What is Pipework Chlorination?
Pipework chlorination is the process of chemically disinfecting water pipes to ensure that they are safe for carrying drinking water.
If pipes are not chlorinated prior to being connected to a mains supply, any water flowing through these pipes can pick up microorganisms and contaminate the whole supply with waterborne diseases that can be harmful to humans.
To prevent this contamination, all pipes that are used for transporting drinking water should meet safety standards and best practice guidelines, such as PD 855468:2015, and Section 6.3 of BS EN 806-4.
How Does Chlorination Work?
Chlorine is an effective chemical to use for pipework disinfection as it works against pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. The chlorine attacks microorganisms by breaking down their cell membranes and moving inside the cells to disrupt their normal processes.
The Chlorination Process
Below is an outline of the Chlorination process.
The first step in the chlorination process is to flush the pipework through with clean drinking water to remove any existing debris that may be in the pipes.
Once this is complete, the system is filled up to capacity with the chlorination solution and left to work for the appropriate time. This can take around one hour, but the exact time requirements vary from site to site. Afterwards, the solution will be neutralised and disposed of safely.
Next, the system is filled to capacity with clean drinking water, and left to stand for one hour. Finally, the technician will take samples of this water, which will then be sent off for lab analysis. The laboratory will test the samples in accordance with UKAS guidelines.
Water Direct only uses UKAS accredited labs, so you can be sure that the tests will be completed according to strict standards, to ensure accuracy and validity of the results.
Once the lab results come back, Water Direct will provide a full analytical report for each of the samples. Providing the test results meet the required standards, a Chlorination Certificate will be issued, which can be given to water utility companies to prove that the system is safe for use with drinking water.
When is Pipework Chlorination Needed?
Pipework chlorination is often required during construction projects.
Pipes need to be chlorinated in a number of situations during construction work, for example prior to connecting new pipework to an existing water supply, when working on a new-build or renovation project, or when returning to a construction site after an extended period.
When connecting new pipework
From residential building projects such as housing estates and care homes, to commercial and industrial projects such as shopping centres and factories, access to water is needed in virtually every building.
When a construction project requires new pipework to be connected to the existing mains supply, the new pipework must be chlorinated and tested to prove that it is safe prior to connecting to the mains.
When working on new-build projects
All new-build properties require water pipes to be chlorinated prior to connection.
Water utility companies can ask to see your certificate of chlorination to prove that the pipework has met the relevant requirements and is safe to use.
If a satisfactory certificate is not provided, the water utility company can refuse connection, which can derail a construction project, costing both time and money.
When working on a renovation project
If the water supply has not been used for an extended period, the pipes should be chlorinated to ensure that the water remains safe.
Renovation projects on previously disused buildings will require chlorination of water pipes to remove any pathogens that may have built up over time.
When returning to a construction site
If a construction project has been put on hold and the site has not been used for 30 days or more, the pipework will need to be chlorinated to ensure that the site welfare water is safe to use.
How Water Direct can help
One of the services Water Direct offers is pipework chlorination, in compliance with BS 8558.
Once you have contacted Water Direct, you will be asked to complete a short form with a few details. We will create a quote for you, and should you wish to go ahead, we will arrange a convenient time for the chlorination to be undertaken.
If you have any questions about chlorination or any of our other services, please feel free to get in touch.
You can call us on 0345 345 1725, or send an email to enquiries@water-direct.co.uk, and a member of the team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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