Difference Between Street Flushing and Street Sweeping

Dorcus Srivaram • Jan 10, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between street flushing and street sweeping, you’re not alone. Many customers aren’t sure what these terms mean or how they affect their communities. In this article, we'll discuss the distinctions between these two services and their significance in maintaining clean streets.

All you need to know about Street Flushing and Street Sweeping

Street Sweeping:

The process of using brooms or brushes to sweep up debris, litter, and other materials from the surface of roads and streets. This is typically done using specialized street sweepers and can be done manually or with a machine. The purpose of street sweeping is to remove any visible debris or litter from the streets, making them look clean and presentable.

Street Flushing

The process involves using water to clean streets and roads. This process uses strong water pressure to clean dirt and debris that a street sweeper can't remove. This can include things like leaves, dust, and grime. Street flushing is typically done after street sweeping to give the roads and streets a final wash, leaving them looking clean and sanitized.

What’s the difference between these two processes?

While both street sweeping and flushing aim to keep streets clean and clear, they are done for different reasons.

Street sweeping is typically done to prevent materials from entering stormwater systems and to keep streets looking tidy.
Street flushing is done to clean dirt and grime that can harm public health and the environment if not cleaned.

How frequently these processes are done?

The frequency of street sweeping and flushing varies depending on the location and needs of a specific area.

Street sweeping is typically done several times a week, depending on the area. This ensures that leaves, dust, and other debris are regularly removed from streets to prevent them from clogging storm drains and causing flooding.
Street flushing is typically done less frequently, usually once a month or every few months. This process involves using high-pressure water to remove built-up dirt and grime from the surface of the street. This process is done more often in busy areas or places with lots of pollution.

Some cities and towns use street flushing and street sweeping together to maintain their roads. This can help ensure that streets stay clean and clear year-round and that public health and safety are protected.

So, is there a difference between street flushing and street sweeping? Absolutely! While both processes aim to keep streets clean, they are done for different reasons and with different frequency. If you have questions about these processes in your area, contact your local government or Dambro Environmental Inc. for more information. Dambro can help with street cleaning and other environmental services for your commercial and industrial business.

Dambro Environmental Inc.…905-838-1169

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Tell me About Water Trucks and Road Flushers

By Chelsey Smith • 19 Apr, 2024

Water trucks and road flushers play a critical role in construction, mining, and municipal services, providing a mobile solution for water delivery for dust control, irrigation, fire suppression, and road cleaning. These specialized vehicles are equipped with large tanks capable of holding thousands of gallons of water, which is then distributed through a series of controlled sprays and nozzles. Road flushers, in particular, are designed to efficiently clean streets, remove debris, and reduce airborne dust particles, thereby improving air quality and road safety. The versatility of these vehicles makes them indispensable in various industries, showcasing their ability to adapt to different tasks by adjusting water pressure and spray patterns according to specific requirements. In addition to their primary functions, water trucks and road flushers also contribute significantly to environmental conservation efforts. By suppressing dust in construction and mining sites, they prevent pollutants from entering the air and water streams, thus protecting local ecosystems. Furthermore, during periods of drought or water scarcity, these vehicles can transport water to areas in need, supporting both human populations and wildlife. They are also vital in fire suppression activities, providing a quick response to control and extinguish fires by delivering large volumes of water to the affected areas. The adaptability and efficiency of water trucks and road flushers underline their essential role in maintaining public health, safety, and environmental integrity. Deciding when to call for a water truck service hinges on the requirements of your specific project or situation. If you’re no sure, give the folks at Dambro Environmental Services a call. Typically, if your construction, mining, or landscaping project is generating significant amounts of dust that could pose health risks, impair visibility, or harm the environment, it's time to consider a water truck for dust suppression. Likewise, in urban and municipal settings, road flushers are essential for maintaining cleanliness and safety, especially after storms or events that leave debris scattered across roads and public spaces. Additionally, during dry spells or in areas prone to wildfires, having a water truck on standby for irrigation or fire suppression can be a proactive measure against potential hazards. In the event of a water mains break or when access to water is restricted due to repairs or infrastructure upgrades, water trucks serve as a critical resource for delivering potable water to affected communities. Ultimately, assessing the scale of your needs and the potential impact on health, safety, and the environment will guide your decision on when to engage these specialized services. Operating water trucks and road flushers often requires special training and certification due to the complexity and safety considerations involved. The drivers at Dambro possess a comprehensive understanding of the vehicles’ mechanisms, including water tank operation, pressure systems, and spray nozzle adjustment. Additionally, they must be adept at maneuvering these large vehicles in various environments, from densely populated urban areas to rugged construction sites. Safety training is paramount to prevent accidents and ensure the wellbeing of the operators and the general public. This training also covers environmental protection measures, teaching operators how to minimize water wastage and avoid contaminating local ecosystems. In some jurisdictions, obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with specific endorsements is mandatory for water truck and road flusher operators, highlighting the specialized nature of their roles. For flushing services in Ontario reach out to Dambro Environmental Services at 905-838-1169!

All About Sewer Flushing

By Chelsey Smith • 19 Mar, 2024

Sewer flushing is an essential maintenance procedure carried out to ensure the efficient functioning of sewer systems. It involves the use of high-pressure water to clean and clear out debris, blockages, and buildup within the sewer pipes. This process not only helps in preventing potential blockages that can lead to sewage backups and overflows but also aids in maintaining optimal sewer operation and extending the lifespan of the sewer infrastructure. Through regular sewer flushing, municipalities can ensure the sanitary condition of urban drainage systems, protecting public health and the environment. Despite its clear benefits, sewer flushing is a process that must be conducted with care and precision. Professionals handling the task use specialized equipment designed to apply just the right amount of pressure. Too little pressure won't effectively clean the pipes, while too much can damage them, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, the process requires a strategic approach to manage the flow of wastewater, ensuring that it doesn't overwhelm treatment plants or contaminate local waterways. The careful coordination of these efforts safeguards the sewer system's functionality and promotes the overall health of the community's water treatment processes. Dambro Environmental are experts in the sewer flushing process. The discharge resulting from flushing activities must be managed adhering to environmental regulations to prevent harm to ecosystems. For instance, flushed out waste and debris are often directed towards treatment facilities where they undergo proper processing before being released back into the environment. This ensures that harmful pollutants do not enter natural water bodies, thereby safeguarding aquatic life and maintaining water quality. Furthermore, advancements in technology have led to the development of Eco-friendly sewer flushing methods that reduce water usage and minimize the ecological footprint. Through such conscientious practices, municipalities can conduct necessary maintenance while concurrently respecting and protecting the environment. Public awareness and community engagement play pivotal roles in enhancing the efficacy of sewer maintenance programs, including sewer flushing. Educating the public about the importance of proper waste disposal and the hazards of introducing non-biodegradable materials into the sewer system can significantly reduce the occurrence of blockages. Municipalities often undertake outreach programs to inform residents about how their actions can impact sewer functionality and environmental health. By encouraging community involvement, local governments can foster a collective effort towards maintaining a robust and efficient sewer system, ultimately leading to a reduction in maintenance costs and an improvement in environmental sustainability. Additionally, such educational initiatives empower citizens with the knowledge to contribute positively to their community's well-being, creating a sense of shared responsibility for the preservation of public health and environmental integrity. For sewer flushing, catch basin cleaning, road sweeping and flushing services in Ontario reach out to Dambro Environmental Services at 905-838-1169.

What is Hydro Excavating

By Dawn Sherwin • 14 Feb, 2024

Hydro excavating, also known as hydrovac, is a non-destructive digging method that uses pressurized water to break up soil, which is then removed by a powerful vacuum into a debris tank. This technique allows for precise excavation with minimal risk to underground utilities, making it the preferred choice for utility location, slot trenching, and other applications where traditional excavation methods could cause damage or pose safety risks. The primary purpose of hydro excavating is to safely expose underground infrastructure for repairs, installations, or maintenance without causing harm to existing utilities like water pipes, gas lines, or fiber optic cables. This method is particularly beneficial for urban areas densely packed with subterranean systems, where conventional digging could be hazardous and disruptive. Hydrovac services are increasingly crucial in environmental conservation efforts as well, as they limit the disturbance to surrounding soil and ecosystems. Hydro excavating requires specialized equipment designed to carry out the process effectively and safely. The central piece of equipment is the hydrovac truck, which houses a high-pressure water pump, a vacuum system, a debris tank, and often a heating system to thaw frozen ground. Additionally, a variety of nozzles can be attached to the water pump to suit different soil conditions and types of excavation. The use of hydro excavating equipment is operated by trained professionals who can skillfully control the pressure and flow of water, ensuring precision and safety during the excavation process. This equipment's innovative combination enables workers to navigate around underground utilities with minimal risk of damage and with optimal accuracy. Hydro excavating is considered environmentally friendly for a variety of reasons. It significantly reduces the risk of damaging the surrounding landscape and vegetation because it targets only the specific area that needs to be excavated. This precision minimizes the disruption to the soil and consequently to the habitat of local wildlife. Furthermore, as hydro excavating is a non-mechanical, non-destructive process, it prevents the release of contaminants that traditional digging equipment might introduce into the soil. These features not only safeguard existing ecosystems but also help in reducing the carbon footprint associated with construction and excavation. Hence, hydro excavating is often seen as an Eco-conscious alternative to traditional excavation methods. Hydro excavating is particularly necessary in scenarios where precision is critical to avoid damage to subsurface utilities or in conditions where traditional excavation methods pose a significant risk. It is often employed for utility line exposure, installation of underground pipes and cables, and in congested areas with a complex network of underground services. Additionally, hydro excavating proves vital during harsh winter conditions when the ground is frozen, as the heated water can thaw the soil for easier removal. It's also essential in environmentally sensitive areas where the traditional excavation impact must be minimized to protect the landscape and local ecosystems. If you have a project that will need the specialized service of Hydro Excavating, know that Dambro Environmental Inc has the know-how and equipment to take care of this task for you. They are a phone call away at 905-838-1169!