How often should showers/toilets/faucets be flushed in closed or unused areas?
Flushing of toilets is unnecesary. Showerheads are also over-estimated as a source of Legionnaires’ disease.
Faucets should be flushed, however for this to be effective, a disinfectant such as copper-silver or chlorine dioxide must be in the water. Copper-silver concentrations within the water distribution systems should be assayed every 2-4 months. Legionella positivity should also be monitored every 3-4 months depending on patient risk and past history of hospital-acquired Legionnaires’ disease.