Running Your Blower After Leaving the Shop: A Simple Step in Below-Zero Conditions to Remove Condensation, Prevent Freeze-Ups, and Protect Your Equipment.

In the cold winter months, when temperatures drop below freezing, equipment stored in a warm shop is at risk of developing condensation. For machines like hydrovacs and sewer cleaners, this condensation can lead to major problems such as freeze-ups and damage to critical components. One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent these issues and protect your blower system is by running your blower after leaving the shop. This simple procedure ensures that your equipment stays in working condition, saving you from costly repairs and ensuring that you’re ready to work once you reach the job site.

The Importance of Running Your Blower
When temperatures are below zero, equipment that is parked in a warm shop can accumulate condensation as warm air interacts with cold components. This moisture can quickly turn into ice when exposed to freezing temperatures, especially in the blower system, hydraulic lines, and other critical parts. The last thing you want is to arrive on-site with a frozen blower or hydraulic system that won’t engage, leading to costly delays and potential damage.
By following a simple procedure of running your blower for a few minutes before leaving the shop, you effectively remove the built-up condensation from your system, reducing the risk of freeze-ups. Doing this ensures that when you get to the job site, your blower and hydraulic system will function properly, without the worry of damage from frozen components.

The Simple Procedure
Here’s how to ensure your blower and hydraulic system stay clear of ice, ensuring they’re fully operational when you arrive at your job site. This step should become standard protocol for anyone in your company, especially when your trucks exit a shop in below-zero temperatures.

  1. Park the Truck and Engage the Parking Brake: After exiting the shop, ensure that your truck is parked safely, and the parking brake is fully engaged. This is a crucial step to ensure the truck remains stationary while you engage the blower system.
  2. Engage the Hydraulics and Blower: Next, engage your truck’s hydraulics and blower hydraulics. Once these systems are engaged, you are ready to proceed with the next step.
  3. Turn On Your Vacuum System: With the hydraulics engaged, turn on your vacuum system for a few minutes. The vacuum will help suck out any condensation that has built up in the blower system and other components. This process ensures that moisture is removed from the blower and prevents it from freezing once you hit the colder temperatures outside.
  4. Wind Down the RPMs: After a few minutes, wind down the truck’s RPMs slowly. This allows the system to stabilize and ensures you don’t put unnecessary strain on the components after running the blower.
  5. Disengage the Vacuum System: Once the condensation has been expelled, it’s time to disengage the vacuum system. This will return the truck to its normal operating mode.
  6. Proceed With Normal Shutdown Protocol: Now that your blower and hydraulic system are free from moisture, you can proceed with your normal protocol for shutting down the equipment.
That’s it! This quick and simple procedure could save you from an expensive, frozen blower or hydraulic system, and it only takes a few minutes to complete.

Why This Procedure is Essential
This simple practice of running your blower to expel condensation might seem minor, but it has big benefits:

  1. Prevents Freeze-Ups: The main advantage of this step is the prevention of freeze-ups. Without running the blower, moisture can freeze inside the system, preventing it from operating properly when you need it most. This small step helps prevent the headache of arriving at the job site only to discover that the system is frozen and not functioning.
  2. Protects Your Equipment: Freeze-ups are not only an inconvenience, but they can also cause damage to critical components like the blower, hydraulic lines, and valves. When you try to engage a frozen system, it can put unnecessary strain on components, leading to wear and potential breakage. By running your blower, you protect your equipment from these risks, ensuring a longer operational lifespan.
  3. Saves Money and Time: Arriving at a job site with frozen equipment can lead to costly delays, as you may need to call in a technician or wait for the system to thaw. The simple act of running your blower for a few minutes ensures you avoid these delays and the expensive repairs that can come with them.
  4. Ensures Safety: A frozen blower or hydraulic system can pose safety hazards on-site. When systems don’t operate as they should, operators might try to force engagement, leading to potential accidents or very costly repairs that could lead over 50k.. Running the blower as a preventive measure reduces these risks and ensures a safer work environment.
Additional Protection with Diesel Flush Valve Systems
If your unit is equipped with a diesel flush valve system, additional steps may be necessary to ensure maximum protection. Diesel flush systems help circulate the engine’s cooling fluids and prevent the pump and hydraulic system from freezing in extreme conditions. For further guidance on how to use your diesel flush system effectively, refer to your OEM operation manual. Following these additional steps will provide extra protection against freeze-ups and condensation-related issues.

Make It Standard Protocol
This simple procedure should become standard practice for your company when operating in below-zero conditions. By incorporating this into your daily routine, you are not only protecting your equipment but also ensuring that your team is ready to hit the ground running when they reach the job site. As temperatures drop, don’t underestimate the importance of preventing freeze-ups and protecting your blower and hydraulic systems from condensation. This small effort will make a big difference in keeping your equipment in top condition and ready for any task.
 
Conclusion
Running your blower after leaving the shop is a quick, easy, and effective way to remove condensation, prevent freeze-ups, and protect your equipment in below-zero temperatures. By following this simple procedure, you can ensure that your blower system won’t be frozen when you reach the job site, and you can avoid costly damage and delays. Whether your truck is equipped with a diesel flush valve system or not, this simple step should be standard practice for all equipment operators in cold-weather conditions. Protect your equipment, ensure your team’s readiness, and avoid expensive mistakes by making this small, proactive step part of your routine.
 
 
Terry Rawn
Hydrovac Nation/ Dig Pig Products Inc
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