Shower heads are almost continuously wet, and can become a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria, including Legionella. When in use, they also produce aerosols, which are the primary means by which Legionella bacteria is transmitted.
Legionella shower head cleaning and descaling is the process of dismantling and treating shower heads using anti-bacterial, anti-limescale chemicals. The treatment dissolves limescale, kills bacterial growth, including Legionella, and removes any biofilms.
Shower heads are almost continuously wet, and can become a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria, including Legionella. When in use, they also produce aerosols, which are the primary means by which Legionella bacteria is transmitted.
Legionella shower head cleaning and descaling is the process of dismantling and treating shower heads using anti-bacterial, anti-limescale chemicals. The treatment dissolves limescale, kills bacterial growth, including Legionella, and removes any biofilms.
Cleaning and descaling shower heads is a crucial Legionella control measure for two main reasons: occupant safety and legal compliance. Untreated shower heads can harbour biofilms and foster bacterial growth, including Legionella, which can pose a serious risk to building occupants.
In order to control Legionella, shower head clean and descale processes should be a regular part of your control scheme, as laid out in HSG274 and ACOP L8. Failure to take suitable action to control Legionella hazards could put you, as a duty holder or responsible person, in breach of legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act and regulations such as COSHH.
Cleaning and descaling shower heads is a crucial Legionella control measure for two main reasons: occupant safety and legal compliance. Untreated shower heads can harbour biofilms and foster bacterial growth, including Legionella, which can pose a serious risk to building occupants.
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HSG274 recommends that shower heads be cleaned and descaled “Quarterly or as indicated by the rate of fouling or other risk factors, e.g. areas with high-risk patients”.
So, you should have your shower heads cleaned and descaled at least once a quarter, unless your Legionella risk assessment indicates it needs doing more often or your premises are a healthcare facility or care home. In any case, the best way to find out how often you need to arrange for Legionella shower head cleaning and descaling is to book a Legionella risk assessment.
To ensure effective, compliant treatment, we operate a proven five-step process for our Legionella shower head cleaning and descaling:
01 - Quote and Assessment
We begin by consulting with you about a few details, including the number of shower heads at your premises. With all the information we need, we can put together a bespoke quote for your cleaning and descaling.
02 - Disassembly
If you are happy with your quote, our team will attend your site at an agreed date and time. The process will start with shower head disassembly, allowing us to thoroughly treat the whole unit inside and out.
03 - Treatment
Each disassembled shower head will then be placed into a container full of specialised treatment solution. This will dissolve limescale buildup, remove any biofilms and kill bacterial growth, including Legionella.
04 - Reassembly and Flushing
After the treatment process is complete, the components will be rinsed and reassembled before the whole head is flushed with clean water to remove any remaining solution.
05 - Documentation
Following your shower head clean and descale, we will provide you with documentation recording the process and when it was conducted. You should file this with the rest of your Legionella control scheme documentation, as it will serve as proof of compliance if requested by the HSE, CQC or other regulatory body.
Our Legionella shower head cleaning and descaling procedure is conducted in accordance with key guidelines and regulations, including HSG274 and COSHH. We carry out thorough COSHH risk assessments for the treatment solutions used at your premises, ensuring each step is compliant and safe.
Our technicians are highly trained, enhanced DBS-checked and have a wealth of experience in water hygiene practices and regulations.
Any non-domestic premises with shower heads or spray taps will need shower head cleaning and descaling at least once a quarter. This can include:
Commercial properties
Industrial sites
And more
As the duty holder or responsible person for a non-domestic property, you are expected to arrange for regular shower head cleaning and descaling in accordance with your Legionella risk assessment and control scheme.
EMS Water is an award-winning water hygiene consultancy, offering Legionella shower head cleaning and disinfection services to clients from every industry. We have offices in Hereford, Worcester, London and Cardiff, and operate across the UK.
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To get your free shower head cleaning and descaling quote, just call our friendly team now on 0800 358 1100, email us at info@emswater.co.uk or fill out our contact form.









