December is a bad time to discover that a washroom is not coming through winter. A cistern fails during a Christmas event, dispensers run dry when deliveries slow down, or a building reopens in January with water that has sat in the pipes for two weeks. Most of these problems can be avoided with a little planning in October and November.
This year-end washroom checklist takes facilities teams through the final quarter of the year, from reviewing faults to preparing for a quiet building over the holidays.
1. Review this year’s faults and complaints
Start with your maintenance log and helpdesk tickets. Look for the same tap, flush, hand dryer or lock appearing more than once, and for washrooms that get more complaints than others.
Repeat faults are the ones most likely to fail again in December. Put them at the top of your repair list now, while contractors have more availability.
2. Book planned maintenance before the December rush
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require the workplace and relevant equipment to be kept in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair, with a suitable system of maintenance where appropriate. HSE’s welfare guidance also says facilities must be kept clean and in good condition.
Schedule checks on cisterns, flush valves, taps, wastes, hand dryers, cubicle locks and door closers. Agree dates in November so work is finished before staff parties, carol services and year-end visitors.
3. Set consumable stock for the holiday period
HSE guidance says there must always be an adequate supply of toilet paper, soap and similar items. In England and Wales, the 2026 bank holidays fall on Friday 25 December and Monday 28 December, with New Year’s Day on Friday 1 January 2027.
Check your supplier’s delivery dates around these days and order early. Count stock across every site, not just the main building, and keep a small reserve for unexpected busy days.
4. Plan for quiet buildings over the break
Schools, offices and some commercial premises sit empty for part of the holiday. HSE’s Approved Code of Practice notes that legionella risks in man-made water systems should be assessed and managed. HSE’s legionella guidance recommends a programme of weekly flushing for outlets that are not used often.
Check that your water risk assessment covers the closure period, agree who will flush outlets and record when it is done.
5. Check accessible facilities still work
HSE guidance says employers must always consider the needs of people with disabilities when providing toilet and washing facilities. Accessible toilets can end up being used for storage at busy times of year.
Make sure accessible washrooms stay clear, that emergency alarms are tested and that grab rails, taps and locks are secure and easy to use.
6. Keep common spare parts on site
A small stock of the parts that fail most often can turn a closed cubicle into a quick repair. Use your fault log to decide what to hold, such as flush buttons, tap cartridges, seat hinges, cubicle locks and indicator bolts.
Label parts by washroom and fitting type so whoever is on site over the holidays can find the right one. Our washroom fixtures guide covers what to consider when specifying replacement fittings.
7. Refresh your cleaning specification
HSE’s Approved Code of Practice says workplaces should be cleaned regularly so dirt does not build up, with the frequency depending on the nature of the business. It also says cleaning should use an effective and suitable method that does not create a health or safety risk.
Review your specification against how the building is used in winter. Agree extra daytime checks for event days and wet weather, and a deep clean before the building reopens in January.
8. Your year-end washroom checklist
- October: review the fault log and complaints, then list repeat problems
- October: check accessible washrooms are clear and alarms are tested
- November: book planned maintenance and order spare parts
- November: update the cleaning specification for winter use
- December: confirm holiday stock levels and supplier delivery dates
- December: agree the flushing rota and checks for quiet buildings
- January: deep clean and test every washroom before full reopening
Plan next year’s washroom improvements
If this year’s checks point to washrooms that need more than a repair, Macaw Washrooms can talk you through the options. Find out more about our commercial washroom services, call 01509 467 417 or email info@macaw-washrooms.co.uk.