5 everyday water habits that can help reduce legionella risk | Tenant news

Did you know that water systems work best with regular use because constant flow prevents stagnation, keeps pipe linings stable, and stops harmful bacteria like legionella from growing in stagnant areas?

It’s true. Regular use helps you reduce the risk of legionella bacteria growing in your home's water system and flushes out sediment. 

What exactly is legionella?

legionella is a type of bacteria that lives naturally in water.

It’s usually harmless in very small amounts, but it can become a problem when it grows in man-made water systems like taps, showers, storage tanks, or pipework where water sits still or is kept at the wrong temperature.

You can’t catch legionella from drinking water, and it doesn’t spread from person to person.

However, if water containing Legionella is turned into a fine mist (for example from a shower or tap), and that mist is breathed in, it can cause a serious form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease .

So, here are five things you can do to keep your water system safe.

1. Run taps and showers that haven’t been used in a while, before you use them

If you have a spare bathroom, an unused sink, or you’ve been away from home for a while, it’s a good idea to run the water before using it.

Let the hot and cold water run for a few minutes. This helps flush out any water that has been sitting in the pipes and keeps fresh water moving through the system.

2. Keep an eye on water temperatures

Legionella bacteria are more likely to grow in warm water that is left sitting for long periods.

You don’t need to check temperatures yourself, but it’s worth paying attention if something seems unusual.

If your hot water isn’t getting hot, or your cold water feels warmer than expected, let us know so we can investigate.

3. Clean your showerhead regularly

Over time, shower heads can collect limescale and bits of dirt. Keeping them clean helps maintain good water flow and reduces places where bacteria can build up.

A simple clean every few months can be effective. If your shower head can be removed, soak it in a suitable descaling solution, rinse it thoroughly, and run the water for a short time before using it again.

4. Avoid changing water system settings

It can be tempting to turn your boiler or hot water down to save energy, but these systems are set to run at temperatures that help keep water safe.

If settings are changed, it can affect how the system works. If you’re unsure, check with Habinteg before making any adjustments.

5. Report problems as soon as you notice them

If you spot something unusual, such as discoloured water, low water pressure, strange smells, or problems with your hot water supply, don’t ignore it.

Contact our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk so that we can have a look.

Learn more at  www.habinteg.org.uk/legionella .

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