefer the foaming brush on the body as pressure washing alone does a crappy job, so I never get out of there for less than $6-8.

Note that I use the term 'local' rather loosely, as it is still over 10 mins away which really defeats the purpose of cleaning the truck since it is covered in salt crap all over again by the time it gets home.

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Mick

· #22 · Nov 14, 2006

Don't know if this will help anybody, but I just got back from the detailing shop as I wanted to start out right with my new truck (bought two weeks ago). Anyway, he says he'll give it a thorough wash (top and underneath) for $15. I told him to expect it weekly in the winter and within a day after any snowstorm that I'd be plowing. I'd say $15 is pretty cheap figuring the damage salt and calcium cloride from the roads does to the wheel wells, undercarriage, rubber and metal lines. The wash/rinse at the car wash is what I did with the last truck (one ton). I had lots of trouble with doors and lines rusted and salt in cracks I couldn't get to with the hose. To see how fast or cheap you can wash a truck is just asking for trouble.

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Jay brown

· #23 · Nov 15, 2006

bad thing about a close car wash is that you'll still pick up salt and grime on the way back to the shop even if it's only 5 or 6 blocks away.

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Snaaar

· #24 · Nov 15, 2006

Mick is on.

Sure you want to wash your truck and plow so they shine. The more time-consuming and important part is washing the undercarriage, nooks and crannies, and engine compartment (watch the electronics). I have a 90 degree piece that connects to my pressure washer's business end, so I can apply specialized detergent up under the truck. It takes forever to do the job right. I think its worth it. I don't like taking rust chips in the eye when I have to replace fuel and brake lines.

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MickiRig1

· #25 · Nov 15, 2006

I have a Craftsman 2500 PSI pressure washer. ( My best toy after the airless sprayer )
I buy the pump protector stuff in a can, you hook it up to the water hose connection on the washer and push the button. It protects the pump from freeze damage. I have 50 feet of garden hose on a reel, I screw the male and female ends together and put it in the basement. The washers hose is cleared of water and also put in the basement. Most times after a storm the sun comes out and I can wash off the vehicles. If it's really cold I cheat and take it to my ambulance station and wash it.

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B&B

· #26 · Nov 15, 2006

Petr51488 said:
I have a hot water faucet on the side of my house. Cold too. Would using hot water to wash down the atv cause the frame to crack? or do any damage to it? Being the atv is freezing and the hot water, is well, hot?

It wont hurt it one bit.

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nepmgmt

· #27 · Nov 15, 2006

we have a heated garage with both hot and cold water faucets were there when we moved in but they forgot the drain so haven't used it yet

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jackaustin

· #28 · 15 d ago

LLM Ann Arbor said:
Run a line from your hot water heater underground to the garage.

Wait till your wife gets in the shower or she wants to do a load of whites to wash your truck.

Seriously man.....the dollar self serve deals your best bet. This equipment get a lot more abuse and salt/corrosion damage etc etc that you can ever do washing it at a car wash, and anytime you wash it you're doing it a favor. Even if you use pee!

post construction cleaning 30a

If you don't have access to a faucet in your garage and the car wash is not an option, there are still a few alternatives you can consider for cleaning your truck after a storm:

Portable pressure washer: You can invest in a portable pressure washer that doesn't require a faucet connection. These typically come with a water tank that you can fill with water and use to spray and clean your vehicle. Look for models that are designed for mobile or off-grid use.
Waterless car wash products: There are waterless car wash products available on the market that allow you to clean your vehicle without the need for water. These products usually come in spray bottles and contain cleaning agents that can lift dirt and grime from the surface of your truck. You can spray the product onto the vehicle, gently wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, and achieve a clean finish without the need for water.
Bucket and sponge method: If you have access to water from another source, such as a nearby tap or a hose, you can fill a bucket with water and use a sponge or a wash mitt to manually clean your truck. While this method may not provide as thorough a clean as a pressure washer or a car wash, it can still help you remove dirt and debris from the surface.

Regarding installing a heater on the outside faucet, it's important to exercise caution and consult with a professional plumber or electrician to ensure proper installation and safety measures are taken. Heating elements designed for outdoor faucets exist, such as faucet covers with built-in heaters, but it's essential to ensure compatibility with your specific setup and follow all safety guidelines.
If you're facing a similar dilemma, it can be helpful to reach out to local community forums or social media groups to seek advice from people in your area who may have found alternative solutions for cleaning their vehicles during adverse weather conditions or when car washes are not available.

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