Commercial and storefront washing in Knoxville

Commercial and storefront washing in Knoxville: what to know

Commercial washing carries stricter wash water rules than a house. Knox County's stormwater ordinance names wash water from cleaning commercial parking lots, sidewalks, plazas, work yards and outdoor eating areas as an illicit discharge, with civil penalties of $250 to $5,000 a day. Maryville requires businesses it regulates as stormwater hotspots, such as restaurants and car lots, to keep wash water out of the storm system. In practice that means the provider plans where every gallon goes: blocking or covering storm inlets, collecting water in a sump or with a vacuum system, and sending it to the sanitary sewer or a disposal site where allowed. Grease from restaurant pads and drive-thrus is a common reason recovery is needed. Prices for commercial work depend on area, grease load and recovery needs, and are usually quoted after a site look. One Knoxville and Maryville company publishes a $550 commercial minimum. Many businesses book after closing so the lot is empty.