Water safety

Bacteria can develop in pipes that aren't regularly flushed with water - particularly in dead-ends like showers and outside taps.

There are a few steps you can take to keep your water safe -

  • if you have a shower that isn't used regularly, run it once a week to prevent water stagnating in the pipes
  • clean your shower head every six months using disinfectant to prevent the build-up of bacteria - cleaning also removes limescale, where bacteria can breed
  • if you have an outdoor tap, run it once a week to prevent the water from stagnating in the pipes

Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaire’s disease is a serious, potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Legionella bacteria are found in the natural environment. It may contaminate and grow in water systems. This includes domestic hot and cold water systems. More information can be found on our dedicated page.

Water quality

If you are looking for information on water quality, see our water quality page.

Religious bathing

Managing moisture and preventing structural damage is important when practising religious bathing in your home -

  • ensure bathroom extractor fans are used during and for at least 20-30 minutes after washing
  • open windows after bathing, even in winter to allow steam to escape
  • wipe down surfaces (walls, bath edges and ceilings) after frequent bathing to remove condensation and prevent mould growth
  • keep doors to the rest of your home closed while bathing to prevent moisture from traveling to cooler rooms where it will cause condensation
  • use designated areas such as shower enclosures or bathtubs rather than on bathroom floors or over bathroom sinks which may not handle high volumes of water
  • utilise water containment tools such as a small bowl, mug, or handled sprayer (shattaf) which helps water flow and reduces excess water usage
  • use waterproof floor mats or trays to catch any excess water during rituals
  • keep drains clear and avoid overloading sinks or tubs to prevent backflow
  • report any leaks, running toilets, or damp patches immediately to prevent small issues from turning into major flood damage - you can contact us to arrange a repair through -
    • You can contact us to arrange a repair via
      •    the myHousing App
      •    telephone 01482 300 300