Steps To Better Health at Home in 2021

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic that spread internationally last year, many lessons have been learned about how we protect ourselves, our communities and the things we value most. As well as staying at home more often, we have been more aware than ever of the importance of keeping ourselves and our surfaces clean.

We cannot underestimate the importance of clean water in this; but how clean is our water, anyway? Does our plumbing system make a difference and if it does, what can we do about it? Here are some of the steps you can take to access better health at home.

Step 1 - Step up Your Water Intake

You may have heard we need 6-8 glasses of water today to maintain ourselves. This is because water makes up around 60% of our bodies. Water provides many important functions, such as regulating temperature, and it helps blood circulation to the muscles. Hydration is also good for our mental health, providing us with energy to live better.

This year, remember to stay hydrated by consuming clean water, daily. 

Step 2 - Know the Signs of Clean Water

Here is a simple way to assess the quality of your water at home. If you notice any changes, consult a plumbing expert as you may need to consider a change to your piping system. At first, a glass of water or a shower head when switched on, looks completely normal. Here are some of the things you may find if you look closer.

• Cloudiness in your glass - this could be a sign of pathogens or chemicals

• A ‘slimy’ sensation on the hands - this often indicates higher than normal levels of calcium

• A bleach-like odour  - could mean dangerously high levels of chlorine

• A metallic or salty taste - often indicates a low pH level

It’s important to know what your piping system is doing to your water supply, to cause such effects as these. Ultimately, everything your water touches has an effect. Here’s the effect FlowGuard CPVC has on your water supply at home.

Step 3 - Plumbing Pipes - Know the Difference

FlowGuard CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is a chlorinated polymer, built for surface strength and resistance to naturally occuring corrosion, commonly found in plumbing pipes. Pipe smoothness is a big factor in FlowGuard CVPC’s performance.

The pipe’s internal surface smoothness creates an environment which is unsuitable for biofilm: it makes it difficult for biofilm to attach to, grow and multiply, minimising risk of legionella, e-coli, pseudomonas and other pathogens and bacteria.

Let’s compare this to another pipe material, common in domestic plumbing: PPr pipes. Since the installation with heat welding process, an internal bead is created, an uneven surface where biofilm can easily attach and develop.The inner surface of PPR pipework is also susceptible to chlorine based corrosion over time, creating gauges where biofilm can continue to adhere and grow.  

The lack of internal smoothness also limits the performance of  PPR pipes, reducing the water flow. 

Internal bead caused by heat welding in PPR pipes

(source: https://www.flowguard.com/en-afr/advantages/ppr-vs-cpvc)

Step 4 - Access Better Water at Home

With a renewed emphasis on minimising the spread of germs in the home, it is clear that a strong line of defence is the plumbing system itself. With clean water, comes cleaner homes and healthier bodies.

FlowGuard® CPVC is engineered for the cleanest water supply possible, for as long as possible, in homes, schools and hospitals. 

To find out more, watch our video, Water Safety at Home.

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