How to Prevent Legionnaires’ Disease at Home and Work

Posted on August 22nd, 2025

 

You can’t see it, smell it, or hear it gurgling through the pipes—but Legionella bacteria can turn a normal day into a hospital visit if you're not paying attention.

It doesn’t care if you’re in a fifth-floor walk-up or a sleek office tower.

If the water systems are sloppy, the risks aren’t just theoretical. And no, this isn't fearmongering—it’s basic upkeep most folks just don’t think about until it’s too late.

Legionnaires’ disease sounds like something out of a history book, but it’s still making people sick today, especially in big cities with complex plumbing and aging infrastructure.

The good news? It’s avoidable. The better news? Staying ahead of it doesn’t require a PhD or a hazmat suit—just a little knowledge and the right kind of maintenance.

We'll break down what matters, what to watch for, and how you can keep both your home and workplace from becoming bacteria-friendly zones.

 

What Causes The Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease doesn’t come from a sneeze or handshake—it comes from your building’s water.

The real culprit is a bacterium called Legionella pneumophila, which thrives in warm, stagnant water. That means the problem usually isn’t the water itself, but where and how it sits around too long without proper care.

You’ll often find Legionella hanging out in places like old plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, or decorative fountains.

While these bacteria exist naturally in lakes and rivers, they rarely cause trouble in the wild. It’s when they take up residence in human-made systems—especially ones that don’t get enough attention—that things go sideways.

Here are three common causes of Legionnaires’ disease:

• Poorly maintained plumbing and water systems

• Water temperatures kept between 77°F and 113°F

• Inconsistent or inadequate disinfection methods

When these factors combine, it creates the perfect storm for Legionella to multiply.

And once that happens, even something as innocent as a misty shower or a breezy air conditioning unit can send contaminated droplets into the air—and straight into your lungs.

The disease spreads by inhaling tiny water particles, not by drinking contaminated water or being around a sick person.

So, if your home, office, or commercial space has water systems that sit unused, don’t get cleaned often, or fluctuate in temperature, that’s where the risk creeps in.

Think less about what’s in the water and more about how the system behaves day in and day out.

The scary part? The symptoms don’t always scream “Legionella.” They usually show up looking a lot like pneumonia: coughing, high fever, body aches, and trouble breathing.

Some folks also experience headaches, confusion, or stomach issues. These can kick in anywhere from two to ten days after exposure, making it easy to confuse with something seasonal or routine.

If anyone starts showing these signs—especially after being around suspect water systems—it’s worth getting checked out.

Early treatment with antibiotics works well, but only if you catch it early. That’s why knowing how this disease starts isn’t just useful; it’s necessary.

Bottom line: Legionnaires’ disease isn’t some random fluke. It’s preventable. And now that you know what makes it tick, you’re already ahead of the curve.

 

What Are The Symptoms Of Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease doesn’t announce itself with flashing lights or a siren. It slips in quietly, acting like a common cold or a mild flu—until it’s not.

That’s what makes spotting it early so important. Knowing the symptoms can make all the difference, especially if you’ve been around water systems that might not be up to code.

The tricky part is, the illness can feel like a dozen other things at first. That’s why it helps to know what to look for. Some of the most common signs include:

• Persistent cough

• Shortness of breath

• High fever

• Muscle aches

These usually show up anywhere from two to ten days after exposure. In some cases, symptoms lead to headaches, fatigue, nausea, or even confusion.

It’s a nasty mix, and it hits harder for folks over 50, smokers, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

If someone in your home or workplace starts feeling off after being exposed to mist, steam, or any suspect water source, don’t brush it off. A doctor’s visit is the best next step.

And while we’re talking symptoms, let’s not forget prevention is the real MVP here. Outbreaks don’t just happen out of nowhere—they usually start with a neglected water system.

That means old pipes, lukewarm water, or poorly maintained HVAC systems can all set the stage. Even those “just for show” fountains or spa tubs can become bacterial playgrounds if not cleaned regularly.

Consistent upkeep is your first layer of defense. Flush unused taps, disinfect where needed, and keep your water hot enough to make bacteria uncomfortable.

If your space has cooling towers or complex plumbing, don’t just set it and forget it. Schedule inspections. Clean what needs cleaning. And if something looks sketchy, fix it before it becomes a problem.

The goal isn’t to turn everyone into a full-time water system inspector—it’s to stay alert. The faster you recognize something’s off, the faster you can act.

And whenever it comes to Legionnaires’, quick action can stop a minor hiccup from turning into a public health headache.

Better safe than scrambling. Keep your water systems honest, and your building will thank you.

 

How to Prevent Legionnaires’ Disease at Home and Work

Preventing Legionnaires’ disease isn’t just about reacting when something goes wrong—it’s about setting up systems that keep things from going wrong in the first place. And yes, technology plays a big role here.

Smart upgrades like real-time sensors and automated chemical dosing systems can spot and fix trouble before it has a chance to grow.

These tools monitor water temperature, pH levels, and disinfectant levels so you don’t have to guess whether your systems are safe.

They help cut down on human error, keep your setup consistent, and add an extra layer of protection that manual methods often miss.

But let’s be honest—gadgets alone won’t save you. A solid prevention plan includes practical steps too. Start with your HVAC system.

If you’re in a place like New York, where buildings work overtime to stay comfortable year-round, your heating and cooling setups need attention. Bacteria love warm, damp places, and neglected vents or ducts are practically an invitation.

Here are a few effective ways to reduce the risk:

• Clean and maintain your HVAC system regularly

• Flush unused faucets and showers every few weeks

• Keep hot water above 140°F and cold below 68°F

• Schedule routine water testing and inspections

These aren't huge undertakings, but they make a huge difference. Routine flushing keeps water from sitting still.

Hot water maintained at the right temperature keeps bacteria from taking hold. And HVAC maintenance? That’s non-negotiable—especially in older buildings with aging infrastructure.

A strong prevention strategy also involves paying attention to the little clues your system gives you. Discolored water, musty odors, corrosion, or irregular temperatures aren’t just quirks—they’re red flags.

If you see them, don’t wait. Call in a professional who knows what to look for and how to fix it.

Lastly, make sure everyone who lives or works in the building knows their role. Host quick training sessions, hand out easy-to-follow maintenance checklists, or bring in a specialist to walk people through best practices.

The more eyes on the system, the better your chances of catching problems early.

You don’t need to change your life completely or dedicate full-time to maintenance. You just need a plan—and the right people and tools to back it up.

 

Don’t Wait for a Health Scare—Book Your HVAC Inspection with Jetway Today

Legionnaires’ disease isn’t something you want to deal with after the fact. The good news is most outbreaks are preventable with consistent HVAC upkeep and smart system management.

In case you're responsible for a residential building, a commercial property, or both, staying ahead of potential risks means being diligent—not reactive.

Routine inspections, proper system hygiene, and proactive maintenance are more than just checkboxes—they’re critical steps in ensuring your water and air systems stay clean, efficient, and safe.

Taking these steps now can save you the stress, expense, and liability of dealing with health issues later. And yes, summer heat, high humidity, and aging infrastructure (looking at you, New York) only raise the stakes.

Jetway offers expert HVAC services for both residential and commercial spaces. From thorough inspections to full system replacements, our team focuses on long-term solutions that help you maintain healthy air quality and water safety.

If you're ready to get serious about prevention, we’re here to help. You can explore our HVAC inspection and air quality services or call us directly at 718-708-9544.

No matter if you're looking for peace of mind or a full system upgrade, we're ready to make sure your space stays Legionella-free.

Don’t wait for a warning sign. Start protecting your environment today—with expert help that keeps your systems in check and your people safe.