Pipework / Mains Disinfection / Chlorination

Pipework can create ideal conditions to encourage the growth of legionella and other bacteria. New mains pipework and all hot water systems should be chlorinated and tested upon completion of installation and prior to handover/commissioning. Chlorine (or in some cases other chemicals) are pumped into the pipework to a specified concentration and then left in the system for a specified time, before being flushed through all outlets until safe levels are reached at all outlets.

Pipework, tanks and all hot water systems may also require chlorination after periods of inactivity – such as when a building has been vacant. Stagnation can encourage legionella and other waterborne harmful bacteria to grow at rapid rates and so if a building – or part of a building – has been out of use or used irregularly, the water systems should be cleaned and chlorinated prior to use.

All mains disinfection works are completed in accordance with BS 8558 and BS 855468

Your local water company requires that new installations should be disinfected and then tested, in order to protect the quality of the drinking water they supply. Local water boards have differing requirements for post-disinfection testing, but we are able to offer all types of UKAS accredited sample to meet their requirements.