Truck tire washing apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus for washing mud, dirt and silt from the tires of a truck leaving a construction site includes a water supply line, a collection basin and a grate positioned over the collection basin. The apparatus further includes an optional side rail attached to the collection basin above the grate and an optional drainage system comprising a plurality of drain ports formed in the collection basin. Preferably, water from an external water source flows through the water supply line to a selector valve in fluid communication with the grate and the side rail. The grate comprises a plurality of spray tubes having a plurality of spray ports formed therein and the side rail comprises at least one side rail spray tube having a plurality of side rail spray ports formed therein. The selector valve may be positioned to permit water to flow only to the grate, to the grate and the side rail, or only to the side rail. The truck is driven over the grate and the water delivered to the spray ports is directed onto the tires of the truck. The mud, dirt and silt and the run-off water collects in the collection basin. Once the level of the run-off water reaches the level of the drain ports of the drainage system, the run-off water is drained from the collection basin to a recycling tank or a storm drain. Once the mud, dirt and silt reach a predetermined amount, it is removed from the collection basin.