Cleaning & Disinfection of Water Pipes, Tanks, Reservoirs, and Filters

Why do biofilms and germs form so quickly in water-carrying systems?

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are surrounded by a slimy layer. They tend to form rapidly in water-carrying systems because these environments provide favorable conditions for microbial growth. An important cause of biofilm growth in water-carrying systems is the presence of nutrients. These nutrients can come from various sources, such as the water supply itself, contaminants from the environment, or deposits within the system. Microorganisms utilize these nutrients to grow and multiply.

Another crucial factor is the surface characteristics of pipes and conduits. Many water-carrying systems have deposits and rough areas that serve as ideal breeding grounds for microorganisms. Once a germ has settled in such a spot, a biofilm forms rapidly around it.
Additionally, other factors such as temperature, pH, water quality, and flow rate can influence the growth of biofilms and germs. Therefore, it is essential to regularly clean and disinfect water-carrying systems to reduce biofilm and germ growth and maintain water quality.

Water tanks: Why do they need regular disinfection?

Water tanks need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria, algae, fungi, and other microorganisms and to maintain water quality. There are several reasons why this is necessary:

• Health risks: When bacteria and other microorganisms settle in a water tank, they can multiply rapidly and degrade water quality. This can lead to health problems, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children.
• Odor and taste: Bacteria and other microorganisms can cause an unpleasant odor and taste in the water.
• Damage to tank structure: Accumulation of sediment and deposits in the water tank can lead to long-term corrosion and damage to the tank structure.

Regular cleaning and disinfection keep the water in a hygienic state, extend the lifespan of the water tank, and reduce maintenance costs.
The frequency of cleaning and disinfection depends on various factors, such as the size of the tank, the type of water, frequency of use, and environmental conditions. Typically, experts recommend an annual cleaning and disinfection of water tanks to ensure optimal water quality.

Water filters: What types exist and why are they prone to contamination?

There are various types of water filters designed for different purposes and applications. Here are some common types of water filters:

• Sediment Filters: These remove particles and sediments from water, including sand, silt, and rust. Typically made of polypropylene, ceramic, or fiberglass, sediment filters are often used as pre-filters in combination with other filters. Sediment filters come in different pore sizes. The finer the pores, the better the filtration performance – but also the higher the back pressure.
• Sand/Gravel Filters: These are part of particulate filters and are suitable for larger water volumes such as industrial water treatment and swimming pools. They trap turbidity and sediment, especially when coagulants are used simultaneously. Backwashing removes the trapped turbidity from the sand filter.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters: RO membrane filters remove impurities from water by applying high pressure to force the filtrate through a semi-permeable membrane. These filters remove salts, minerals, heavy metals, and other contaminants and can be used in drinking water systems and industrial applications. Microfilters, nanofilters, and ultrafiltration filters also belong to the category of membrane filters. They differ based on the permeability of the membrane used.
• Ion Exchange Filters (calcium filters): These remove dissolved minerals and salts from water by exchanging positive ions for negative ions. These filters are particularly useful for treating hard water and can be used in drinking water systems and industrial applications.

These filters have one thing in common: they all have a large surface area – and as they filter water, filter sludge accumulates in them. This sludge is often nutrient-rich, making it an excellent substrate for microbial colonization. Additionally, many filters are only intermittently supplied with water – during periods of stagnation, germs can multiply significantly. Regular cleaning and disinfection free the filters from sediments and germs, increase flow performance, and optimize water quality.

What makes Sanosil disinfectants ideal for the disinfection of pipes, tanks, filters, and other water-carrying systems?

While many products have varying degrees of effectiveness against waterborne germs, some quickly reach their limits once biofilms begin to grow within a system. For instance, commonly used chlorine bleach (hypochlorite) is largely ineffective against the surfaces of biofilms.
Sanosil disinfectant products, with stabilized and catalytically enhanced hydrogen peroxide, however, can penetrate deep into biofilm structures, dislodging them and combating the released germs.
After disinfection, the boosted hydrogen peroxide practically decomposes to 100% into water and oxygen.
In many water systems, especially in the drinking water sector, some products are unpopular due to changes in the water’s odor and taste. This is often a common objection, particularly in emergency water preservation.
Sanosil disinfectants, on the other hand, are odorless and tasteless – and they also have a significantly longer shelf life in water preservation compared to chlorine or chlorine dioxide.