FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A spout with no laminar causes unneeded splashing and poor draining of the sink basin.
Laminars provide an optimal flow rate and protect the spout end from calcium growing inside
when the water is turned off and air dries the residual water. With a laminar, the spout remains
full of water when off, therefore providing wall disinfection all the time.

If sediment collects in the base flow control device, it will require removing the spout to clean.

Proper flushing can only be done with the flow control device, such as the laminar, removed.
This will allow a high enough flow rate to clear the pipes of any sediment and discolored water.
Hot and cold lines should be fully opened for at least 30 seconds or until discoloration is
cleared.

Interesting fact, there is not a published time for hot water to reach temperature. The
requirement states it must reach temperature within an acceptable time. Test your hot water
delivery time first thing in the morning without a flow control device and record it. Next
morning retest with flow control and record the time. The lack of temperature within an
acceptable time may not be due to flow control but an issue with your hot water loop. If found
the delivery time with flow control is not acceptable, you can always upsize the GPM of the
device. There must be an acceptable balance.

No, pressure remains constant within a pipe. You may see very little pressure drop due to
friction of water flowing through the flow control device.

Yes, regular cleaning of faucet laminars and shower heads as per manufacturers’
recommendations should be part of your Legionella Water Management Plan. Cleaning and
removal of sediment, calcium and lime should be done.

Let the shower heads hang without stowing on a holder at least 6” from the shower basin. This
will allow draining of all water and it will not stagnate in the shower hose loop.

They have pockets not being used until selected where water can potentially stagnate. Non-
adjustable heads are recommended.

Without threads a laminar cannot be installed to protect the spout end. Also, a Point-of-Use
(POU) filter cannot be installed should the need arise for bacteria risk reduction.

Paragraph 7.1.2 System Maintenance. The program documents shall include procedures for the
flushing of low flow areas; the maintenance and monitoring procedures based on equipment
manufacturers’ recommendations for the flushing, cleaning, and disinfection of faucets and
shower heads.