Managing heating or chilled water in a Manchester building? Sampling is how you know the treatment is working, flat by flat and floor by floor.
Water Hygiene Services is an independent water hygiene company based in Leeds, about 45 miles from Manchester on the M62. We sample and test closed heating and chilled water systems for estates managers, facilities managers and building and property managers across Manchester and Greater Manchester, to BSRIA BG 29 and BG 50.
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What is closed system water testing?
A closed system is a sealed circuit of water that heats or cools a building without being used for drinking or washing. Closed system water testing is the routine sampling and analysis that shows whether the treatment in that circuit is working, with sampling to BS 8552.
We take the samples, send them to a laboratory and give you an independent review of the results, with the action each one needs. The samples go to an independent laboratory, and we report what the results show, separate from any contractor who treats the system. For the full explanation of BG 29, BG 50 and what we test for, see our Closed System Water Testing page.
- Heating, chilled water, heat pump and condenser water circuits
- New systems at handover and existing systems on a routine programme
- Routine panel (appearance, pH, conductivity, solids, iron, inhibitor) or fuller diagnostic panel with bacteria tests
- Heat pump and mixed-metal systems, including aluminium and glycol checks
- Independent testing to BG 29 for new systems and BG 50 for running ones
- Typical routine sampling every one to three months in mid-life, more often in the first six months
Testing panels: what we test for
We use two levels of testing. The routine panel looks at appearance, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, iron and the corrosion inhibitor, and is used for a first check, regular monitoring and trend tracking.
The fuller diagnostic panel adds suspended solids, hardness, alkalinity, chloride, dissolved iron, copper, aluminium and nitrite, with glycol percentage for chilled systems and bacteria tests. It is used when a routine result points to a problem, for an annual deep-dive and to check a system before and after remedial work.
Chemistry results are usually back within one to two weeks. Bacteria testing takes longer, so allow up to about three weeks for those results. If you need the chemistry first, we can report on it separately. The full list is on our Closed System Water Testing page.
Closed systems in Manchester and Greater Manchester buildings
Manchester has a large number of tall residential blocks, converted mills and mixed-use buildings, many with communal heating or chilled water circuits serving dozens of flats or offices. When a circuit is large, one bad section of pipework can affect many units. United Utilities supplies the area.
Buildings where we sample closed systems include:
- High-rise apartment blocks and managed residential buildings with communal heating
- Converted mills and warehouses used as offices, flats and studios
- Colleges and schools
- Offices, hotels and event venues
- Hospitals, clinics and care homes
- New-build and refurbished buildings at handover
Two ways we are used in Manchester
New and newly commissioned buildings: we can independently test the system against BG 29 and report whether the results support the builder's sign-off, separate from the contractor who did the work.
Running systems: we can give a second opinion on your current water treatment provider, by testing to BG 50 and reviewing the results independently.
If the results show a problem and you would like help putting it right, remedial works, dosing and chemical treatment are available afterwards if you ask.
How a sampling visit works
- We review your system and agree the sample points, from the main plant to the remote terminal units.
- We circulate the system before sampling, so the sample reflects the water in use.
- Samples are taken from the circulating water and the make-up water, using laboratory bottles and a chain of custody record.
- The laboratory analyses the samples and we review the results against BG 50 guideline values.
- You receive a clear independent report with recommended actions in priority order, and the results go into your water treatment logbook.
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Questions we are asked in Manchester
Our block has a communal heating system. Does it need sampling?
Yes. Communal and community heating circuits are within the scope of BG 50, and large circuits with many terminal units are the ones where problems build up unseen.
How do you handle access in a residential block?
We agree the sample points with you, and where flats are involved we arrange access through the managing agent. Plant room and remote sample points are normally enough to show the condition of the circuit.
Do you cover the rest of Greater Manchester?
Yes. We cover Manchester and Greater Manchester, including Salford, Oldham, Stockport and Bolton.
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