How clean is your shower head?
We're encouraging customers to take a few simple steps to help keep water in your home safe and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria building up in shower heads.
Legionella bacteria can sometimes develop in water that has been left sitting for long periods, particularly inside shower heads. When a shower is used, tiny water droplets can be released into the air and breathed in.
The risk of becoming ill from this in a home environment is very low, but there are some straightforward precautions you can take to reduce the risk even further.
Our top tips
We recommend cleaning and descaling your shower head at least every three months. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to do this more frequently.
A simple four-step clean is all it takes:
- Remove the shower head
- Soak it in a descaling product or white vinegar
- Scrub away any limescale and dirt
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water before reattaching it.
If your shower isn't used regularly, it's also important to run it for a few minutes each week on both the hottest and coldest settings.
When flushing through an unused shower, avoid being splashed by directing the shower hose towards the drain or covering the shower head with a plastic bag with a small opening to allow the water to flow out safely.
Need help?
If you have any questions or concerns about water safety in your home, our Customer Services team is here to help. You can contact us on 0800 013 8555 for advice and support.
You can also find further information and guidance about safe water and drainage on our website.
