How and When to Chlorinate Your Supply Pipe
Chlorinating your supply pipe is essential for ensuring the water quality of your system is safe and compliant with UK standards. Whether you are installing new pipework, maintaining an existing system, or suspect contamination, understanding the how and when of chlorination can help protect both public health and your water infrastructure.
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In this guide, we’ll explain the process, when chlorination is required, and why it’s crucial for maintaining water safety. We’ll also discuss a recent case study to highlight how our team ensures quality chlorination and sampling for our clients.
What is Chlorination of Supply Pipes?
Chlorination is a method of disinfecting water pipes by introducing a chlorine solution into the system. This process eliminates harmful bacteria and contaminants, ensuring that water remains safe for use.
Chlorination is particularly important for supply pipes—those that deliver water from the main distribution system to buildings—as they can be susceptible to contamination during installation, repair, or periods of inactivity.
Chlorination is more than just a safety measure; it’s a regulatory requirement for many situations, ensuring compliance with UK water safety standards such as BS 8558:2011.
When is Chlorination of Supply Pipes Required?
Chlorinating your supply pipe is mandatory in several circumstances to ensure water quality. These include:
New Pipework Installation
When installing new supply pipes, particularly those over 50mm in internal diameter or longer than 50 metres, chlorination is required before the system can be used.
Suspected Contamination
If there’s been potential exposure to contaminants such as sewage, animal intrusion, or chemical spills, chlorination is essential to disinfect the pipework.
Long-Standing Inactivity
Pipes that have not been used for a long time may develop biofilms, which harbour bacteria such as Legionella. Chlorination removes these potential hazards before the system is brought back online.
Switching from Private to Public Water Supply
Transitioning from a private water supply to a public one requires chlorination to ensure the safety of the newly connected system.
Post-Repair or Maintenance Work
If your supply pipe has undergone any repairs or modifications, chlorination should be performed to prevent contamination from external elements introduced during the work.
Failure to chlorinate under these conditions could result in unsafe water, posing health risks and potential legal consequences for non-compliance. If you’re in need of pipe testing services, or need pipelines chlorinating then look no further than PTS – get in touch today!
The Chlorination Process: Step-by-Step
- System Flushing - Before chlorination begins, the supply pipe is flushed with clean water to remove any debris or contaminants. This ensures that the chlorination process is as effective as possible.
- Chlorine Introduction - A chlorine solution (at least 50mg/L concentration) is then introduced into the pipe. This solution circulates through the system to disinfect every section.
- Contact Time - The chlorinated water is allowed to sit in the pipe for a minimum of one hour. This contact time ensures the chlorine can kill any microorganisms or pathogens present.
- Chlorine Residual Testing - After the contact time, the chlorine levels are tested to ensure they meet the required concentration. If the chlorine has dissipated, the process may need to be repeated.
- Flushing the System - Once the chlorine has done its job, the system is thoroughly flushed with clean water to remove any remaining chlorine.
- Sampling and Testing - Water samples are taken to confirm that the water is safe for consumption. These samples are tested for bacteria, chlorine residuals, and other water quality parameters.
- Certification - Upon successful testing, a chlorination certificate is issued, which is often a regulatory requirement before the system can be used.
It’s vital to work with professionals like us at Pipe Testing Services (PTS) who are trained in pipework chlorination methods compliant with BS 8558 standards. We’ll offer you a cost-effective solution, and can deal with any problems or issues you may be having with your water supply, or newly installed pipework.
Case Study: Chlorinating and Sampling for an SLP Customer
At PTS, we recently completed a large-scale chlorination and sampling project for one of our regular Self-Lay Provider (SLP) clients. The project involved pressure testing, chlorinating, and sampling over 150 metres of 125mm and 63mm mains.
Our Approach
- Pressure Testing: We began by performing hydrostatic pressure testing to confirm the structural integrity of the pipes before chlorination. This step helped identify any potential weak spots.
- Chlorination and Sampling: After isolating the pipe sections, we introduced a controlled chlorine solution to disinfect the system. This process was carefully monitored to maintain optimal chlorine levels and ensure the system was fully disinfected. Once the chlorination was complete, we flushed the system and took samples to verify the water quality.
Outcome
Thanks to our rigorous procedures and state-of-the-art equipment, the project was completed to the highest standards, ensuring the safety of the water supply and compliance with UK regulations. Our client was pleased with the quick turnaround and the reliability of the chlorination process.
For a detailed breakdown of this project, visit our dedicated case study page.
Why Choose PTS for Chlorinating Your Supply Pipe?
At PTS, we are specialists in water safety, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure your system is clean, safe, and fully compliant with UK standards. Our chlorination services come with:
- Experienced Technicians – Our technicians are trained in the latest chlorination techniques and regulations to provide reliable and efficient services.
- Compliance with UK Regulations – We ensure that all chlorination work adheres to BS 8558:2011 and other relevant UK regulations, offering peace of mind that your system is safe and compliant.
- Quick Turnaround – Our team understands that project timelines are crucial to success, without proper organisation, complex jobs can quickly become a lengthy process. Our streamlined chlorination process ensures rapid completion without compromising on quality.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with chlorination regulations can lead to severe consequences, including:
Refusal of Water Supply Connection
Without proper chlorination and certification, local water authorities can deny connection to the public water system.
Fines and Legal Penalties
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and other UK laws require chlorination in certain scenarios. Failure to comply may result in hefty fines or legal action.
Health Hazards
Contaminated water poses significant public health risks, including the potential spread of waterborne diseases like Legionella or E. coli. Ensuring compliance protects the safety of those using the water system.
Ensure Water Quality with Pipe Testing Services
For reliable and compliant chlorination of your supply pipe, trust PTS to handle the entire process from start to finish. Our expert team ensures that your water system is safe, certified, and meets all UK standards.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist
Phone – 01922 451646
Email – enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk
Address – Unit 27 Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 0DJ