Managing a Coin Laundry Business

The Laundromat will need certain utilities to operate the store.  These are the utilities required for the average HK equipped 20 washer Laundromat.  If these utilities are not available in the store, they will have to be brought in at additional expense.

The minimum utilities should consist of:

• 1 1/2 to 2 inch water line,
• 2 million BTU's /hr. of gas (natural or LP),
• 4 to 6 inch waste line (minimum),
• 200 Amps of between 208-240 volts 3 phase electricity, (400 Amps if using AC).

If heating the hot water with oil then you have to provide for a 1000 gallon oil tank, but your gas supply is then reduced to 1-1/2 million BTU's/hr.  Laundromats can also be equipped to operate on LP gas.  Sizing & tank requirements can be determined by your local LP gas company.

As both the tumble dryers and the hot water heater use large quantities of air, provisions must be made for the venting of these units and for an adequate supply of make-up air.  Provisions should be made in advance to get the landlords approval in cutting holes in the walls and or roof.

If you are considering a Laundromat store with more commercial washing machines, air-conditioning, or a laundry store that will eventually have dry-cleaning equipment, your electrical requirements need to be increased to a at least 400 Amp, 3 phase service (or more).

Consult early on with your plumber and electrician to make sure that the utilities for the laundry equipment you you need will be able to be provided by the utility companies.  Recently gas companies have been charging incredibly expensive “tie-in” fees for new gas customers.  Tie-in fees are all dependent on the local gas supply in the street and your gas requirements.  (see our video on “Required Utilities for Laundromats”)

In more and more cases the availability of sufficient water & sewer capacity are in question.  In some areas these supplies are just not available.  In other areas municipalities charge a significant amount of money for sewer tie-in fees.  These can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars and without the sewer connection there is simply no Laundromat.  These tie-in fees are a one-time expense and sometimes the cost can be financed.  This only makes existing stores look so much more attractive.  Research your area and rely on your commercial laundry equipment distributor and their experience.

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