How to Safely Recommission Water Systems After Temporary Downtime
Recommissioning water systems after periods of low or no use requires careful planning and adherence to water hygiene principles. The steps depend on how your premises were managed during the downtime (e.g., during lockdown). Maintaining water movement, temperature control, cleanliness, and microbiological safety is crucial.
Scenario 1: If Water Systems Were Regularly Maintained
If you’ve maintained water turnover through regular flushing, temperature checks, and servicing of equipment like thermostatic mixing valves and softeners, follow these steps:
- Purge the System: Blow down or purge debris from the base of the calorifier/water heater.
- Thermal Disinfection: Heat the entire calorifier contents to over 70°C and circulate for at least an hour. Ensure all outlets reach and maintain a minimum of 60°C, running each tap and appliance sequentially for at least five minutes. Record the temperatures for accuracy.
- Flush Cold Water Outlets: Run all cold taps and appliances for at least five minutes at moderate flow, recording temperatures throughout.
- Descale Spray Outlets: Clean and disinfect spray outlets such as showers, spray taps, and washers.
- Inspect Storage Tanks: Check the internal condition of cold water storage tanks for debris and resolve any issues.
- Microbiological Testing: Consider sampling hot and cold water systems for Legionella and drinking water safety analysis.
Scenario 2: If Water Systems Were Not Maintained
If regular maintenance wasn’t carried out, more extensive steps are required:
- Purge the System: Blow down or purge debris from the base of the calorifier/water heater.
- Chemical Disinfection: Perform a full system chemical disinfection before thermal disinfection to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Thermal Disinfection: Heat the calorifier to over 70°C and circulate for at least an hour. Ensure all outlets maintain a minimum of 60°C and flush each outlet for at least five minutes, recording the process.
- Flush Cold Water Outlets: Run all cold taps and appliances for at least five minutes at moderate flow, recording temperatures.
- Descale Spray Outlets: Descale and disinfect spray outlets (e.g., showers, spray taps) before chemical disinfection.
- Service Equipment: Inspect, clean, and descale thermostatic mixing valves.
- Inspect Storage Tanks: Check cold water storage tanks for debris or internal issues and address any problems.
- Microbiological Testing: Conduct Legionella and drinking water analysis to confirm the system’s safety.
- Service Water Softeners: If applicable, service and disinfect water softeners.
For assistance with any of these processes, contact Sussex Facilities Management. Our expert team is here to help you maintain water safety and compliance, whether it’s a routine task or a complete system overhaul.
Call us on 01444 812 171 or visit our contact page to learn more.