Aircraft Hanger Rain Water Collection to Wash Aircraft – Cost to Collect Water

Water is a precious commodity and as the population grows the water resources become more valuable as there are more people using a finite amount or sometimes during drought periods even less. One recent architect asked if it is possible to collect the rain water from an Aircraft Hanger to re-use as water to wash aircraft?

Certainly this is possible and in Texas where he is at, they do get a good amount of rain. It thus makes sense to collect this rain water. But how much does it cost to collect? Well, a 250 gallon water tank costs about; $350.00 at an Agricultural supply company. Fittings, filters run about $50.00 and the tank will have to be mounted on the ground due to 8.2 lbs per gallon weight. So, you need a transfer pump, electric about $75.00 or hand crank about $60.00

Next you need a pressure washer if you are going to clean the aircraft in the hanger. Each 50 feet of hose is about $28.00 and the most inexpensive electric pressure washers that a truly reliable are about $125.00 and up.

Labor will run you quite a bit, I suppose, as much or more than the costs. In San Antonio, there is a company named Industrial Equipment Specialties they are located just South of Seguin. They are a Hydrotek, Hotsy and Landa Dealer and they do coin-op car washes and probably have access to all the components and could give you a better total installed price? Or you can do it down and dirty on your own and save some money; “Home Depot it”

Most hanger’ed aircraft need to be washed every other week or wiped down weekly, with a fresh water wash monthly. If flown, during the two week period they will need to be wiped down after each flight and fresh water washed after 3 takes-off and landings over salt water or every other week when flown a lot. All this is probably over-kill for your project, but I hope some of it is of value the rest go ahead and pass on to your client if you think it might help them.