What water temperature is recommended when disinfecting valves with hot water and chlorine solution?

Disinfecting valves with hot water and a chlorine solution requires a specific temperature to ensure effective sanitization. When using a chlorine solution, the water temperature needs to be high enough to help activate the disinfectant properties of the chlorine while also being safe for the materials involved.

The recommended temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit strikes an ideal balance. At this temperature, the chlorine solution is effective in reducing or eliminating pathogens without degrading the materials of the valves and other equipment. Additionally, maintaining this temperature helps ensure that the chlorine can properly penetrate biofilms or residues that may be present on surfaces.

Higher temperatures, such as 130 degrees Fahrenheit, may potentially compromise the integrity of some materials or accelerate the degradation of the chlorine itself, leading to decreased efficacy. Conversely, temperatures significantly below the recommended level can result in insufficient sanitization, allowing harmful microorganisms to persist. Therefore, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the appropriate choice for effectively disinfecting valves while maintaining safety and material integrity.