Water quality in the property
It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that the good quality of water is also maintained in the property's water system. The water users can ensure the quality of the water, for their own part, by running water if necessary.
Running water
Run the water if the water has been standing in the water pipes for several hours.
- Nickel, lead and copper can dissolve in the water from the metal water pipes and faucets on the property. New plumbing fixtures can also dissolve metals. Running the water removes possible harmful metal concentrations.
- Even the quality of cold water can deteriorate if it stands for a long time in the property's water pipes. If the smell or taste of the water becomes musty, this is an indicatation of a reduced quality. It is good to run the water to get rid of standing water.
The water used for drinking and cooking must be cold. The water should only be taken from the tap when it is cool and the temperature has stabilized. If running the water does not improve the quality of the water, contact the maintenance company or the property manager, who will investigate what kind of water is entering the building.
Long absence from the property
It is especially important to consider the water quality after a long absence, for example when returning from a vacation. When commissioning unused or little-used buildings or facilities, it is important to consider the following measures:
- Empty the properties' own water tanks and refill them. Heat the water in the water heater to at least 60 degrees before other measures.
- Run both cold and warm water from all water points for at least 2 minutes. Warm water must reach a temperature of at least 50 degrees, preferably over 55 degrees.
- In order for the property's entire water pipe to be rinsed, start running water from the faucet closest to the water meter and proceed systematically from there to the furthest away faucet.
- Continue running the water until any musty odour or noticeable colour disappears and the water becomes clear.
- In the cold water system, you can feel the temperature equalization and cooling with your finger.
- Check that the property's water meter shut-off valve has not started to leak. Ensure the functioning of the property's own water treatment equipment, such as toilet bowls.
When reopening the premises, taking care of sufficiently hot (at least 55 °C) and sufficiently cold (below 20 °C) water is particularly important to minimize the possible danger caused by Legionella bacteria.
Legionella bacteria, which generally occur in small quantities in the environment, can also end up (in small quantities) in water systems - if the water stands for a long time in warm conditions that are suitable for bacteria to multiply, the concentration of bacteria can increase to a level that is harmful to health. Removing the shower heads from the showers while running water reduces the formation of aerosols, which also reduces the potential danger caused by Legionella bacteria.