Why Pre-Winter Servicing Matters
As temperatures drop, commercial hot water systems face increased demand and greater risk of failure. Proactive servicing helps prevent:
- System breakdowns during peak usage
- Frozen pipes and water damage
- Energy inefficiency and rising costs
- Non-compliance with health and safety regulations
Regular maintenance also supports legionella prevention, ensures temperature monitoring is accurate, and helps avoid costly emergency repairs. For facilities managers and compliance officers, pre-winter servicing is a smart, cost-saving strategy.
Key Compliance Requirements for Commercial Hot Water Systems
HSE Legionella Control (L8)
- Maintain hot water at ≥60°C and cold water below 20°C
- Implement flushing regimes for infrequently used outlets
- Conduct regular temperature checks and risk assessments
Water Regulations and Safety Standards
- Follow BS 8558 for water system design and maintenance
- Comply with Part G of the Building Regulations for sanitation and hot water safety
Record-Keeping Obligations
- Maintain logbooks of inspections, servicing, and temperature checks
- Ensure documentation is audit-ready and accessible
- Store digital copies for compliance and insurance purposes
Step-by-Step Pre-Winter Servicing Checklist
Inspect and Test Immersion Heaters
- Perform continuity and resistance testing
- Check thermostat calibration and safety cut-outs
Flush and Clean Cylinders and Pipework
- Remove sediment and scale buildup
- Improve heat transfer and water quality
Check for Corrosion or Leaks
- Inspect tanks, pipework, and valves
- Address early signs of wear before failure
Test Safety Valves and Controls
- Verify pressure relief valves and expansion vessels
- Ensure over-temperature protection is functional
Confirm Correct Temperature Settings
- Storage temperature should be ≥60°C to prevent legionella
- Avoid scald risk by balancing outlet temperatures
Review System Insulation
- Check lagging on pipes and cylinders
- Prevent heat loss and pipe freezing
Verify BMS and Control Systems
- Ensure timeclocks and sensors are programmed for winter demand
- Test remote monitoring and alert systems
Improving Efficiency Before Winter
- Balance temperature settings for compliance and energy savings
- Upgrade to smart thermostats or energy-efficient immersion elements
- Insulate pipework and cylinders to reduce heat loss
- Check flow rates to avoid wasting hot water
When to Involve a Qualified Engineer
Some tasks require certified professionals:
- Electrical work and wiring
- Pressure vessel inspections
- Gas boiler servicing
- System commissioning and certification
Schedule annual service visits before peak winter demand to ensure uninterrupted operation.
Documentation and Compliance Records
Stay audit-ready by:
- Keeping up-to-date service reports and temperature logs
- Storing digital copies for easy access
- Documenting risk assessments and corrective actions
- Demonstrating compliance for insurance and health & safety audits
FAQs on Commercial Hot Water System Servicing
How often should commercial hot water systems be serviced?
At least annually, with additional checks before winter and after any major system changes.
What is the minimum hot water temperature for legionella prevention?
60°C at the cylinder and 50°C at outlets within one minute of running.
What records need to be kept for compliance?
Temperature logs, service reports, risk assessments, and flushing schedules.
Can Immersion heaters be tested without draining the cylinder?
Yes, electrical continuity and resistance can be tested without draining, but visual inspection may require access.
Partner with Backer Heatrod for Reliable Winter Readiness
Backer Heatrod is a trusted supplier of commercial water heating solutions, offering:
- Replacement immersion elements and thermostats
- Technical support for servicing and compliance
- Fast delivery on essential components
- Prepare your system for winter with confidence.