Industrial Washroom Design in Saint-Raymond

 Managing and maintaining municipal vehicle fleets represents a constant logistical challenge for Quebec towns and municipalities. Between the rigors of winter weather, the accumulation of road salt, mud, and debris, preserving rolling equipment requires powerful and durable cleaning infrastructure. 

 With this in mind, the City of Saint-Raymond commissioned the team of experts at Multi PSI to design and fully install two specialized wash bays. This detailed article highlights the technical specifications, selected equipment, and engineering methodology used to complete this custom project. 

Table of contents

1. Context and Challenges of Saint-Raymond's Municipal Fleet
2. Comparative Analysis of the Two Bus Wash Bays
3. First Wash Bay: High-Pressure Power and 80-Foot Rail System
4. Second Wash Bay: Compact Solution with 20-Foot Rail System
5. Integration of a Centralized DrainVac Vacuum System
6. Benefits of a Custom Wash Bay Design for Municipalities
7. Optimizing Your Municipal Fleet Maintenance
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

    

Context and Challenges of Saint-Raymond's Municipal Fleet 

The City of Saint-Raymond needed to modernize its cleaning infrastructure to ensure regular maintenance for its fleet of buses and heavy vehicles. Quebec’s harsh climate subjects municipal equipment to heavy workloads, exposing vehicles to de-icing salt, abrasives, and extreme temperatures.

Prolonged buildup of dirt under the chassis and on the bodywork accelerates corrosion of mechanical components and structural frames. To guarantee passenger safety and maximize vehicle lifespan, the municipality sought a robust, user-friendly, and ergonomic solution for its operators.

Executing this mandate required a customized wash bay design capable of meeting two distinct operational needs: effectively treating large vehicles like articulated buses, while offering a secondary compact bay for quick washes or smaller fleet vehicles.

Comparative Analysis of the Two Bus Wash Bays 

To fulfill the city's operational requirements, Multi PSI designed two complementary spaces. The technical table below outlines the core components installed in each wash bay.

First Wash Bay: High-Pressure Power and 80-Foot Rail System

The centerpiece of this installation is the primary cleaning bay, specifically configured for heavy-duty vehicles. This wash bay design project incorporates an all-electric high-pressure washer running on industrial 575-volt power.

This system delivers a constant pressure of 2000 PSI paired with a massive flow rate of 8 gallons per minute. This combination is essential for rapidly loosening thick mud and calcium deposits without damaging the protective paint of municipal buses.

To heat the water to an optimal degreasing temperature, the system was paired with a 99 kW dual-coil electric water heater. Hot water dissolves grease, oil, and road grime in a fraction of the time required by cold water systems.

To maximize accessibility for maintenance personnel, the bay was outfitted with an 80-foot steel rail system along each side. This overhead guiding system allows operators to move hose lines effortlessly along the entire length of the vehicle.

A spring-retractable Hannay Reels hose reel equipped with 50 feet of high-pressure hose and a dual lance completes the station. Finally, two integrated soap mixers ensure precise chemical dilution and uniform detergent application.

Second Wash Bay: Compact Solution with 20-Foot Rail System 

The second wash bay provides an agile, quick-turnaround solution for daily touch-ups or smaller municipal vehicles. Even with a smaller footprint, the engineering standards applied to this wash bay design match those of the primary bay.

It relies on the same 575-volt electric high-pressure unit delivering 2000 PSI at 8 GPM. Maintaining identical pump specifications across both bays greatly simplifies spare parts management and preventive maintenance for the city.

Water heating is supplied by a 48 kW electric unit, sized to maintain suitable water temperatures during frequent washes. The work zone is framed by a 20-foot rail system mounted on both sides of the bay.

Operator ergonomics are reinforced with a second 50-foot Hannay Reels retractable reel featuring a dual lance. A dedicated soap mixer guarantees exact chemical dosing, preventing detergent waste while ensuring maximum cleaning power.

Integration of a Centralized DrainVac Vacuum System 

A comprehensive exterior wash for heavy vehicles should ideally be accompanied by interior and stepwell cleaning capabilities. For this reason, Multi PSI’s mandate included the installation of a commercial central vacuum system.

We selected an industrial DrainVac central vacuum unit. Renowned for its exceptional durability in commercial environments, this system allows for the simultaneous extraction of dust, solid debris, and residual liquids from bus floors.

Connected to a heavy-duty spring-driven reel (Vacreel), the vacuum hose deploys and retracts smoothly without dragging across wet shop floors. This setup eliminates tripping hazards for workers while protecting equipment from premature wear.

Thanks to this centralized setup, Saint-Raymond's maintenance staff enjoys a clean, safe, and efficient workspace after every cleaning cycle.

Benefits of a Custom Wash Bay Design for Municipalities 

Partnering with a specialist for your wash bay design provides tangible benefits that go far beyond purchasing off-the-shelf cleaning equipment. Custom engineering guarantees long-term operational cost-effectiveness.

• Reduced water and chemical consumption thanks to automated precision dosing.
• Decreased risk of workplace injuries by utilizing retractable reels and overhead rail systems.
• Increased fleet operational availability due to faster cleaning cycles.
• Maximum protection of municipal vehicle resale value through regular anti-corrosion maintenance.

By entrusting their projects to Multi PSI experts, local governments ensure their facilities comply with the highest environmental and technical standards in the industry.

Optimizing Your Municipal Fleet Maintenance 

The completion of the two wash bays for the City of Saint-Raymond demonstrates the importance of thorough planning when outfitting municipal facilities. From selecting 575-volt pressure washers to designing overhead rail systems, every component was selected for maximum durability and ease of use.

If you are looking to modernize your current wash bays or plan a new industrial building project, a personalized assessment is the first step toward a cost-effective, high-performing system.

Multi PSI’s team of experts is ready to design, install, and maintain your industrial cleaning equipment across Quebec. Contact our specialists today to discuss a tailored solution for your fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

What is the average cost of an industrial wash bay design project?

Pricing varies depending on water flow, pressure, heater capacity, and the length of rail systems required. A custom quote is provided following a complete evaluation of your facility.

Why use a 575-volt high-pressure washer in municipal facilities?

A 575-volt power supply provides superior energy efficiency and steady power output for continuous heavy-duty use. It is the industrial standard in Quebec for municipal buildings.

What is the difference between a 99 kW water heater and a 48 kW model?

A 99 kW water heater continuously heats larger volumes of water to high temperatures, making it ideal for frequent bus washing. The 48 kW model is suited for secondary or more compact wash bays.

Is it mandatory to install overhead rails for wash hoses?

Rails are not mandatory, but they significantly improve ergonomics. They keep hoses off the ground, preventing premature wear, damage, and workplace tripping hazards.

How does the DrainVac central vacuum system perform in wet environments?

DrainVac commercial central vacuums are specifically built to pull water, mud, and dry debris simultaneously without risking motor damage.

What maintenance does a rail-mounted high-pressure system require?

Preventive maintenance includes checking pump oil levels, inspecting spray nozzles, verifying rail alignment/fittings, and flushing water filters.

Can soap injectors be adjusted for different types of detergents?

Yes, the soap mixers installed by Multi PSI allow for precise ratio calibration depending on the viscosity of the soap or degreaser being used.

What rail length is recommended for a standard municipal bus?

For a standard or articulated municipal bus, a 60-foot to 80-foot rail system ensures complete vehicle coverage without placing strain on the hose line.

Are electrical components resistant to constant humidity in wash bays?

Enclosures and electrical components installed by our technicians meet strict waterproof standards for safe operation in humid environments. Whenever possible, we recommend installing the high-pressure unit in a separate mechanical room.

Does Multi PSI provide after-sales service and replacement parts?

Yes, Multi PSI offers complete installation, preventive maintenance programs, and spare parts supply for all commercial and industrial equipment.

Author: Multi PSI has been an expert in high-pressure washing equipment for over 25 years. As an equipment distributor, we also offer mobile and workshop repair services. We are recognized for our expertise in custom projects, including washing platforms and trailers, as well as the installation of washing systems with reels, poles, or rails.

Updated on August 7, 2026