Regular faucet flushing is critical for maintaining water safety. Without it, stagnant water, biofilm, and debris can accumulate inside pipes, increasing the risk of waterborne contamination and potentially exposing patients and staff to harmful bacteria such as Legionella.

Many faucets contain flow regulators at the base of the spout. While these devices reduce water usage, they can also trap debris that impacts water quality.

Before flushing, carefully remove any flow regulators located at the base of the spout, or laminar flow devices installed at the spout end, and set it aside. This ensures that water can flow freely and flush the system effectively.

Next, cycle the angle stops that aren’t frozen to exercise the seats and remove calcium deposits. This step helps confirm the valves are functional and can be shut off when needed. Make sure they’re fully open before conducting the “super flush.”

Run water through both the hot and cold lines. This helps flush out any sediment, biofilm, or stagnant water that may have built up in the system. Skipping this step could result in insufficient water flow and unsafe conditions.

Allow water to run until it flows clear. Clear water indicates that debris and contaminants have been removed from the line. This is an essential part of faucet flushing in healthcare facilities, helping to ensure clean and safe water for use in patient care areas.

After flushing, it’s important to replace or install a laminar flow device at the end of the faucet spout. Skipping this step can lead to splashing and improper water flow.

A non-aerating laminar flow device helps:

• Maintain efficient water flow
• Reduce splashing
• Discourage calcium buildup
• Limit exposure to airborne contaminants

Regular faucet flushing and component maintenance are crucial for healthcare water management. By making this a routine practice, hospitals can:

• Maintain high water quality

• Prevent the growth of bacteria, including Legionella

• Promote a safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors

Water Saver Solutions and FixtureCare offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of hospitals. Our approach integrates water efficiency, healthcare compliance, and patient safety to deliver measurable improvements across your facility. From reducing waterborne risks to optimizing system performance, we help healthcare teams achieve operational excellence with confidence.