Shower trailers are one of the newest additions to our industry’s inventory of equipment that serves the public, conserves water and protects the environment. Whether at sporting events such as biathlons and triathlons, weekend camping events or providing service at the site of natural disasters, shower trailers are becoming commonplace. This month’s question asks for an overview of the servicing and maintenance of assets.  

Question: Our company is interested in learning more about shower trailers. We have considered beginning by offering to service this equipment for others while we become familiar with both the cleaning process and the various types, styles and available options for shower trailers. Could you cover the basic service requirements for shower trailers and any service tips that we should consider?

Answer: Servicing shower trailers should not be intimidating to anyone in our industry. The same basic principles of thorough and consistent cleaning of the equipment while inspecting for any damage or potential issues are the keys to success.

General Product Overview

Shower trailers come in a variety of styles. Some models are basically restroom trailers with a shower stall located behind the restroom stall. Shower-only trailers offer no restroom facilities and thereby have only gray water as a waste byproduct. Access to both power and water are the same as that of a restroom trailer; however, depending on the size and number of shower stalls available, greater water pressure and volume may be required. Placement of a shower trailer is similar to that of a restroom trailer in terms of having level ground and ample room to maneuver the delivery truck in the surrounding area.

Suggested Cleaning Procedures

Before cleaning, it is recommended to inspect the hardware inside the shower area to make sure the fixtures are in good working order, the shower head is still rigidly attached, and trash or debris is removed from the area. If trash cans are present, they should be emptied at this time.

If restrooms are present, pump and clean prior to beginning work on the shower units.

“Back-to-front” and “top-to-bottom” is the best strategy for cleaning any shower trailer. “Back-to-front” refers to beginning the cleaning process in the stalls furthest from the entrance and exit door and working your way closer and closer to the door. “Top-to-bottom” refers to beginning to clean at the top of the shower stall or changing area and then going down the walls to the drain area where all the used cleaning products and dirty water will drain into the holding tank beneath the floor of the trailer.

A handheld scrubbing brush and a scrubbing brush with a three-foot handle are recommended for basic cleaning. The cleaning products are at the PRO’s discretion. A disinfecting product to kill germs, a soap-based product to clean and a hydrogen peroxide or vinegar-based product to remove water stains and soap scum are recommended. If mirrors are present, a glass cleaner is required. After applying the cleaning products, rinse the area from top-to-bottom allowing all the residue to go down the drain.

If the trailer has plastic shower curtains, these need to be cleaned as part of the top-to-bottom process. Some customers elect to use disposable shower curtains which are replaced when wear or accumulation of dirt is detected. If the trailer has shower doors, these are cleaned in a similar manner as the walls of the shower unit.  

If a changing area exists outside the shower stall, dry any changing benches or stools and mop the floor, ensuring that it is dry to avoid slips and falls.

Restocking

Depending on agreements with the customer, PROs may not be responsible for restocking supplies. Typically, small samples of soap, shampoo, conditioner and other items are placed in bags outside the entrance to the shower trailer for patrons to use if they do not elect to use their own items. The same holds true for towels. Again, depending on the customer, clean towels and dirty towels may have designated receptacles outside the shower trailer.

Other Considerations

Depending on the size and number of shower stalls, shower trailers use substantial amounts of water. Water flow from the shower head is controlled by either a manual pull chain or a push button that controls the amount of water dispensed. Several PROs have told us users tend to extend the pull chains and then tie them off to keep the water flowing. In one case, the chain was left tied off overnight and the trailer ran out of water. It’s a sound strategy to have an attendant or the customer check to ensure no water is flowing when the trailer is locked for the evening.

Propane is used in most shower trailers to allow for instant hot water. As part of the inspection process, monitor propane levels and have an extra tank available at all times.

Wastewater is another consideration. If the trailer does not have restroom facilities, all the used water is graywater. As part of the planning process, PROs with only graywater can work with the customer as well as local officials to determine the feasibility of having this water drained into local storm drains or sewers. If this is the case, a permit or written permission is highly recommended to protect your company.

Another option to capture massive amounts of graywater is exterior plastic bladder bags that hold overflow water once the holding tank under the trailer has reached capacity.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Shower trailers are valuable additions to the services our industry provides. As with any new product, begin the learning process slowly and patiently. The PRO that submitted this month’s question is considering doing just that. Begin by servicing shower trailers and investigating the various types and options. In the future, if you want to purchase your own shower trailer, you will have experience and knowledge to make the decision that’s best for you.