Disinfecting water system pipes involves using a sanitizing solution, such as an approved plumbing disinfectant or a specific bleach and water mixture, and running it through the entire pipe network.
Ensuring your water system pipes are properly disinfected is a crucial step for maintaining water quality, especially after repairs, installation of new components, or periods of disuse.
Why Disinfect Your Pipes?
Over time, bacteria or other microorganisms can grow inside water pipes, potentially affecting the safety and taste of your water. Disinfection helps eliminate these contaminants, ensuring the water flowing from your taps is clean and safe.
Choosing a Disinfecting Solution
According to guidelines, you can choose a disinfecting solution approved for plumbing systems or create a mixture of water and bleach.
- Approved Plumbing Disinfectants: These products are specifically formulated for use in potable water systems and come with instructions for proper application and dilution.
- Bleach Mixture: A common method is to use household bleach. The reference states you should mix 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. It's important to use regular, unscented household bleach (typically 5-6% sodium hypochlorite).
The Disinfection Process
Once you have your chosen disinfecting solution, follow these general steps to disinfect your water system pipes:
- Prepare the System: Turn off the main water supply to the building. Drain the pipes completely by opening all faucets.
- Introduce the Disinfectant: Introduce the disinfecting solution into the system. For a well system, you might pour the solution directly into the well casing. For a municipal water connection, you might need a temporary connection point or pour it into accessible plumbing lines (like through a toilet tank or hot water tank inlet, after draining). Ensure enough solution is prepared to fill the pipes.
- Run the Solution: Run the solution through the pipes by opening each faucet for a few minutes. Start with the faucet closest to where the solution was introduced and work your way to the farthest one. This ensures the solution reaches all parts of the system, including both hot and cold water lines. You should smell the disinfectant (like chlorine) at each faucet.
- Allow Contact Time: Once the solution is throughout the system, close all faucets and allow the disinfectant to remain in the pipes. While the provided reference doesn't specify contact time, standard practice often recommends letting the solution sit for at least a few hours (e.g., 4-24 hours) to ensure effective killing of bacteria.
- Flush the System: After the contact time, open all faucets again and flush the system thoroughly with clean water until the disinfectant smell is gone. This might take a significant amount of water. Ensure both hot and cold lines are flushed.
- Restore Water Supply: Once the system is fully flushed and the water is clear and odorless, you can turn the main water supply back on completely.
Important Note: Always follow the specific instructions provided with any commercial disinfecting product you use. If using the bleach method, handle bleach with care in a well-ventilated area and avoid mixing it with other chemicals.
Disinfecting your pipes periodically helps maintain the health and safety of your home's water supply.
