{"id":2574,"date":"2023-01-24T12:53:58","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T12:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thame.net\/discover\/?p=2574"},"modified":"2023-01-31T11:27:56","modified_gmt":"2023-01-31T11:27:56","slug":"how-often-do-you-clean-your-water-tank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thame.net\/discover\/how-often-do-you-clean-your-water-tank\/","title":{"rendered":"How often do you clean your water tank?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you live in an older house, of which there are many in Thame, then it\u2019s possible you have a traditional gravity-fed hot and cold water system – including header tanks. Header tanks are the water tanks you usually find up in your loft. These tanks contain cold water which feeds directly into your hot water cylinder and sometimes feed your cold taps in the bathroom and toilets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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If these tanks are not properly maintained, then Legionnaires\u2019 disease is a real risk within your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tanks in the loft can easily slip our minds when it comes to home maintenance – even though there\u2019s a risk that contamination of your water can make you sick. And if you have a water leak, then the damage to your property could land you with a costly repair.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keeping your water clean and safe through tank care<\/b><\/h2>\n

Aside from the obvious reasons to maintain your header tank, there are significant health benefits to ensuring the tank is kept clean. As we know, loft areas often act as a warm and safe space for rats, mice, squirrels, birds, bees, wasps and many other creatures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And what do these animals need other than food and warmth while in your loft? Water!<\/span><\/p>\n

If your header tank does not have a fully fitted lid which is fitted securely, then your loft visitors can fall into the tank and cause nasty contamination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several waterborne bacteria e.g. Legionnaires\u2019 disease which can cause harm to humans if they are exposed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Legionella bacteria (which is the bacteria that causes legionnaires\u2019 disease needs 3 things to grow:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Warm water\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Nutrient (scale, sludge, or organic matter)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Stagnation (water that does not move).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If anyone of these applies, then Legionella bacteria can grow, and potential infect your water system.\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n

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    What is Legionnaire\u2019s disease?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria including the most serious Legionnaires’ disease, as well as the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, and everyone is susceptible to infection. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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    The risk increases with age, but some people are at higher risk including:<\/span><\/p>\n