Our key differentiators
Straight answers, not vague reports
We explain the findings in a clear manner. You get advice you can use without second-guessing what it means.
Useful for rental properties & businesses
We tailor the assessment to how the property is actually used. That makes the outcome more relevant to your day-to-day responsibilities.
Understanding Legionella and why water safety matters
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can live in water systems. Under the right conditions, it can multiply and become a health risk. If contaminated water produces tiny droplets or aerosols that people inhale, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease — a serious form of pneumonia that can be fatal.
Legionella isn't something that only landlords or large businesses need to think about. Any hot or cold-water system can potentially present a risk, although for many ordinary homes the risk is low when the system is used regularly and properly maintained. At Wight Hot, we believe understanding your water system is an important part of keeping people safe.
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For landlords & letting agents
If you rent out a property, you have responsibilities to protect your tenants from health and safety risks, including the risk of exposure to Legionella.
For most domestic rental properties, the risk is generally low, but landlords should still understand their hot and cold-water systems and assess whether there are any foreseeable risks.
Things that may increase the risk include:
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Stored hot or cold water
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Water that is allowed to stagnate
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Infrequently used showers, taps or outlets
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Redundant or unused pipework
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Water temperatures that allow bacteria to multiply
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Poorly maintained water systems
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Scale, sludge or other deposits within the system
Properties that have been empty for extended periods can also require additional attention, as stagnant water can increase the opportunity for bacteria to grow.
A suitable risk assessment can identify potential problems and help ensure appropriate control measures are in place.
It's important to note that landlords do not automatically need a Legionella water test or a 'Legionella certificate'. HSE guidance states that microbiological sampling is not normally required for typical domestic hot and cold-water systems and is only appropriate in specific circumstances.
For businesses & commercial premises
Legionella is also an important consideration for businesses and organisations.
Employers and people who have control of premises have responsibilities to assess and control reasonably foreseeable risks from Legionella. These responsibilities can apply to a wide range of workplaces and buildings, including offices, commercial premises, accommodation, care settings and other organisations with hot and cold-water systems.
The larger or more complicated the water system, the more important proper management becomes.
Businesses should consider the following:
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The type and size of their water system
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Hot water storage and distribution
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Cold water storage
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Showers and other outlets that create water droplets
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Areas of stagnant or slow-moving water
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Redundant pipework or 'dead legs'
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Water temperatures
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Cleaning and maintenance
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The people who may be exposed
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Whether anyone using the premises may be more susceptible to infection
A proper risk assessment should identify the risks, the controls already in place and what additional measures may be required. It should also be reviewed when circumstances or the water system change.
Larger or more complex systems may include monitoring, maintenance, written control schemes, and, where appropriate, microbiological sampling as part of the overall control strategy.
What about your home?
Legionella isn't only something to consider in rented properties or businesses.
For the general home, the risk from a typical domestic hot and cold-water system is considered low, particularly where water is used regularly and there is little or no stored water.
However, there are simple things homeowners can do to help keep their water system under control:
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Use taps and showers regularly.
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Avoid allowing water to sit unused for long periods.
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Keep showerheads and hoses clean.
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Make sure hot water systems are operating correctly.
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Be aware of any stored water tanks or cylinders.
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Pay attention to unusual changes in water temperature.
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If your property has been empty, consider flushing the water system before normal use.
HSE's general approach is simple: keep hot water hot, keep cold water cold and keep water moving.
Why should Legionella be checked?
A Legionella assessment is not just a box-ticking exercise. It's about understanding the water system and identifying conditions that could allow bacteria to grow.
A check can help identify issues such as the following:
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Stagnant water
Unused outlets and sections of pipework can allow water to remain stationary for extended periods.
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Incorrect temperatures
Temperature control is one of the key methods used to reduce Legionella risk. HSE guidance recommends keeping cold water, where possible, below 20°C and storing hot water at least at 60°C, with appropriate precautions to prevent scalding.
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Stored water
Tanks, cylinders and other storage systems may require additional consideration compared with systems that heat water instantaneously.
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Unused pipework
Redundant pipework can create areas where water becomes stagnant and should be identified and, where appropriate, removed.
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Showers and aerosols
Showers can create tiny water droplets which can potentially be inhaled, making them an important part of a water system assessment.
Protecting people, not just properties
Ultimately, Legionella management is about people.
Tenants, employees, customers, visitors and members of the public may all potentially be exposed to water systems in buildings. Some people are more vulnerable to serious illness, including older people, smokers and those with certain underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Taking sensible steps to understand and control your water system helps reduce unnecessary risk and provides reassurance that the system is being properly looked after.
Don't leave water safety to chance
Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, letting agent, business owner or property manager, understanding your hot and cold-water system is an important part of responsible property maintenance.
At Wight Hot, our team can help you understand your system, identify potential areas of concern and advise on appropriate measures to help keep your water system safe. If you're unsure about your property's Legionella risk, get in touch, and we can discuss what may be appropriate for your property or premises.
