Legionella?
No problem with an instantaneous water heater.
Whether it’s a family holiday or a long weekend away: Anyone who isn’t home for a few days, can be threatened by the risk from the tap - Legionella -. However, there is quite an easy trick against Legionella, which Mark McManus, Managing Director Stiebel Eltron UK, knows all about
Mr. McManus, in the news you can often read about Legionella – a harmful bacteria. What exactly is Legionella?
Legionella is a kind of bacteria which can be found in any type of water system. In a low concentration it’s harmless to health. Legionella mostly thrives between a water temperature of 30 - 45°C. The good news: at temperatures above 60 °C they are destroyed almost instantly and they cannot grow in cold water. Especially non-circulating water systems, where the water temperature is between 25 and 55 degrees Celsius for a longer period, are near-threatened. Outbreaks of legionellosis have occurred after people have inhaled vapour that come from a water source (for example a shower) contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
Where is there an increased risk of Legionella?
For example, in a block of flats with a centralised hot water supply (electric storage/cylinder). In this case the water has a long way to go and the temperature drops. Here it is important that the electric cylinder is heated up regularly to more than 60 degrees and that the tenant flushes the water system, after a vacation or a long weekend, before taking a shower. Other examples are Hotels or holiday apartments, where there isn’t a regular use of hot water. The best solution is a water supply where you don’t have to worry.
“Don’t worry” sounds good. What is your solution?
If you use an instantaneous water heater, then you have nothing to worry about. It’s a decentralised water supply. The reason: They provide hot water on demand, heating the water as and when required. The water is heated directly at or near the draw-off point. So, you don’t have any problems with Legionella while taking a shower. You don’t need to flush your water system out anymore. It’s worth it: No Legionella & low energy costs.