Local service guide
Plan pressure washing in Burnaby
Arrange pressure washing by comparing written quotes that specify each surface, the cleaning method, expected results and contaminated runoff handling. As of October 12, 2026, Burnaby reports Stage 1 restrictions and allows aesthetic washing of impermeable surfaces such as concrete. Check permission before the appointment, and choose a cleaner who explains how they will protect your surfaces and keep listed pollutants out of storm drains. [1] [3]
Check washing permission before choosing a date
Burnaby’s posting current as of October 12, 2026 reports Stage 1 restrictions effective September 1, 2026. Under that stage, the City permits aesthetic washing of impermeable surfaces such as concrete. The regional restriction season runs from May 1 to October 15. Check the current posting for your appointment rather than relying on the stage that applied when you requested a quote. [1]
Metro Vancouver manages four restriction stages and can activate them immediately in any order. Ask who will check permission before work and agree on postponement charges. If a cleaner proposes an alternative water supply, ask them to identify its source: the regional conservation plan excludes rainwater, greywater, recycled water and sources outside the Greater Vancouver Water District system. [2]
Treat water supply and contaminated-water disposal as separate planning questions. The conservation exclusions concern water use; Burnaby’s watershed guidance tells owners to keep listed pollutants out of storm drains. Have the cleaner explain both parts of the job before you accept. [2] [3]
Resolve drainage and disposal in the quote
Burnaby asks owners to identify storm drains on their property, street and laneway. The City says all storm sewers discharge into fish-bearing waters. Its pollutant list includes floor-washing and carpet-cleaning detergents, including biodegradable products; oil, anti-freeze and gasoline; paint-related products or residues; and concrete and grout product and wash water. [3]
Walk the drainage route with the cleaner. Point out catch basins, sloping paving and paths toward the street or a neighbouring lot. For contaminated pressure-washing runoff, request a plan for containment, collection and appropriate disposal. Ask the cleaner to include the equipment, labour and disposal charges in the quote.
Burnaby separates storm drainage from sanitary sewage. Its storm system discharges runoff into surrounding waters, while its sanitary system sends sewage through Metro Vancouver’s network toward treatment plants. Ask the cleaner to confirm an appropriate disposal route for the collected water. Do not assume that a nearby drain leads to treatment or provides permission to discharge. [4]
Define the scope and protect each material
Use a site review to connect the cleaning scope with the drainage plan. Burnaby’s watershed guidance covers catch basins outside buildings, in underground parking areas and on streets. Include those locations in your photos if runoff could reach them, alongside the driveway, steps, patio, deck or siding you want cleaned. [3]
Send approximate dimensions, surface materials, wide photos and stain close-ups to each bidder. Flag peeling coatings, loose joints, cracks and previous repairs. Ask for a method for each material, including pressure, products and rinsing. For wood, coatings, siding or a roof, ask the cleaner to identify applicable manufacturer instructions and explain their proposed approach.
Agree on a small test area and mark excluded surfaces. Discuss protection for plants, doors, fixtures and neighbouring property. Give roof work its own access and work plan. Request proof of liability insurance that covers the proposed work, and confirm who will perform it.
Request a written total in Canadian dollars with taxes, minimum charges, stain treatments and runoff handling identified. Clarify who supplies water and moves furniture or planters. Record expected results and the approval process for extra treatment if stains remain. Keep sealing, repainting and repairs as separate quote items.
Plan weather, access and the final inspection
Use historical weather as context when discussing a date. Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes July precipitation of 43.5 mm and November precipitation of 245.2 mm for the nearby Vancouver Harbour 1991–2020 normals. These regional averages describe past conditions; they do not forecast weather at your property. Consult the forecast and agree on weather-related postponement terms. [5]
Before arrival, clear the agreed access route, move the items assigned to you and identify water access. Arrange any required owner or strata approval for shared surfaces. Ask when you can walk on the cleaned area or return furniture, and confirm how the cleaner will keep people away during work.
Inspect the agreed surfaces together after cleaning. Compare remaining stains with the promised result, review any damage concerns and confirm that the cleaner has completed the runoff handling in the scope. Approve additional treatment only after you understand its method and price.
Nearby monthly precipitation for scheduling discussions
Local details that affect your job
Confirm permission for appearance-only concrete cleaning
Burnaby’s Stage 1 posting current as of October 12, 2026 permits aesthetic washing of impermeable surfaces such as concrete. Metro Vancouver can activate restriction stages in any order. Make the appointment conditional on checking current permission, and agree on any postponement charge before paying a deposit. [1] [2]
Ask about biodegradable detergent and nearby catch basins
Burnaby includes biodegradable products in its listed floor-washing and carpet-cleaning detergent category. The City tells owners to keep these pollutants out of stormwater drains and catch basins outside buildings, in underground parking areas and on streets. Ask the cleaner to identify the proposed products and explain containment, collection and disposal before you approve their use. [3]
Trace runoff beyond the driveway
Burnaby says north Burnaby stormwater reaches Burrard Inlet, central valley stormwater travels through Still Creek and Brunette River toward the Fraser River, and south Burnaby drainage reaches the Fraser’s north arm. Include the route toward street or laneway drains in the site review, even when the cleaning stays within your property. [4]
Questions to resolve before accepting a quote
| Your situation | Question for the cleaner | Decision before work |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete cleaning for appearance | Have you checked the current restriction stage? | Burnaby permits aesthetic washing of impermeable surfaces under its posted Stage 1 rules. Confirm permission for your date. |
| Detergent or oily residue | How will you contain, collect and dispose of contaminated water? | Burnaby lists specified detergents and oil among pollutants to keep out of storm drains. Agree on the handling plan. |
| Alternative water supply | Which water source will you use, and how will you handle runoff? | Metro Vancouver excludes rainwater and other specified supplies from conservation restrictions. Resolve disposal as a separate question. |
| Wood, coatings, siding or roof | Which material instructions will you follow? | Agree on the method, test area, access and excluded surfaces. |
| Different quote totals | Does your total include stain treatment, runoff handling and taxes? | Compare the same scope and require approval for optional charges. |
Your hiring checklist
- Send each bidder the same measurements, surface list, stain photos and access details.
- Identify storm drains and walk the runoff route with the cleaner.
- Confirm methods, products, a test area and excluded surfaces.
- Include contaminated-water containment, collection and disposal in the written scope.
- Check insurance and any owner or strata approval for shared surfaces.
- Agree on water access, furniture moving and protection of neighbouring property.
- Confirm current washing permission and postponement charges before the appointment.
- Inspect the finished work before approving extra treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book driveway washing during water restrictions?
Burnaby’s posting current as of October 12, 2026 reports Stage 1 and permits aesthetic washing of impermeable surfaces such as concrete. Metro Vancouver can change stages in any order. Check current permission before the appointment and agree on rescheduling terms. [1] [2]
Does biodegradable soap resolve the runoff question?
Burnaby includes biodegradable products in its listed floor-washing and carpet-cleaning detergent category of pollutants to keep out of storm drains. Ask the cleaner to identify their product and explain how they will collect and dispose of contaminated runoff. [3]
How should I set a budget?
Request written property-specific quotes using the same scope. Ask bidders to identify taxes, minimum charges, stain treatment, access costs and runoff handling. Compare the proposed methods and expected results alongside the total, and keep optional work separate.
Can a cleaner use collected rainwater?
Metro Vancouver excludes rainwater from its drinking-water conservation restrictions. Burnaby’s watershed guidance still tells owners to keep listed pollutants out of storm drains. Confirm the proposed supply and contaminated-water handling before accepting the job. [2] [3]
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.