Dead Legs are sections of pipework that have been isolated and no longer have a flow of liquid through them. A Dead End/Blind Leg is a length of pipe closed at one end through which no water passes. They are usually generated through the changing or modifying of a water system.

The evidence of dead legs and dead ends would be highlighted through a Legionella Risk Assessment of the water system. A dead leg can create a particular problem with microbiological growth, as they can house bacteria due to the lack of flushing of water through the dead leg.

If the dead leg is put into use it can cause heavy contamination within the water system, which in turn will disrupt the efficacy of the water treatment regime.

The recommended action for dead legs is to remove them back to source where possible.

DCS are able to identify, rectify and remove any dead legs and dead ends found

deadlegexamples
This schematic drawing shows a number of existing Dead Legs in a water system (marked in yellow boxes). Click To Enlarge
This schematic drawing shows a number of existing Dead Legs in a water system (marked in yellow boxes). Click To Enlarge

Dead Legs Removed
Dead Legs Removed