Recommissioning a Commercial Water System
You’ve just taken over the lease on a new commercial property; perhaps a bar, a care home, or a small business unit. Before you can open your doors to the public, one of the most important safety checks is on the water system. If a building has been inactive for an extended period, the stagnant water in its pipes and tanks can become a serious health hazard.
Simply flushing the taps is not enough. A formal recommissioning process is essential to protect your staff and customers and to ensure you comply with UK health and safety regulations. At Pipe Testing Services (PTS), we guide businesses through this process every week. This guide explains the key steps you need to take.
The Hidden Risks in Stagnant Water Systems
When water sits unused in pipes, it creates the perfect environment for biofilm—a slimy layer of microorganisms—to develop. Within this biofilm, dangerous bacteria like Legionella can multiply to dangerous levels. The Health and Safety Executive’s ACOP L8 guidance makes it clear that building owners have a legal duty to manage this risk. A thorough recommissioning process is the definitive way to do this.
A 4-Step Checklist for Water System Recommissioning
To ensure your property’s water is safe and compliant, we follow a proven, four-step process.
Step 1: Conduct a Legionella Risk Assessment
This is the mandatory first step. Before any cleaning or disinfection work begins, a competent person must survey the water system to identify potential hazards.
- The Service: A professional Legionella Risk Assessment.
- The Goal: The assessment will identify high-risk areas, such as cold water storage tanks, dead legs in the pipework, or infrequently used outlets (like shower heads), that require specific attention.
Step 2: Clean and Disinfect Water Storage Tanks
If your property has a cold water storage tank, it is the most likely source of contamination and must be addressed first.
- The Service: Water Tank Cleaning and Chlorination.
- The Goal: The tank must be physically drained, meticulously cleaned to remove all sediment and biofilm, and then the internal surfaces are disinfected with a chlorine solution.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Disinfection
Once the main storage is clean, the entire hot and cold water distribution network needs to be disinfected.
- The Service: Chlorination Services.
- The Goal: We flush the entire system, from the tank to every last tap and outlet, with a chlorinated solution. This is held for a specified contact time to kill any bacteria that may be lurking in the pipework.
Step 4: Provide Proof of Compliance
After the disinfection is complete, you need formal documentation to prove the process was successful and that the system is safe to use.
- The Service: Issuing Chlorination Certificates Explained in detail on our dedicated page, followed by verification sampling.
- The Goal: A certificate provides a legal record of the disinfection. For high-risk properties like care homes, a post-disinfection water sample is often taken and sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory to provide impartial scientific proof that the water is free from harmful bacteria.
Don't Forget Your Other Pipe Systems
While domestic hot and cold water systems are the priority for Legionella, other pipework in a commercial building may also need attention after a period of inactivity. We are often asked about assessing the integrity of commercial heating pipework (LTHW). If you have concerns about the condition of these systems, you can learn more in our Guide to Testing Different Pipe Systems.
Choosing the Right Partner for a Safe Opening
Recommissioning your new property’s water system is a critical step in preparing for a safe and compliant opening. Choosing a specialist contractor like Pipe Testing Services means you get:
- A Complete Solution: We handle everything from the initial risk assessment to the final certificate, providing a seamless and efficient service.
- Expert Advice from the Start: Our experienced team can guide you on the specific requirements for your type of business, whether it's a bar, a care home, or a small office.
- Peace of Mind: You get a reliable, professional service with the formal documentation needed to prove you have met your health and safety obligations.
To discuss your requirements, schedule a consultation, or request a quote, please contact us at:
- Phone: 01922 451646
- Email: enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk
- Address: Unit 27 Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 0DJ
Recommissioning FAQs
How long does the recommissioning process take?
For a small-to-medium commercial property, the on-site cleaning and disinfection can often be completed in a single day. However, if water samples are required, the final laboratory results can take 3-5 working days to come back.
Is this legally required for a small business?
Yes. Under UK health and safety law, all business owners and landlords have a duty of care to ensure their water systems are safe. For properties with stored water or those open to the public, a formal recommissioning process after a period of inactivity is considered a key part of fulfilling that duty.
What happens if a high Legionella count is found?
If a risk assessment or a previous test has identified Legionella, the cleaning and disinfection process is mandatory. Our expert Legionella Contractors can manage this as a full remedial action.
Can I do this myself?
Due to the use of hazardous chemicals, the need for specialist equipment, and the requirement for compliant documentation, this work should always be carried out by trained and competent professionals.