Water safety
Severn Trent Water is responsible for ensuring your water supply is safe to use, but there are also things you can do to protect yourself from harmful bacteria.
Hot and cold water systems
Bacteria breeds at lower temperatures. To help prevent the build-up of bacteria, combi boilers, electric multi-point water heaters and domestic hot water cylinders should always be set to a minimum of 60 degrees. After returning home from a long period away, you should flush out any bacteria. You can do this by heating up your water heating system to the normal temperature, turning on any hot taps and showers, and letting the water run for at least five minutes. Cold taps should be flushed until the water runs cold.
Keep your taps and showers clean
Keep taps and showers clean by wiping them down with an anti-bacterial wipe or an anti-bacterial spray every two to three months. For shower heads, soaking it in a bleach solution and scrubbing it with a nylon brush works even better. Please remember to wear gloves.
Outside taps and other appliances
If you fit an outside tap, please make sure it is fitted with a double-check valve to prevent backflow. We also recommend you buy from a reputable company. Not all appliances are suitable for use inside the home; if in doubt, please ask before you buy.
Water filters
If you filter your water, please remember to change the filter cartridge on a regular basis. The filter will come with instructions advising you how often to do this.
Immersion heaters
If your water is heated by an immersion heater, please look out for any warning signs that there may be a problem. These include:
- excessively hot water from your taps
- lots of noise or gurgling from your hot water cylinder
- hot water running from cold taps
- steam or moisture in the roof space