Quote: Originally posted by navver on 30/1/2010
On new building, and refurbs involving alterations to the water pipes, the pipes always have to be chlorinated, and a water sample sent to the lab for analysis.
Not sure if this is a new thing but in over fourty years plumbing I have never had to send a sample off to anywhere.
Water laying in pipes is liable to produce Legionelosis (Legionela) we have our pipes (at work) flushed through and chlorinated annually. Dead legs where water can lay undisturbed have to be removed from the system. Water standing for a week or more is likely to become contaminated. We could possible get away with it because our water temperature is unlikely to go above 21c, however in a caravan the water will stand in the pipes for months at a time and hit high temperatures.
I used to flush my system through with Milton and changed to Puriclean (other chemicals are available) after I was told that Milton could damage my seals. (Shouts of Oh no it can't) anyway, after using Milton for quite a while and switching to Puriclean I had to do the system twice because of the crud that was released from the pipes. The algae that was on the inside of the cold water pipes was incredible. If I had not sold the caravan I would have replaced all the cold water pipes. The supply pipes at the caravan site are unlikely to have water standing in them for long enough. However if you want to take a chance with Legionella don't bother with flushing pipes through
Quote: Originally posted by OldSnowdrop on 12/3/2013
Water laying in pipes is liable to produce Legionelosis (Legionela) we have our pipes (at work) flushed through and chlorinated annually. Dead legs where water can lay undisturbed have to be removed from the system. Water standing for a week or more is likely to become contaminated. We could possible get away with it because our water temperature is unlikely to go above 21c, however in a caravan the water will stand in the pipes for months at a time and hit high temperatures.
I used to flush my system through with Milton and changed to Puriclean (other chemicals are available) after I was told that Milton could damage my seals. (Shouts of Oh no it can't) anyway, after using Milton for quite a while and switching to Puriclean I had to do the system twice because of the crud that was released from the pipes. The algae that was on the inside of the cold water pipes was incredible. If I had not sold the caravan I would have replaced all the cold water pipes. The supply pipes at the caravan site are unlikely to have water standing in them for long enough. However if you want to take a chance with Legionella don't bother with flushing pipes through
Having just done a legionella awareness course I can tell you it will not form in cold water. There are many factors that have to be perfect for the bacteria to form.
------------- LB Caravan Services
Mobile service and repairs
07902012609 / 01948662374
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: water pipes
