Water that has remained within a system of pipes over an extended period of time, will become unsafe for consumption making it important to clean and sterilise the water system regularly.
When a water system is left unused for a long time, harmful bacteria can build up in the pipe work and in the water supply. Over time water can become contaminated by particles of dust, dirt, debris and other types of material which accumulate. These can allow mould and harmful bacteria such as legionella, to generate. Biofilm often forms on stagnant water or in small patches on pipe surfaces, it consists of microorganisms that are contained within a type of film – these form on surfaces that come into contact with water; Biofilm is responsible for a wide range of water quality problems and in some cases causes serious health problems.
Stagnant water often has a foul taste or smell making it easier to identify, although this is not always the case. Water with no discernible odour or discolouration may still be unsafe for consumption or for use in bathing and cooking.
Therefore, cleaning the water system, including any pipes or storage tanks, is an essential part of domestic water hygiene. Regular sterilisation will ensure that any contaminants are removed from the system and that it is safe and clean.
At the end of the season, it is important to drain down the static caravan, this involves disconnecting the water supply from the mains and removing all of the remaining water from the system, including the pipes, water tank and cistern.
Draining down ensures that no water is left in the system, reducing the risk of stagnant water remaining in the system and become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria to develop in the pipes and tanks; it also protects the pipes from cracking during periods of very cold weather where the water inside the pipes freezes and expands causing the pipes to burst.
At the beginning of the new season, the water system will need to be cleaned and sterilised. Whilst it remained unused, it may not have completely dried out and areas of biofilm could have potentially formed on damp stops within the pipe work. Dust and debris may also have worked their way into the pipes – making it important to thoroughly flush out the system before use. Sterilising the water is a relatively straightforward task, provided it was correctly drained down at the end of the previous season.
To Sterilise your water system, follow these simple steps:
Cleaning the water system is the best way to avoid any potential health risks and is also an important part of general static caravan maintenance, helping to keep your static caravan in tip top conditions.
Our static caravan holiday park is situated in the picturesque Mid Wales countryside, surrounded by beautiful forests and countryside and located within easy reach of a variety of leisure activities. We offer a range of new and used static caravans for sale at various price points to suit all budgets. For more information on our services or on the management of static caravans, get in touch today.
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