Ensuring the hygiene of hot & cold water solutions

Reliable hygiene in hot & cold water systems requires expert system design, meticulous material selection, regular maintenance and vigilant monitoring. Choosing products with the right design and material profiles is fundamental to preventing harmful pathogens like Legionella from taking hold within the hot & cold water system.  

Smooth internal pipe network surfaces are essential to prevent biofilms from forming and becoming fertile breeding grounds for bacteria. Hot & cold water systems must also be constructed from corrosion-resistant materials to prevent contaminants from entering the network.  

When specifying the water system’s components, designers must consider how they support effective temperature control to prevent fluctuation in water temperatures that can encourage bacterial growth. In particular, the hot & cold water system should include correctly insulated pipes and thermostatic mixing valves. To inhibit bacterial growth, pipes must maintain water temperatures above 60°C for hot water and below 20°C for cold water.  

From a water hygiene perspective, having a wide range of pipe lengths and appropriate fittings is vital to allow the system design to avoid areas where water can stagnate. Easy-access maintenance points are also crucial for regular inspection, cleaning and disinfection to ensure consistent water safety.