Edmonton Fall 2021

Thinking about power washing your deck, or roof in the coming
weeks? With water – freshwater – being a concern these days, it
would be prudent to consider the following facts prior to engaging
in power washing around your home.
Firstly, consider whether there is an alternative method to reduce
the amount of water that is ultimately used. Can you use absorbent
materials to wipe up any oil? Does the area require a good
sweep or vacuuming to remove debris prior to the wash?
Thought needs to go into the cleaning solutions you intend to
use. Are they environmentally friendly? Caustic chemicals corrode
surfaces they settle on, as well as being harmful to the environment.
Location is also important. Are you power washing close to
storm drains, or on a slope where runoff is going to land up in the
storm drains?
Water that flows down into storm drains is not treated and poses
potential hazards particularly if it runs off rooftops, or down
driveways where antifreeze or oil leaks, paint chips, roof particles
and so on, go unchecked into the lakes, streams and ultimately
oceans. Storm drains must be protected from this runoff.
What about water seepage into the soil?
Depending upon what you are cleaning, the following instructions
are recommended:
Do a dry clean-up before washing down. If possible, wash without
soaps. Contaminated water must be kept out of the storm drains
and if caustic, must be neutralized before being discharged to the
sanitary sewer. Dispose of dry waste into the garbage if non-toxic.
If materials have been used to soak up paints, solvents, cleaning
fluids and so on, they should be directed to a hazardous waste facility.
Wash water and solid residues with lead-based paints must
be contained and tested as a hazardous material and disposed of
at a licensed treatment facility. Keep the usage of freshwater to a
minimum.
It is vital to place conscious thought as to the best and proactive
techniques to engage upon when power washing. Water is a finite
commodity that is precious and valuable. When you implement
practical, thoughtful steps to achieve the desired cleanup you
are looking for, you are protecting and improving water quality;
saving money on disposal costs, and saving the environment and
water systems from toxic run-offs.
Just as you would be proactive in ensuring the health of your
family, realize that the health of the environment is interconnected,
and just as important. The same measure of implementation
and concern is necessary for both – one is not mutually exclusive
to the other.
CHECK OUT THESE EDITORIALS,
AND PLENTY MORE ONLINE.
VISIT REALHOMEADVICE.CA TO
GET EXPERT ADVICE, AND TO
VIEW OUR FEATURED EXPERTS!
REALHOMEADVICE
29