Flushing Recommendations

Flushing Recommendations for Closed Businesses

The City of Yuba City Water Distribution Division, following industry standards and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, would like to encourage businesses that are reopening or expanding their services after the shelter-in-place shutdown to flush their plumbing fixtures of stagnant water before resuming normal operations. This simple precautionary step helps to ensure safety and wellbeing for you, your staff, and your customers.

Why Flushing?

Stagnant or standing water has the potential to cause the growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria, which can lead to disease following human consumption. The goal of flushing is to replace stagnant water in interior pipes and/or outlets with fresh water. Flushing involves opening taps and letting hot and cold water run through all points of use in order to flush through any particulate matter.

To learn how to flush your plumbing, please see the Flushing Recommendations for Closed Buildings guidelines developed by the City of Yuba City, as well as the video below featuring our Water Distribution Supervisor demonstrating the process. (Download Flushing guidelines PDF)

Tips for Successful Flushing

  • Flush the entire water system to replace all water
    • Flush hot and cold water through all points of use, such as sink faucets and hose bibs
    • Flush all water-using appliances, like ice machines and dishwashers
  • Operate all valves in the fully open position
    • Remove all aerator screens
  • If the building has floor drains, pour water into the drain to restore the drain trap

It’s What We Do

The City of Yuba City Water Distribution and Water Treatment Divisions have continued to maintain the City’s water lines and treat water throughout the COVID-19 pandemic shelter-in-place order. Our commitment to quality keeps us on the job 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to bring you safe and satisfactory drinking water right to your home or business. From there, it’s up to you to maintain your water line and interior plumbing system. If you have any questions about flushing, please reach out to our Water Distribution Supervisor, Jason Benzel, at (530) 822-4777 or [email protected].