What should I check on a food truck’s water and waste tanks?
Check the tanks, pumps, lines and water heater for leaks, damage and odours, and ask how often they are cleaned and emptied. Run the sinks during a service and watch whether supply and waste keep up. Ask for records of servicing, and have a technician look at anything doubtful.
Begin by looking at the tanks themselves. Where are the fresh and waste tanks mounted? Look for cracks, stains, loose fittings and signs of patched repairs. Ask whether the sizes match how the truck actually operates, since a busy lunch can drain fresh water faster than expected and fill waste tanks quickly. Smell matters too; a sour or musty odour often points to poor cleaning.
Then test the system. Turn on every tap, run hot water, and see how long it lasts. Listen to the pump, watch the pressure, and check that the sinks drain freely without backing up. Ask what the seller does at the end of each day: where waste is emptied, how the tanks are flushed, and how fresh water is refilled and kept clean. Written cleaning logs are a good sign.
Finally, ask who services the system and when it last happened. Find out what the local health authority expects during inspections, because inspectors can tell you what a truck must show, and ask for the latest inspection report. A mobile plumber or truck technician can give you a clear list of repairs, which helps you plan before closing.
Key takeaways
- Inspect tanks, lines and fittings for cracks, leaks and odours.
- Run every tap and test whether water supply and waste capacity keep up.
- Ask for cleaning logs and the latest inspection report.
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentEquipment valuation: How to do it
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