08/31/2026
🚿 COMING HOME? DON’T STEP STRAIGHT INTO THE SHOWER.
If your home has been sitting empty while you’ve been away, there’s something important you may not be thinking about: your water system.
When a home sits unoccupied, water can remain stagnant in the plumbing, showerheads, faucets, and water heater. Stagnant, warm water can create conditions where Legionella bacteria may grow. When you turn on a shower, contaminated water can become a fine mist that you breathe in.
That’s one way people can be exposed to Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia. (CDC)
Before you jump into that first shower after being away:
✔️ Flush the water system, including showers and faucets that haven’t been used regularly.
✔️ Let water run until it reaches normal operating temperature and runs clear.
✔️ Consider having your water heater professionally inspected and flushed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The CDC notes that regular water-heater flushing can help prevent germ growth and is recommended by most manufacturers. (CDC Stacks)
✔️ Don’t overlook sediment, scale and buildup in your water system. These can contribute to conditions that support bacterial growth. (CDC)
And if your home has been sitting vacant for weeks or months, this is even more important.
🏠 THIS IS WHERE LONESTAR HOME WATCH COMES IN.
Your home shouldn’t simply be sitting there while you’re away.
As part of our Home Watch service, we can help monitor your property, identify issues with plumbing and water systems, coordinate qualified vendors when maintenance is needed, and make sure your home is ready for your return.
Don’t wait until you’re standing in the shower wondering what’s been sitting in your pipes.
📞 972-213-4720
LoneStar Home Watch
Your home. Our watchful eye.
The disease is called Legionnaires' disease.
It is a severe, potentially deadly form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water environments—such as hot water tanks, plumbing systems, hot tubs, and showerheads—and can be contracted if a person inhales microscopic water droplets or mist (like aerosolized spray from a shower) containing the bacteria.
While anyone exposed can potentially fall ill, it is most dangerous for older adults, smokers, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions. Keeping residential water heaters set to a high enough temperature (typically recommended at 140°F / 60°C or higher at the tank, while utilizing mixing valves to prevent scalding) and regularly cleaning showerheads can help mitigate the risk of bacterial growth.
