- Apex Solutions
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
Can an Empty Building Increase the Risk of Legionella?
An empty building might appear to require less maintenance, but its water system can actually need greater attention. When offices, retail units, warehouses or other commercial premises are vacant or only partially occupied, water can remain unused within pipework for extended periods.
For businesses and property managers in Rugby, Coventry, Warwickshire and surrounding areas, periods of low occupancy should therefore trigger consideration of water hygiene and Legionella risk.
What Happens to Water When a Building Isn't Being Used?
Commercial water systems are generally designed around regular usage. Taps are opened, toilets are flushed and hot water moves through the system as part of normal day-to-day activity. When that activity stops, so does much of the water movement. Water can remain sitting in tanks, pipework and individual outlets.
Temperatures can also drift into ranges favourable to bacterial growth, particularly where sections of the system aren't being regularly heated or replenished with fresh cold water. This combination of stagnation and unsuitable temperatures can create conditions in which Legionella bacteria are more likely to multiply.
It Doesn't Take a Completely Empty Building
Low occupancy can be just as relevant as complete closure. A business may have reduced its office space following a move to hybrid working. An industrial building might have an unused floor or changing room. A hotel could close rooms during quieter periods, while a commercial landlord may have units sitting vacant between tenants. Even within a busy building, individual showers, sinks and other outlets can receive very little use. These overlooked areas are important because the overall building may appear operational while parts of its water system experience prolonged stagnation.
Reopening the Doors Isn't Enough
When premises return to normal use, simply turning the taps back on doesn't necessarily mean the water system is ready. A building that has experienced an extended period of low usage may require flushing, temperature checks and inspection of its water system before normal occupation resumes. Depending on the circumstances and level of risk, sampling, testing or additional remedial measures may also be appropriate. This is where having an established Legionella control plan becomes particularly valuable. Rather than reacting after a building has already reopened, businesses can have procedures in place for managing periods of closure and returning water systems to normal operation safely.
Refurbishments Can Introduce Another Problem
Vacant periods are often used to refurbish or reconfigure commercial buildings. While convenient, changes to plumbing can alter the way water moves through a property. Old outlets may be removed, new facilities installed and sections of pipework made redundant. Poorly considered alterations can leave dead legs or little-used sections within the system where water can stagnate. A previous Legionella risk assessment may therefore no longer accurately reflect the building following significant alterations.
Managing Water Systems During Quiet Periods
The best approach is not to wait until a building is occupied again. Commercial property managers should consider how water will continue to move through the system during quieter periods. Infrequently used outlets may require a planned flushing regime, while hot and cold water temperatures should continue to be monitored where appropriate. Water storage tanks, pipework and other components also need to remain properly maintained. Accurate records provide evidence that these controls have been carried out and make it easier to identify changes or recurring problems. The appropriate measures will depend on the property and its water system, which is why a site-specific assessment is important.
Commercial Legionella Support From Apex Solutions Group
Apex Solutions Group helps businesses, landlords and commercial property managers understand and control the risks associated with their water systems. Across Rugby, Coventry, Warwickshire and surrounding areas, Apex provides Legionella risk assessments, water temperature monitoring, water sampling and testing, detailed reporting and recommendations. Where required, the team can also help establish a Legionella control plan incorporating regular monitoring and maintenance. This can be particularly valuable when premises have experienced extended closure, reduced occupancy or significant changes in how the building is being used.
Questions About Legionella and Empty Buildings
What Businesses and Property Managers Need to Know
Understanding what happens to a water system during periods of low usage can help prevent problems when premises are brought back into full operation.
Can Legionella grow in stagnant water?
Stagnation is one of the conditions that can increase Legionella risk. Water that isn't regularly moving through a system can create a more favourable environment for bacterial growth.
How long can a commercial building remain empty before Legionella becomes a concern?
There isn't a single period that applies to every property. The level of risk depends on the water system, temperatures, existing controls and how individual outlets are being managed.
Should unused taps and showers be flushed?
A planned flushing regime may form part of the control measures for infrequently used outlets. The appropriate frequency should be determined according to the property's risk assessment and water management procedures.
Does hybrid working affect Legionella risk?
Potentially. Reduced office occupancy can mean kitchens, washrooms, showers or entire sections of a building receive significantly less water usage than they previously did. Existing Legionella controls should reflect these changes.
Should a water system be tested before reopening a building?
Testing isn't automatically required in every situation. The condition of the system, duration and nature of the closure and existing risk assessment should determine what measures are appropriate before reopening.
What if a commercial property has been refurbished while empty?
Changes to plumbing, outlets or water storage can alter the property's risk profile. The Legionella risk assessment should be reconsidered where modifications may have affected the water system.
Bringing a Commercial Property Back Into Use?
If your premises have been vacant, partially occupied or recently refurbished, make sure the water system hasn't been overlooked.
Apex Solutions Group provides professional Legionella risk assessments and testing for commercial properties throughout Rugby, Coventry and Warwickshire. Arrange an assessment to identify potential issues and establish the appropriate controls before they become a bigger problem.
