If the water within your rental property has not been used for a while due to losing tenants as a result of Covid-19 or for any other reason for that matter. Then it is crucial that you check the water system ahead of any new tenant occupying the property.
First of all you should check that the water temperatures at all outlets reach the correct temperatures. Check that all cold outlets are below 20c and all hot outlets are above 50c.
For most domestic hot and cold water systems, checking the temperature is the most reliable way of ensuring the risk to legionella is kept to a minimum. However In addition to this, when a property has been left vacant for a long period of time, it is essential you run the hot and cold outlets for at least 5 mins flushing the system ahead of any new tenant moving in. Remember don't forget shower heads, run these also and turn the heat up to full whilst carrying out this task.
Even if a legionella risk assessment has been carried out prior to the property becoming vacant it is good practice to carry out these legionella prevention measures ahead of a new tenant moving in.
As we know legionella bacteria can be very harmful, which in some situations can lead to tenants contracting Legionnaires’ disease when inhaled, it is therefore important to protect you and the tenant from any potential water aerosols which can make there way towards your face when carrying out these safety measures. As most of us own a mask due to Covid 19 it would be advisable to wear this also when running the outlets to protect you from inhaling any water aerosols. This is particularly imports when running the showers which create more of an aerosol effect.
If you have stored water in the way of a water tank and it has been sitting for a long period of time inactive, then it would be a good idea to make sure the tank is fully emptied and potentially disinfected ahead of the new tenant moving in. This is particularly recommended if debris or sediments are present in the tank.
If you don’t feel comfortable carrying out these basic legionella prevention checks then contact Lothian PAT Testing Scotland and we can attend and carry out a new landlord domestic legionella risk assessment for you ahead of the tenant moving in.
Domestic Legionella risk assessment in Edinburgh and the Lothians are carried out for a fixed fee of £50. There is also no VAT chargeable.
If you require a legionella risk assessment in Edinburgh or the Lothians contact us on 07570 080429 or email lothianpattesting@mail.com.