After many emails exchanged about our experience, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Alexander Schlüttig (picture above) in Dresden, Germany. He is a microbiologist who dedicated most of his life studying drainage system and preventing disease transmission from drainage system. I have learned a lot about pathogens in drainage system from him and he influenced me positively to study drainage in more detail. Alexander has a number of patents which include invention of self-disinfecting traps.
1.Introduction
He devised a science based technique to disinfect traps. The Alexander Schlüttig method for drainage trap disinfection is a specialized process aimed at preventing the spread of harmful pathogens, particularly in environments where the risk of infection is high, such as hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. Developed by Alexander Schlüttig, a renowned microbiologist, this method focuses on ensuring that drainage systems, which can become reservoirs for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens, remain sanitized and free from microbial contamination.
2.Overview of Drainage Traps and Their Role in Infection Control
A drainage trap is a component of plumbing systems designed to prevent foul odors, gases, and pathogens from entering living or working spaces by maintaining a water seal that blocks the backflow of air from drains. However, if not properly maintained and disinfected, these traps can become breeding grounds for microorganisms due to the moist and nutrient-rich conditions that often prevail in drainage systems.
When drainage traps are left unchecked, pathogens can grow in biofilms, leading to contamination of air and water that may expose building occupants to health risks. The Schlüttig method addresses this issue by introducing a structured and scientifically validated approach to regular disinfection, minimizing the potential for infection transmission through drainage systems.
3.The Alexander Schlüttig Method: Step-by-Step Process
The Schlüttig method emphasizes a combination of mechanical cleaning, chemical disinfection, and regular monitoring to ensure effective drainage trap maintenance. Below are the key steps involved in the process:
A) Mechanical Cleaning
- Before disinfection, the drainage trap must be mechanically cleaned to remove any debris, grease, or accumulated dirt. Mechanical cleaning involves:
- Flushing the drain with hot water to dislodge any solids and residues.
- Using drain brushes or specialized tools to scrub the interior of the trap and remove any visible biofilm.
- Ensuring that the trap is free of blockages to allow proper flow of disinfectants.
- This step is essential because the effectiveness of chemical disinfection is significantly reduced if there are physical barriers such as grease or biofilms preventing contact between the disinfectant and microbial contaminants.
B) Application of Disinfectants
a) Once the drainage trap is thoroughly cleaned, the next step is to apply a potent chemical disinfectant. The Alexander Schlüttig method typically recommends the use of quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), chlorine-based disinfectants, or hydrogen peroxide, as these are highly effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
b) Dilution and Application: The disinfectant is diluted to the appropriate concentration as recommended by the manufacturer and then poured into the drainage trap. It’s important to ensure that the disinfectant fills the trap completely to make contact with all surfaces, including the water seal.
c) Contact Time Allow the disinfectant to sit in the trap for a specified contact time (usually 15-30 minutes). This ensures that the disinfectant has sufficient time to kill any remaining pathogens.
d) Rinsing: After the contact time, the trap should be flushed again with clean water to remove any residual disinfectant and ensure the system is ready for regular use.
4. Regular Monitoring and Maintenance
A critical aspect of the Schlüttig method is the emphasis on routine maintenance and monitoring. Drainage systems should be inspected regularly for signs of biofilm buildup or odors that could indicate contamination. Schlüttig advocated for disinfection schedules that are tailored to the specific environment, with high-risk areas such as hospitals requiring more frequent disinfection (e.g., weekly) compared to lower-risk environments (e.g., monthly).
5. Benefits of the Alexander Schlüttig Method
The Alexander Schlüttig method offers several key benefits in ensuring that drainage systems remain free from microbial contamination.
a) Effective Biofilm Control: Biofilms, which are layers of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces, can form in drainage traps and are notoriously difficult to remove. The combination of mechanical cleaning and chemical disinfection in the Schlüttig method effectively disrupts biofilm formation and prevents pathogens from proliferating in drainage systems.
b) Reduces Risk of Cross-Contamination: By maintaining clean drainage systems, the risk of cross-contamination from pathogens that can travel through air or water is minimized. This is particularly important in healthcare settings, where drainage systems can harbor dangerous bacteria such as Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
c) Promotes Public Health and Safety: Proper drainage trap disinfection is crucial in environments that prioritize public health, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and food processing facilities. Regular disinfection helps ensure that these spaces remain safe and hygienic.
d) Prevention of Noxious Odors: One of the side benefits of the Schlüttig method is the prevention of foul odors emanating from drainage traps, which can occur when organic matter in the trap decomposes. This creates a more pleasant and sanitary environment for building occupants.
6. Challenges and Considerations
While the Schlüttig method is highly effective, there are several considerations to take into account
a) Chemical Safety: The use of chemical disinfectants requires adherence to safety guidelines to avoid harmful exposure. Proper ventilation, protective gear, and correct dilution are essential to prevent accidents.
b) Environmental Impact: Some chemical disinfectants can have negative environmental impacts when they enter wastewater systems. Where possible, eco-friendly alternatives such as enzymatic cleaners may be considered as part of a sustainable disinfection strategy.
c) Tailored Protocols: The frequency of disinfection must be adjusted based on the specific usage patterns of the drainage system. High-traffic areas may require more frequent disinfection than lower-usage zones.
7. Conclusion
The Alexander Schlüttig method for drainage trap disinfection provides a robust, scientifically-backed protocol for maintaining clean and safe drainage systems. By combining thorough mechanical cleaning with chemical disinfection and ongoing monitoring, this method ensures that drainage traps remain free from harmful pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infection transmission in high-risk environments.
This method remains an essential practice for maintaining hygiene standards in critical spaces, ensuring both public safety and operational efficiency for industries that rely on clean water and air systems.
Visit us at pmt-me.com to explore our growing repository of research, technical articles, product reviews, and expert interviews. We look forward to your feedback and to continuing the conversation about the future of public health engineering.
