As did Horne surface mounted shower panels – in particular for the integrity of each design and also their ease of installation, use and maintenance.
Horne were also able to meet with many existing customers and received their very positive feedback regarding their experience of the Horne products.
A number of our discussions, with current customers and new enquirers, included the topic of tap/shower outlet fittings and their vulnerability to bacterial colonisation and environmental contamination. To prevent the proliferation of Legionella and other pathogens, Horne recommend regular use of the outlet, periodic pipe work flushing at high velocity to remove excess biofilm, regular and appropriate cleaning of the outlet fitting and thermal disinfection. Discussions also alerted them to the common misconception that shower and tap outlets should drain down following usage to reduce the risk of exposure to Legionella. However, studies have found that the self-drain feature actually exacerbates the incidence of Legionella in the fitting and is, therefore, no longer recommended in the Healthcare Regulations (HTM 04-01 and L8 ACOP):
‘Automatic drain valves fitted to showers to drain the mixer valve and shower hose after use can produce conditions within the shower that support the growth of Legionella, and are not recommended as a method for controlling the risk of exposure to Legionella.’ L8, Legionnaires’ Disease – The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems, Approved Code of Practice, HSE (2000)
Horne's understanding of the process at work here is that when the outlet (tap or shower) drains down, the warm, dark and moist environment of the spout or shower head fills with air – providing additional oxygen for bacterial growth - from the local environment. In addition, it is highly likely that the local air is also contaminated with various bacteria - airborne or carried on dust particles. The recently vacated outlet fitting provides a warm, dark and damp environment which, in the presence of increased availability of oxygen, becomes an ideal environment for bacterial proliferation.
In the case of tap outlets, the proximity of the basin trap and the general reduction in cold water turnover (reducing flow rates for BREEAM scores and as a consequence of increasing use of alcohol hand gels), can have a detrimental effect on water quality and it is therefore vitally important to remove self draining and infrequently used outlets and simultaneously increase the turnover of cold water at the remaining outlets.
The Horne Optitherm thermostatic tap is both a mixed water tap (controlled by the integral thermostatic mixing valve) and also a dedicated cold water tap – every operation, either for mixed or cold water delivery will draw cold water to drain and completely exchange the retained water. Its outlet fitting serves to regulate and condition the water flow to a comfortable rate without the production of aerosols and also to prevent the spout draining down on tap closure. The outlet fitting is also removable for regular cleaning and flushing.
