The Habcheck Antibacterial Flush Service

Why You Should Have an Antibacterial Flush

I suspect that nothing you are about to read in this article will come as a surprise to you. It’s all common sense. If you are a seasoned motorhomer or caravanner, you will probably have experienced some of the issues discussed below yourself.

So, let’s start with a statement of the obvious: water systems in motorhomes and caravans that haven’t been used for a while suffer from a build-up of potentially harmful bacteria. Two factors contribute to the amount of microbial build-up: the length of time the water system remains unused and the age of the motorhome or caravan.

The importance of this obvious statement is that such microbial build-ups can be a hazard to your health.

The Dangers That Lurk in Your Water System

Many of us have experienced slightly cloudy or mildly strange smelling water coming from the taps in our motorhomes or caravans. Many of us have also had a dicky tummy or been unwell whilst away. But are the two connected?

Well finally, we have some academic research on the subject. Professor Ibrahim Banat of the University of Ulster has recently carried out some research into microbial build-up in the water systems of motorhomes and caravans.

The research and subsequent report are extensive, but he concluded that: “Microbial counts in the water system of caravans which have not been in active use for some time may contain significant microbial load. This can represent a health hazard for drinking, washing fresh fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth or simply washing.”

Again, this probably won’t come as a surprise to you. But what can you do about it?

The Solution to the Problem

Regular use and drain downs of the water system do help. However, Professor Banat’s research showed that this only slowed the build-up of microbial counts. It didn’t stop or reverse the build-up of harmful bacteria.

Helpfully, as part of his research, Professor Banat then went on to carry out tests on purging the water systems on a number of caravans and measuring the results. And thankfully, there is a solution to the problem.

The report concludes “…the application of a complete sparging system such as the Floë system ensures the reduction of microbial load by >99% which would be of great health benefit to users. It would also disrupt biofilms formation minimising long term effects of microbial presence on the inner plastic tubing of caravans and mobile homes…”

The Habcheck Antibacterial Flush Service

Habcheck have also concluded that the Floe drainage system is the most effective way to maintain a clean and safe water system in your motorhome or caravan. Consequently, we use it as part of our Antibacterial Flush service. The service includes a complete purge of your water system which, as the research shows, removes over 99% of the harmful bacteria in the system. Other benefits include removing sediment from your boiler and if you have it done at the same time as our winterisation service, it can prevent frost damage.

We can provide an Antibacterial Flush as a standalone service, or as an add-on to your habitation check or caravan service as a discounted price.

What to Do Next

To find out more about maintaining a hygienic water system and pricing, call us on 0800 1114299 or email us here.