WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, is calling on landlords to perform a water MOT on their properties as they prepare to welcome new student tenants. With the academic year starting, it’s crucial for landlords to ensure their properties are safe, particularly by addressing any stagnant water in the plumbing system, which can harbour dangerous bacteria.
Preventing Legionnaires’ disease in rental properties
One of the key risks associated with stagnant water is the potential growth of Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease if inhaled from contaminated water droplets, such as from a shower or hose. Although Legionnaires’ disease is rare, it can lead to serious pneumonia-like illness or even death, especially for elderly individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, highlighted the importance of taking preventative measures: “While contracting Legionnaires’ disease is rare, it can present serious health risks and is easily prevented by following our five top tips.”
Landlords have a legal duty to assess and manage the risk of Legionella under the Health and Safety at Work Act. WaterSafe advises landlords to be proactive, especially after properties have been unoccupied, to ensure the safety of their tenants.
Five steps to safeguard your property’s water system
WaterSafe recommends five simple measures to minimise the risk of Legionnaires’ disease:
- Set boilers to store hot water at 60°C to kill any harmful bacteria.
- Run hot and cold taps throughout the building if it has been empty, flushing out any stagnant water.
- Ensure cold-water cisterns have tight-fitting lids to prevent debris from entering the system.
- Use a WaterSafe-approved plumber for any plumbing work and have them remove any redundant pipework that could trap stagnant water.
- Install compliant fittings and water products approved by recognised bodies such as BSI, KIWA, NSF, or WRAS.
“These measures are designed to keep water at the right temperature and keep water moving,” Spinks added. This is especially important as microorganisms can grow in properties that have been out of use for weeks or months, making the beginning of the academic year an ideal time for landlords to conduct a water safety check.
Landlords’ legal responsibilities
In addition to maintaining the safety of their properties, landlords are legally required to assess and manage the risk of Legionella under health and safety regulations. A proactive approach, such as flushing out stagnant water and ensuring plumbing systems are regularly maintained, can prevent costly issues and ensure compliance with legal duties.
Spinks also highlighted the reliability of the UK’s water supply: “Data from the Drinking Water Inspectorate shows that more than 99.97 per cent of drinking water supplied to homes and businesses is free from bacteria and other harmful substances, but we all have a part to play in keeping it that way.”
As landlords gear up for a busy rental period with the influx of students, conducting a water MOT is a vital step in ensuring the health and safety of tenants.
