Drinking water seals - what certifications are required?
Drinking water seals must meet very stringent quality and sanitary requirements. In water supply systems, the safety of materials in contact with drinking water is crucial for both the durability of the system and the protection of users' health.
Manufacturers of rubber seals used in drinking water installations are therefore obliged to comply with specific standards and to obtain the relevant certificates allowing their products to come into contact with water intended for human consumption.
Why are drinking water gasket certifications so important?
Water supply seals are in direct contact with potable water, so the materials used in their manufacture must not:
- emit harmful substances,
- affect the taste or smell of the water,
- cause microbiological contamination,
- deteriorate water quality.
Certifications and studies confirm that:
- the rubber compound is safe,
- the product meets sanitary requirements,
- the seal can be legally used in water supply systems.
What certifications are required for drinking water seals?
PZH approval
One of the most important documents in Poland is the PZH hygiene certificate issued by the National Institute of Public Health.
The attestation confirms that:
- the material may come into contact with drinking water,
- the product meets hygiene requirements,
- the seal is safe for users.
This is an essential document required for many water supply and plumbing projects.
EN 681-1 standard
When it comes to elastomer seals, the standard is of paramount importance:
EN 681-1
The standard specifies requirements for sealing materials used in:
- water supply systems,
- sewers,
- waste water disposal systems.
Testing in accordance with EN 681-1 includes:
- hardness,
- mechanical strength,
- resistance to ageing,
- permanent deformations,
- chemical resistance,
- stability of material parameters.
Meeting the standard guarantees the high quality and durability of the rubber seals.
KOMO® certificate
A common certification in the water industry is also:
KOMO®
This is an internationally recognised quality certificate confirming the compliance of products with technical requirements and industry standards.
KOMO® certified gaskets are often used in:
- water supply networks,
- municipal infrastructure,
- sewerage systems,
- industrial investments.
What materials are used for drinking water seals?
For the production of water supply seals, rubber compounds based on:
- EPDM,
- SBR,
- other elastomers that meet hygiene requirements.
EPDM - the most commonly used material
EPDM rubber is particularly popular for the production of drinking water seals, as it is characterised by:
- water resistance,
- resistance to ageing,
- high flexibility,
- weather-resistant,
- stability of parameters.
In addition, appropriately selected EPDM compounds can obtain approvals for contact with drinking water.
Quality control of seals for water supply systems
A professional rubber gasket manufacturer should carry out detailed quality control including:
- rubber compound tests,
- geometric measurements,
- leakage tests,
- control of the physical-mechanical properties,
- ageing tests,
- chemical resistance tests.
An in-house laboratory and state-of-the-art control and measurement equipment make it possible to provide:
- repeatability of parameters,
- compliance with standards,
- safety of use.
Drinking water seals and ISO-compliant production
The quality management system is also a very important element when choosing a manufacturer.
Manufacturing in accordance with: ISO 9001:2015
means:
- control of production processes,
- high quality products,
- repeatability of parameters,
- adequate supervision of production.
This is particularly important for water and industrial projects.
Where are drinking water seals used?
Certified gaskets are used, among others, in:
- water supply networks,
- municipal installations,
- pressure pipes,
- water transmission systems,
- manholes,
- industrial infrastructure,
- sanitary installations.
Their task is to ensure that the entire system is permanently and securely airtight.
How do you choose a drinking water gasket manufacturer?
When choosing a manufacturer, it is worth paying attention to:
- company experience,
- quality certifications,
- EN 681-1 compliant,
- approved for contact with drinking water,
- own laboratory,
- the possibility of qualitative research,
- the rubber materials and compounds used.
A professional manufacturer should also offer technical advice and the possibility of adjusting the parameters of the gaskets to the requirements of the specific installation.
FAQ
What certifications should seals for drinking water have?
Most often, hygienic approvals from the PZH, compliance with EN 681-1 and quality certificates such as KOMO® are required.
Do seals for drinking water need to be approved?
Yes, materials in contact with drinking water should have the appropriate approvals and safety certificates.
What material works best for water seals?
EPDM rubber is most commonly used due to its water resistance, flexibility and durability.
What does EN 681-1 mean?
This is a standard that specifies the requirements for elastomeric sealing materials used in water and sewerage systems, among other applications.
Do seals for drinking water need to be tested?
Yes, professional manufacturers carry out quality studies and tests on the physical-mechanical properties of gaskets.
Where are drinking water seals used?
Seals are used in water mains, pressure pipes, sanitary installations and water transmission systems.