Poor water hygiene is associated with Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which is caused by the legionella bacteria.
While this bacteria is usually associated with larger water systems, for example in hospitals, they can also thrive in smaller water systems used in homes, although this is very rare.
Legionella bacteria can affect anyone, however people over the age of 50, heavy smokers and/or drinkers and people with an already suppressed immune system are more likely to be susceptible. Legionnaires disease is relatively rare with around 400 – 500 cases in the UK each year.
The risk of legionella bacteria forming is greater where water is allowed to sit and become stagnant, for example in empty homes where outlets (taps, showers and toilets) have not been used, or infrequently used outlets.
Before we let out any of our homes, our technician will carry out a flush of all outlets. Flushing simply means turning on the taps and shower (if applicable) allowing the water to run for several minutes as well as flushing the toilet. This flushes any stagnant water from the system and reduces the risk of bacteria forming.
In our independent living schemes our technicans will complete a check of any regulated taps to ensure they are working correctly, and it is important that they are allowed access to do this.
What you can do
While we do everything, we can ensure the water system in your home is safe when you move in, there are some simple steps which you can take to reduce the risks.
- When you first move in, run all your hot and cold outlets for several minutes to get rid of any stagnant water in the system. If you have an electric shower, you should run this for several minutes on the highest temperature setting.
- If you have been away for seven days or you have a water outlet which hasn’t been used, you should flush the water system for two minutes. Showers should be sprayed away from you into a full bath or at the wall keeping as far away as possible to avoid coming into contact with spray. All taps should be run for at least two minutes both hot and cold. Toilets should be flushed with the lid down to avoid any spray.
- Shower heads should be cleaned or replaced regularly, at least every three months to disinfect and remove any limescale build up. Cleaning should include the hose. If you are unable to do this, contact us.
- Flush garden hoses for at least two minutes each time they are used without creating sprays. These should be flushed every week and if not used for two weeks, the nozzle should be adjusted to prevent any sprays.
- Report issues with their boilers, heating or hot water issues as soon as possible. Do not adjust the temperature on your boiler or hot water system after it has been set.
- Repairs involving the water system should be reported as soon as you notice them, these may include; cold water running lukewarm, loss of pressure from the outlets, discoloured water, water with debris in it or strange smelling water.
Further advice
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease:
- high temperature, feverishness and chills
- cough
- muscle pains
- headache; and leading on to
- pneumonia, very occasionally
- diarrhoea and signs of mental confusion
If you are worried and need advice please call 111 or refer to the NHS website (Legionnaires’ disease – NHS).