Local service guide
Allentown pressure washing: Hiring and Planning
To arrange pressure washing in Allentown, choose a contractor who specifies the cleaning method, surfaces, total price and wash-water handling before you book. Start with drainage: the city restricts nonstormwater discharges into its separate storm sewer system and provides conditional exceptions for certain detergent-free washing. Resolve the runoff route before approving chemicals. [1]
Give contractors a clear description of the job
Send each contractor the same surface list and photos. Identify the driveway, steps, siding, patio or deck you want cleaned. Include close views of stains, cracks, loose coatings and damaged joints, and mark anything you want excluded. Request an inspection of uncertain areas before accepting a proposed method.
Get a written total with separate descriptions for general cleaning and optional stain treatment. Confirm who moves furniture, protects nearby belongings, supplies water and removes debris. Agree on how you will approve additional work discovered during the visit. Compare the final scope and total together.
Resolve drainage before approving chemicals
Allentown prohibits discharges into its separate storm sewer system that are not composed entirely of stormwater, except under specified exceptions or a state or federal permit. The city may allow routine exterior building washdown without detergents or other compounds if it finds the discharge does not significantly contribute pollution to surface waters. [1]
The pavement-washwater exception also excludes detergents. It addresses locations where toxic or hazardous spills or leaks have occurred by requiring removal of all spill material. The city can require a discharge to cease if it determines that an otherwise listed discharge significantly contributes pollution. These conditions matter when choosing a cleaning treatment and disposal route. [1]
Walk the drainage route with the contractor. Point out street inlets and disclose any known spill history. Have the contractor describe containment, collection and disposal where needed. If you cannot establish whether a proposed discharge is acceptable, seek clarification from the city before work begins.
Choose a date around water service and weather
Lehigh County Authority’s systems-conditions page links an Allentown Division 2026 flushing schedule. LCA warns that aggressive flushing can cause temporary discoloration or reduced tap-water pressure and advises customers to limit water use during flushing. Consult the linked schedule for your appointment; the overview page does not provide neighborhood dates. [2]
LCA may also request conservation during water-system maintenance or a drought declaration. Its conservation guidance recommends a broom instead of a hose for driveways, sidewalks and porches. Check notices for your service area before confirming discretionary washing, and discuss postponement if a conservation request applies. [3]
For late-year work, discuss freezing conditions, remaining water and rescheduling terms with the contractor. NWS lists KABE monthly normal lows of 43.8°F for October, 34.1°F for November and 26.8°F for December. Use the appointment forecast to make the day’s decision; monthly normals do not predict conditions at your home. [4]
Agree on the method and completion standard
Have the contractor name the method and proposed treatment for each surface. Request a small test area if you have concerns about a finish. Discuss existing damage and the expected result for individual stains. Record any limits before approving extra treatment, along with the additional price.
Before the visit, settle tap access, hose routes, plant protection and preparation duties. Request evidence of insurance and clarify how the contractor handles damage concerns. At completion, inspect the agreed areas together and record unfinished items against the written scope.
KABE monthly normal low temperatures
Local details that affect your job
Detergent affects the storm-drain decision
Allentown’s conditional building-washdown exception excludes detergents and other compounds, while its pavement exception excludes detergents and includes spill-removal conditions. For a chemical-cleaning proposal, require an explanation of runoff handling before approving the treatment. Do not assume the street inlet qualifies as an acceptable outlet. [1]
Check the Allentown Division schedule
LCA links a 2026 Allentown Division flushing schedule and advises limiting water use during flushing. Review that schedule before committing to a job that relies on household water. If the work overlaps flushing, agree on another date or clarify the contractor’s water-supply arrangements. [2]
Decisions to resolve before booking
| Situation | Next step | Local reason |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor proposes detergent | Require a runoff-handling explanation | The conditional building-washdown exception excludes detergents and other compounds. |
| Pavement has a known hazardous spill history | Disclose it before the contractor chooses treatment | The pavement-washwater exception includes removal of all spill material. |
| Appointment overlaps LCA flushing | Discuss rescheduling or water supply | LCA advises limiting water use during flushing. |
| LCA requests conservation for your area | Discuss postponing discretionary washing | LCA’s conservation guidance recommends sweeping driveways, sidewalks and porches. |
Your hiring checklist
- Photograph surfaces, stains and existing damage.
- Mark exclusions and give contractors the same job description.
- Confirm methods, treatments and expected stain results.
- Resolve drainage and wash-water handling before work starts.
- Review flushing information, utility notices and the appointment forecast.
- Agree on access, preparation, insurance and rescheduling terms.
- Inspect completed areas against the written scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget?
Request written quotes for your surfaces, condition and access. Require contractors to include preparation, stain treatment, water supply, runoff handling and cleanup. Confirm whether any charges remain outside the total and how you will approve extra work.
Can the contractor rinse wash water into a street drain?
Do not assume that route is allowed. Allentown restricts nonstormwater discharges into its separate storm sewer system. The washing exceptions depend on conditions, including detergent limits and the city’s finding about pollution. Resolve the proposed route before cleaning begins. [1]
Does LCA currently prohibit pressure washing?
LCA’s general conservation page explains circumstances for conservation requests; it does not establish a current pressure-washing prohibition. Check current notices for your service area and follow the instructions that apply to your appointment. [3]
How should I handle a promise to remove every stain?
Request a test area and a written explanation of the expected result. Agree on treatment limits, price and how you will assess completion before approving the work.
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.