Extreme Air Duct Cleaning and Restoration Services recently completed a full restroom exhaust ventilation cleaning for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) at their Westpark Facility in Houston. It’s one of the largest single-day commercial jobs we’ve taken on, and it’s a good example of what a facility this size actually needs when a restroom exhaust system hasn’t been serviced in years.
The system serving the first- and second-floor restrooms consists of six exhaust duct runs that converge into a single main line rising to the roof. Years of dust and debris had built up throughout, from the registers all the way to the rooftop termination.
Exterior Setup and Roof Access
Two fully equipped truck-mounted crews arrived on site with a total of four certified technicians, set up safety perimeters, and accessed the roof to begin work on the main exhaust line and rooftop termination.
What the Ductwork Looked Like Before
Inside, the six restroom exhaust duct runs told the same story: a heavy, even coating of dust across every interior surface, thick enough in places to catch on the register grilles themselves.
Source-Removal Cleaning
Work followed NADCA ACR standards from start to finish: rotary brush agitation combined with a truck-mounted negative-pressure HEPA vacuum system, cleaning each of the six exhaust runs from register to trunk connection, then the shared main vertical line through to the rooftop termination. Access ports were installed where needed to reach every section, then sealed afterward with patch plates, caulking compound, and insulation to prevent air leaks.
Registers, Grilles, and New Ductwork
Every accessible register and grille came out for cleaning, and the existing flexible ductwork was removed and replaced with new material throughout. All six air supply duct cabinets and the main exhaust line were disinfected with an EPA-registered sanitizer as part of the scope.
The Result
After cleaning, the difference is immediate — bare galvanized metal from end to end, with none of the dust coating that was there before. The exhaust system was restarted and tested to verify proper airflow before the crews left, and all restrooms were left clean and fully usable.
Compliance and Documentation
All work was performed in accordance with NADCA ACR standards and OSHA safety regulations, including proper PPE, ladder safety, and lockout/tagout procedures on all powered equipment. Restroom floors, countertops, sinks, and fixtures were protected with plastic sheeting throughout, with safety cones and signage placed at every restroom entrance. The full job — six duct runs, the main exhaust line, register and grille replacement, new flexible ductwork, and disinfection — was completed in a single working day, with a written post-project report and before-and-after photo documentation delivered on completion.
If your facility has a restroom exhaust or commercial ventilation system that hasn’t been serviced in years, we handle jobs of this scale across Houston and the surrounding area — from single-system air duct cleaning to full commercial and government facility contracts. Reach out for a free estimate.