A mobile valet does not need your water or your electricity because everything travels with us. The van carries a supply of clean water and its own power source, which run the pressure washer, vacuum and steam cleaner. You do not need an outside tap, a socket, an extension lead through a window, or a hose. That is why we can valet a car on a terraced street, in a flat's car park or at work, and why there is no charge for using your supply. This guide explains how the setup works and how water use and runoff are kept under control.
What do we bring with us?
- Water: clean water carried in the van, fed to the pressure washer and buckets.
- Power: our own supply to run the equipment, so nothing plugs into your house.
- Equipment: pressure washer, commercial vacuum, steam cleaning machine, brushes and microfibre towels.
- Products: car shampoo, wheel cleaner, glass cleaner, interior cleaners suited to each surface, tyre dressing and wax.
The setup is the same wherever the car is parked, so the result does not depend on whether you have a drive or an outside tap.
Why does it matter that you don't provide water or power?
- No facilities needed. Many homes in terraces and flats have no outside tap or socket near the car.
- No trailing leads. An extension lead run from a house across a pavement is a trip hazard and is not designed to sit in puddles.
- No cost to you. You are not paying for the water or electricity used.
- Workplace valets are simpler. No need to ask facilities for access to a tap or socket.
- Consistent results. Water pressure and temperature do not change from one job to the next.
How much water does a mobile valet use?
Less than many people expect, because water is used deliberately rather than left running. The paint is rinsed in short passes to lift loose grit, washed with two buckets and a mitt, rinsed again and dried. A pressure washer delivers a lot of rinsing power from a small volume compared with a garden hose running freely. Interior work uses very little water at all; steam cleaning works with heat and a small amount of moisture. For lightly dusty cars there are also rinse-free and waterless methods, compared in waterless wash vs traditional wash.
What happens to the runoff?
Government guidance on pollution prevention says surface water drains discharge directly to the environment and that only clean water should go into them. It lists vehicle washing as an activity that produces contaminated water, and notes that detergent from car washing can stop oil separators working. The AA makes the same point to home washers: soapy runoff can reach drains or waterways. On a valet we keep that to a minimum by measuring product, rinsing in controlled passes, choosing a parking spot that does not drain straight into a gully where possible, and leaving nothing behind on the pavement.
Can you still valet my car during a hosepipe ban?
Hosepipe bans, officially temporary use bans, are set by each water company, and the details differ. Thames Water's guidance on its ban, for example, says households must not use a hosepipe, sprinkler or pressure washer to clean vehicles, but can wash a car using a bucket, and that exemptions may apply for some business activities. Because our water comes from our own supply rather than your tap, the question is how your water company's rules treat commercial cleaning. If a ban is in place in your area, check your supplier's notice and mention it when booking, and we will agree an approach that respects it, such as bucket washing or waterless methods.
What do you need to do on the day?
Very little. Park the car legally with room to open every door, empty your belongings, and arrange access to the keys. You do not need to leave a tap on, run a lead out or move bins to reach a socket. If space is tight or the car is on the street, read do you need a driveway for mobile valeting. Prices start with an exterior wash from £30 and a full valet from £80, with no call-out fee. See our car valeting service for details.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Pollution prevention for businesses
- Thames Water: Temporary hosepipe ban
- The AA: How to wash your car
No tap or socket? No problem.
EMobile Valeting brings professional, fully insured mobile valeting to your door across Derby, Nottingham and the East Midlands. No call-out fee.
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