What are the two key factors determining the potential effect of a dead-leg on a domestic water system?

What are the two key factors determining the potential effect of a dead-leg on a domestic water system?

• A. Price versus quality of plumbing material
• B. Length versus diameter of dead-leg
• C. Water pressure versus flow rate
• D. Temperature versus water volume

Answer: (B)

The two key factors that determine the potential effect of a dead-leg on a domestic water system are the length and diameter of the dead-leg. A dead-leg refers to a segment of piping that does not have any flow moving through it, which can lead to stagnant water. The length of the dead-leg impacts how much water sits stagnant, as longer dead-legs can create greater volumes of stagnation and potentially higher risks of microbial growth, including Legionella. The diameter of the dead-leg is also important because a larger diameter can hold more stagnant water, increasing the volume in which pathogens can proliferate. In contrast, a smaller diameter may allow for quicker stagnation of water but may influence the water quality differently depending on other system dynamics. Together, these factors contribute significantly to assessing the risk of microbial contamination in the plumbing system related to dead-legs, making them critical considerations for Legionella risk management.

The two key factors that determine the potential effect of a dead-leg on a domestic water system are the length and diameter of the dead-leg. A dead-leg refers to a segment of piping that does not have any flow moving through it, which can lead to stagnant water. The length of the dead-leg impacts how much water sits stagnant, as longer dead-legs can create greater volumes of stagnation and potentially higher risks of microbial growth, including Legionella.

The diameter of the dead-leg is also important because a larger diameter can hold more stagnant water, increasing the volume in which pathogens can proliferate. In contrast, a smaller diameter may allow for quicker stagnation of water but may influence the water quality differently depending on other system dynamics.

Together, these factors contribute significantly to assessing the risk of microbial contamination in the plumbing system related to dead-legs, making them critical considerations for Legionella risk management.