A Complete Guide to Portable Hand Washing Sink Maintenance

Like any appliance or piece of equipment, portable hand washing sinks need regular maintenance. Next to proper use, maintenance is every equipment owner’s insurance policy against early—and in most cases, preventable—breakdowns.

In fast-paced and mobile settings, a damaged sink isn’t only costly to repair, but putting it out of service also impacts tasks that require regular hand washing and sanitation. Knowing how to maintain your portable sink can make all the difference in its longevity, your productivity, and even hand hygiene.

However, do you know how to maintain your portable sink and what that entails? In a nutshell, there are three main parts you need to focus on: the hoses, tanks, and the hand washing basin. These three parts need to be cleaned, inspected, and maintained regularly for optimal performance and safe use.

Learn how to maintain your portable sink in this quick guide:

Cleaning Supplies

Portable sinks need regular cleaning after every use along with frequent inspections and periodic maintenance to ensure their optimal function. To get the job done, you need the right sanitation supplies and tools.

Keep disinfectant, chlorine, bleach, pumping wands, towels, and brushes handy for regular cleaning before, throughout, and after service or operation hours. Use dedicated towels and brushes for each hand washing station, and disinfect them thoroughly after each use. This prevents cross-contamination, as well as debris build-up and toxic mould growth.

Sanitize the Hoses

Many portable sinks rely on different hoses to transport water to the tank and the hand washing basin. Make sure to dedicate hoses for these different functions, and cap the ends to prevent contamination and ensure safety. Clean each hose using 10% household bleach and water solution regularly to eliminate any build-up, and ensure a clean flow of water.

Sanitize the Hand Washing Basin

The basin is the core of a portable sink; it’s where hand washing occurs, catching soap suds and debris. When regular cleaning and maintenance are neglected, it becomes a hotbed for harmful bacteria, sediment build-up, and contamination.

Make it a habit to rinse the sink with every use, and clean thoroughly at the end of a shift or operating hours. For every gallon of water, use about 11 drops of household liquid chlorine bleach to neutralize bacteria. Aside from the basin, pay attention to the faucets and dispensers to ensure thorough sanitation and safe operation of the entire unit.

Empty the Wastewater Tank

In between the service rush and frequent washing, the wastewater tank can fill up quickly. Check the tank periodically to know when it is full, and when it’s time to drain wastewater. Once the compartment is empty, inspect the tank for any signs of mould, algae, or sediment build-up that may be lining the tanks. This is a good time to clean the tanks and remove any build-up before resuming operation of the portable sink.

Look for Signs of Damage

The fastest way to damage any piece of equipment is to operate it continuously without checking its condition periodically. To keep a portable sink functional, inspect it after every service, and keep an eye out for any sign of wear and tear.

Regular inspections allow you to detect the earliest signs of damage, such as cracks in tanks and hoses, as well as reduced flow of water. Early prevention and repair keeps debris from seeping in, eliminates the risk of contamination, and prevents an untimely breakdown.

Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Portable sinks should be cleaned and inspected after every service, but regular maintenance requires a schedule: daily cleaning, weekly inspection, and monthly preventative maintenance servicing. Here is what needs to be done to keep your portable sink in optimal condition:

Daily Cleaning

Remember the basics of cleaning a portable sink. Rinse and wipe down the sink basin, counter, and faucet using non-abrasive cleaners and a soft cloth, and dry all surfaces afterwards. Remove debris from any strainers to prevent build-up and maintain an optimal flow of water.

Empty and check the wastewater tank to prevent overflow and sediment build-up. Make sure that the freshwater tank is filled throughout the entire service to prevent the unit from running on an empty tank, which can damage the pump.

At the end of every service, turn off and unplug the portable sink. Leave the faucet in the open position to relieve water pressure and preserve the pump. Before resuming service, move the faucets to the closed position, then plug the unit back in.

Weekly Cleaning

Schedule weekly cleaning for the tanks, aerator, filter, tank connector, and cabinet. Clean both the fresh and wastewater tanks to remove debris build-up and bacteria, and prevent contamination. Remove the sink aerator—the part at the end of the faucet that adds air to reduce water flow—and filter to clean out debris build-up to restore optimal flow of water and prevent contamination.

Make it a habit to inspect the tank connectors weekly. Look for any cracks and wear and tear on the o-rings and tubing, and book a parts replacement right away to prevent further damage and disruptions to regular service. Clean the exterior of the cabinet to maintain its finish using a cleaner that’s safe for its material.

Monthly Maintenance

Are you noticing signs of wear and tear or reduced performance? Don’t wait until it’s too late or attempt a DIY repair—leave the monthly maintenance to the pros. Book a regular preventative maintenance service with your portable sink manufacturer or professional technician to ensure optimal function and longevity.

Your regular maintenance plan typically includes checking the electrical plug and connections to replace damaged cords and prevent fire hazards. As well, it’s important to clean the internal parts and pump system using a safe, toxic-free solution to ensure optimal hand washing and sanitation.

A professional technician can perform these maintenance services, troubleshoot the unit, and replace damaged or worn out parts to restore your portable sink to optimal function.

To learn more about portable sink maintenance, call Ancaster Food Equipment at (855) 888-9644, or contact us here to book your appointment.