Living and Dining Room
Cutlery
- Sales
- Novelties
- Last chance
Bathroom and wellness
Bathroom furniture and mirrors
- Novelties
Kitchen
Collections
ProfessionalsShowrooms & Dealers
Shower was not used for a long time
If the shower is not used for a long time, legionella can develop. We provide tips on what to do in this case.
Contents
At a glance
When water stagnates, germs develop.
Legionella can transmit diseases - so kill them off.
AntiBac from Villeroy & Boch provides lasting protection against bacteria.
Risks of prolonged non-use of the shower
If a shower is not used for a long time, germs develop that can be harmful to your health. This is because the water stagnates in the pipes during this time. This provides the ideal breeding ground for various bacteria. If the water is flowing, the bacteria have no opportunity to multiply as the pipes are constantly flushed. Stagnation and therefore bacterial infestation occur in both cold and hot water pipes.
What is legionella?
Legionella are bacteria that are found in bodies of water. The ideal breeding ground for these germs is temperatures between 25 and 45 degrees Celsius, which is why legionella bacteria are often found in hot water pipes. If the shower is not used for a longer period of time, the water stands in the pipes. In Germany, the water temperature is usually ideal for bacteria such as legionella to multiply.
At what temperature can legionella be killed?
As legionella prefer a water temperature between 25 and 45 degrees, you can prevent them from multiplying by increasing the water temperature. If you want to kill legionella, run the water as hot as possible. Bacterial growth is stopped at a water temperature of 60 degrees and above, and the bacteria are reliably killed at 70 degrees. Run the water as hot as possible for about two minutes to kill legionella and then reduce the temperature as required.
Preventive measures for legionella prevention
Run the water in the shower for a few minutes at least every three days to flush the pipes.
Turn off unused taps so that no standing water collects in the pipe.
Insulate cold water pipes so that the water in them does not heat up to over 25 degrees Celsius.
Germ-free bathroom thanks to AntiBac technology
Villeroy & Boch's AntiBac technology reduces bacterial growth on toilets and washbasins by 99.9 per cent. This innovative solution ensures a more hygienic bathroom and offers effective protection against infections.