What is a Calorifier and do I need to test for Legionella.

Calorifiers Which one Do You Have and does it need a Yearly Legionella Test ?

Copper, Factory Insulated, Vented Hot water cylinder. Normally only Tank fed. This needs a Legionella test every year. It also needs inspecting and draining off at the lowest level (see picture below) regularly. The expansion pipework should not be directed into the loft tank

Point Of use water heater It is mains fed. This does not need a Legionella test every as it does not store water

This is another type of Point Of Use (POU) water heater this one sits below your sink and can be mains or tank fed. It does store water. The amount of water is very small and does not need a Legionella test every year


This is another type of POU water heater. Installed above the sink It does store water but again, the amount of water is very small and does not need a Legionella test every year

This is a Combi boiler. This does not store hot water but produces it on demand. It is normally mains fed.  The water may come out  of outlets below 60oC or even 50oC. but the intensity of the gas powered heat exchanger, used to heat your water, should kill any bacteria in the water. This does not need a Legionella test every as it does not store water.

This is an Un-vented Hot water Cylinder. It is mains fed and does store water. It has a red safety valve which allows the unit to vent if required. These are normally heated by central heating system coil or electricity. They do require a yearly Legionella test.

Drain Off Tap. Used to remove sludge and scale from Calorifiers. Not always fitted. Can be old and and opening them can result in not being able to close them. Only touch if you know what your doing other wise you have been warned. 

Knowing what type of Calorifier AKA Water Heater you have will help you decide if you need a Yearly Legionella Test



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