Introduction
Legionella is a water-borne bacteria that can cause a serious form of pneumonia, called Legionnaires’ Disease. This contagious disease is spread through inhalation of aerosolized contaminated water or through contact with contaminated water droplets. It is typically found in water sources such as showers, hot tubs, fountains, and cooling towers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 8,000 to 18,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ Disease each year.
In addition to Legionella, there are a number of other water-bourne diseases that can be contracted through contact with contaminated water. These include Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. coli, and other viruses and bacteria.
Shower heads can become contaminated with these pathogens due to stagnant water that accumulates over time. The biofilm and bacteria can build up inside the shower head and increase the risk of contracting a water-bourne disease.
The importance of deep cleaning shower heads
Deep cleaning shower heads is an important step in preventing water-bourne diseases like Legionella. Deep cleaning involves the removal of any biofilm and bacteria buildup inside the shower head. This helps to reduce the risk of contracting a water-bourne disease.
Experts recommend deep cleaning shower heads at least once a month to prevent the buildup of bacteria and biofilm. When deep cleaning, it is important to use approved disinfectants to ensure complete removal of all pathogens.
If shower heads are not deep cleaned on a regular basis, there is an increased risk of contracting a water-bourne contagious disease like Legionella. This is because the biofilm and bacteria can accumulate in the shower head and be dispersed into the air when it is used.
Replacement of shower heads
Replacing shower heads is another important step in preventing water-bourne diseases like Legionella. Replacing old, worn-out shower heads can improve flow rates and water pressure, which can help to reduce the risk of contamination.
Experts recommend replacing shower heads at least once every 5 years to ensure optimal performance and reduce the risk of contamination. It is also important to use approved disinfectants when replacing shower heads to ensure all pathogens are removed.
If shower heads are not replaced on a regular basis, there is an increased risk of contracting a water-bourne contagious disease like Legionella. This is because old, worn-out shower heads can have lower flow rates and higher levels of contamination due to buildup of bacteria and biofilm.
Conclusion
Deep cleaning and/or replacing shower heads is an important step in preventing water-bourne contagious diseases like Legionella. Deep cleaning shower heads on a regular basis helps to remove any biofilm and bacteria buildup inside the shower head and reduce the risk of contagion. Replacing old, worn-out shower heads also helps to improve flow rates and water pressure which can help to reduce the risk of contamination.
It is recommended to deep clean shower heads at least once a month and replace them at least once every 5 years to reduce the risk of contraction of Legionella and other water-bourne contagious diseases. When deep cleaning or replacing shower heads, it is important to use approved disinfectants to ensure complete removal of all pathogens.
