A burst pipe, a repair, a new tap or a planned water shutdown can interrupt a building’s water supply. When the water comes back on, it is tempting to carry on as normal. A little planning helps protect people and your water system.
Why it matters
- Water that sits still in pipes and tanks during an outage can warm up and stagnate.
- Repairs and alterations can disturb sediment and biofilm.
- New pipework or fittings can create dead legs if old sections are left connected.
- Parts of the system may not be used for days afterwards.
Practical steps
- Plan the work. Ask contractors what will be isolated, for how long, and which outlets will be affected.
- Keep hot and cold systems under control. Check temperatures return to the targets in your risk assessment. See our guide on water temperatures.
- Flush before use. Typically, all affected outlets are flushed before people use them again, keeping spray to a minimum.
- Use competent contractors who understand water hygiene, and ask them to remove redundant pipework rather than capping it with a long stub.
- Check tanks. If a cold water tank was drained or disturbed, it should be inspected and, where needed, cleaned. See our page on water tank cleaning and disinfection.
- Update your records and risk assessment if the system has changed. Use our reopening checklist as a starting point.
Your duties
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must manage risks to the health of employees and others affected by their activities, which includes risks from water systems. The HPSC National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland (2009) give practical guidance.
Planning works or just finished?
We can review your water system after changes and tell you what needs attention.
Talk to Safer Solutions
A legionella risk assessment reviews your whole water system and gives you practical, prioritised recommendations. Where sampling is needed, samples go to an independent accredited laboratory. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie for a friendly chat. Browse our fire and legionella guides.