Recommissioning Water Systems in Commercial and Industrial Facilities

When water systems have been idle or at minimum capacity for an extended time, health safety issues may arise. The combination of stagnant water in piping, tanks, and valves can cause biological, mechanical, and chemical issues with systems. This is an important safety consideration for all facilities, including hotels, office buildings, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, and industrial plants.

Proper recommissioning of your facility’s water systems is vital for protecting health and safety against risks. Industrial Water Solutions can help. Contact us at 800-820-9021 or info@industrialh2osolutions.com.

Biological Issues with Facility Water Systems and Industrial Water Equipment:

Starting up systems without proper recommissioning can lead to dangerous waterborne diseases. There are three key risk factors for waterborne bacteria that can encourage growth:

• Stagnant water – Stagnant water fosters optimal conditions for biofilm growth. Biofilm is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
• Temperature– As water sits in pipes it often gets warmer, especially in mechanical and boiler rooms. These temperature changes increase biological growth in water systems.
• Disinfectant Loss – As water sits over time the disinfectants like chlorine begin to wear off. As these chemicals lose their potency, water is more likely to grow bacteria.
• Scale and Sediment – Scale and sediment provide a surface that allows for easier growth of biofilm and bacteria.

Mechanical Issues in Facility Water Systems and Industrial Water Equipment:

Water systems being shut down for an extended time are also more susceptible to leaks and failures. Here are some reasons why:

• Valves on industrial softeners and filters get stuck – All industrial water softeners and filters have valves that will open and close during regeneration and when they alternate from service to standby. When these valves have been either open or closed for an extended period of time, it is more likely for them to stay that way and not want to actuate when called for. Over time, water scaling can form on these valves and pistons in the equipment. If major scaling does occur the valve will be stuck in the position it is in. This can cause the system to have a poor regeneration leading to hard water throughout the building. In a worst-case scenario, when the softener alternates, water can be completely shut off to the entire facility. Similarly, it is also important to check the mechanics of the system to make sure that controls are working.
• Industrial Softener and Filter Leaks on 0-rings, seals, and fixtures – Throughout your building, the chance of scale formation on your fixtures is elevated as well as the chance for leaks.

Chemical Issues in Facility Water Systems and Industrial Water Equipment:

It is critical to sanitize and flush systems and piping to keep staff, clients, and patients safe because:

• Chemicals can leach – Stagnating water leaches materials from the piping systems and this leaching is a function of time. Of particular concern are copper and lead levels in water.  No amount of lead is considered acceptable in water. Action levels are often 5 -15 ppb of lead in the water where the EPA has set maximum contaminant level of copper at 1.3 mg/L

How Do I Recommission My Facility’s Water Systems and Equipment?

Recommissioning your commercial or industrial water systems requires specific, expert knowledge. This includes technical areas such as industrial water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, deionization systems, or industrial filters. Contact us at 800-820-9021 or info@industrialh2osolutions.com with your questions.

Industrial Water Solutions (IWS) services and sells industrial water systems including industrial water softeners, industrial reverse osmosis, industrial UV water systems. We also provide industrial water equipment repair service and preventative maintenance both in the Midwest and throughout the U.S.

Contact us at 800-820-9021 or info@industrialh2osolutions.com for a quote or service.