When a production line pauses for cleaning, every minute matters. A washdown station, also called a hot-and-cold mixing unit, mixing unit, or blending station gives operators an immediate supply of pressurized, temperature-controlled water for fast and thorough cleanup. We offer options from well-respected brands like, Ace Sanitary Washdown Station (STVM) and Strahman Steam & Cold Water Mixing Station. Below is a quick guide for professionals who need a washdown solution that meets rigorous food, beverage, and biopharmaceutical standards (and not the marine-grade washdown units discussed elsewhere). If you are looking for more in-depth information on washdown stations and their uses, read our “Ultimate Guide to Washdown Stations”.

What Is a Washdown Station?

In hygienic facilities, a washdown station is a point-of-use system that blends plant steam or hot water with cold water to deliver a consistent, operator-safe outlet temperature, typically around 140°F/60°C or less, through a high-pressure hose and spray nozzle. Unlike general industrial hoses, sanitary washdown stations and hoses are built to withstand frequent chemical exposure, meet 3-A or NSF guidelines, and minimize harborage points where microbes can take hold.

Core Components

• Thermostatic mixing valve: Blends hot and cold water (or steam and water) and locks shut if either supply fails, preventing scalding or thermal shock to product-contact areas.
• Isolation/check valves: Stop back-flow that could contaminate upstream potable lines and let technicians service the unit without shutting down the entire loop.
• Temperature gauge: Provides at-a-glance confirmation that outlet water is within your plant’s validated cleaning range.
• Stainless-steel or bronze enclosure and mounting plate: Shields internal components, eliminates paint flaking, and tolerates aggressive washdown chemicals.
• High-pressure hose: Delivers the reach needed to safely clean equipment and built to withstand frequent chemical exposure.
• Ergonomic spray nozzle: Designed for efficient and targeted water dispersion with a pattern and flow rate that operators need to flush floors, walls, filler heads, or packaging machinery quickly.

Five Must-Have Features When You’re Selecting a Washdown Station

1. Fail-Safe Thermostatic Control
   Look for a valve that immediately shuts off hot water or steam if cold water pressure drops. This protects personnel and avoids heat damage to elastomers, gaskets, and drain seals.
2. Tool-Free Maintenance Access
   Sanitary plants run lean. Choose units with hinged, quick-release covers and cartridge-style internals so one technician can service the station quickly.
3. All-Stainless Wetted Surfaces
   304 or 316 stainless steel bodies and trim resist caustic foams, acid sanitizers, and frequent high-temperature cycles better than epoxy-coated iron, which is common in maritime units.
4. Integrated Temperature Indicator
   A large, shatter-proof dial (or digital display) mounted on the faceplate lets QA staff verify setpoint at a glance, supporting HACCP records and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) audits.
5. Documented 3-A/NSF Compliance and Traceability
   Procurement teams should insist on material certs, pressure-test data, and spare-parts kits that align with FDA and USDA requirements, a key differentiator from dockside washdown stations designed for bilge cleanup.

Typical Uses Across Sanitary Industries

• Dairy and Beverage: Rinsing fill heads, conveyors, and mix tanks between flavor or allergen changeovers.
• Food Processing: Flushing floor drains, removing protein residues, and pre-rinsing before foaming cycles.
• Brewing and Distilling: Swiftly blasting spent grain out of lauter tuns and cleaning kegging lines without disassembling couplers.
• Biopharmaceutical: Washing non-product-contact surfaces in GMP suites to prevent cross-batch contamination.

Because a washdown station delivers immediate, controlled hot water, it eliminates the safety risks of dragging live steam hoses or ad-hoc kettle connections through production areas.

Ready to Select Your New Unit?

A purpose-built washdown station is more than a hose and a mixing valve it’s an integral part of your facility’s food-safety and downtime-reduction strategy. By focusing on fail-safe temperature control, stainless construction, fast maintenance, clear compliance documentation, and operator-friendly design, you’ll secure a system that keeps your line spotless, audit-ready, and running at full speed. Shop our wide-selection of washdown stations, hoses, and accessories