How can I prevent Legionnaires' disease in my home or business?

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in water systems and pose a risk if contaminated droplets are inhaled. While the overall risk is low, taking sensible precautions can help keep your home or business safe.

Top tips to prevent legionnaires' disease in your home or business include:

• Only use a WaterSafe or qualified plumber when installing or maintaining your plumbing systems.

• Ensure all fittings and components comply with current regulations (Regulation 4) and are suitable for your system.

• Keep plumbing designs simple, avoiding unnecessary bends or dead-ends where water can stagnate.

• Design systems so water is regularly used and turned over; stagnant water encourages bacterial growth.

• Maintain hot water above 60°C and cold water below 20°C wherever possible to limit bacterial growth.

• Regularly flush taps and showers, especially in areas or outlets that are rarely used. If you’ve been away for a week or more, run water for at least ten minutes to refresh the system.

• Clean and disinfect showerheads, taps, and hosepipes periodically to prevent limescale, mould, or algae from building up. Showerheads should be disinfected about four times per year, and all tap outlets should be kept free from debris.

• Drain hosepipes after use and avoid leaving water standing in them. Store hoses out of direct sunlight when possible.

• In commercial settings, follow the HSE-approved Code of Practice L8 to meet your legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Regular risk assessments and monitoring help manage Legionella risks effectively.

Day-to-day hygiene and attention to water systems make a significant difference in preventing Legionella bacteria from establishing in your property. Small habits like flushing unused outlets and keeping showerheads clean can reduce the risk of infection considerably.