Give your property a water MOT

WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, is urging landlords to give their property a water MOT, as they prepare to open their doors to students this month.

In particular, landlords should flush out any stagnant water within the building’s pipework, as warm stagnant water has the potential to support the growth of microorganisms including Legionella bacteria.

Legionella bacteria in drinking water can cause Legionnaires’ disease if droplets containing the bacteria are inhaled - such as from the spray of a shower or hose. Although rare, it can cause a serious pneumonia-like illness or death, particularly in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems or other chronic health conditions.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, which applies to landlords, property managers have a legal duty to assess the risk of exposure to Legionella and take preventative action.

WaterSafe recommends landlords follow five simple control measures to minimise the risk of their tenants contracting Legionnaires’ disease:

1.     Set boilers to store hot water at 60 degrees Celsius

2.     If the building has been empty, systematically run the hot and cold water taps throughout the building, to flush out stagnant water

3.     Make sure cold-water cisterns (tanks) have tight-fitting lids to avoid debris getting into the system

4.     Use a WaterSafe-approved plumber for any work to internal plumbing or water supply pipes and ask them to identify and remove any redundant pipework which can hold stagnant water, a breeding ground for bacteria

5.     Only use compliant fittings and water products, approved by bodies such as BSI, KIWA, NSF or WRAS.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe said: “While contracting Legionnaires’ disease is rare, it can present serious health risks and is easily prevented by following our five top tips.

“Data from the Drinking Water Inspectorate shows that more than 99.97 per cent of drinking water supplied to homes and businesses is free from bacteria and other harmful substances, but we all have a part to play in keeping it that way.

“Legionella and other micro-organisms can grow when properties are out of use for several weeks or months, so the start of the academic year is the perfect time to give your property a Legionella MOT to keep your tenants safe from harm.

“These measures are designed to keep water at the right temperature and keep water moving.”

Find out more on our landlord advice page.