Pipework Chlorination

A Step-By-Step Guide To Pipework Chlorination For Northern Ireland 

Pipework chlorination is the process of chemically disinfecting water pipes to ensure that they are safe for carrying drinking water and showers. 

Importantly, Under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009, you will be required to disinfect your pipework prior to connection. As a result, this will safeguard the water quality and public health ensuring that drinking water and showers are safe. 

It should be noted that your water connection is made within 14 calendar days of the chlorination being completed. For public health reasons NI Water MUST make the connection to the water main. 

How Do You Chlorinate Pipework? 

Step 1 – Cleanse

The first step is important to cleanse and flush any contamination that may have been introduced during the installation of the pipework. This will remove any debris and dirt. The water is flushed around the system until the supply is clear. 

Step 2 – Disinfection

Following the water pipe will now need to be filled with a disinfecting solution, for at least an hour to a minimum 50 PPM solution. At this point the water system is closed and left for the required contact time.  Obviously, this will eliminate the bacteria within the pipework.  

Step 3 – Inspect

At this stage of the process, you will need to test the level of disinfection. It is important to ensure that the level of disinfectant solution has remained at the specific concentration at each connection point.   

Step 4 – Flush

Once the pipework is disinfected the system will need to be flushed with clean drinking water. This will remove any residue of the disinfecting solution. The pipework is then again filled to capacity with clean water. 

Step 5 – Test

Subsequently it is this filled water that needs to be tested. This is the only way of assessing the level of bacteria. Microbiological water samples need to be collected and submitted to a UKAS accredited laboratory. This will confirm the chlorination has been successful. 

Step 6 – Report

And finally, upon completion the client is issued with a chlorination certificate clearly stating that the chlorination complies with the British Standard BS8558 and BSEN805 (formerly BS 6700). Appropriate for any water authority to make the connection.

To enquire about our pipework chlorination please contact us.