Keeping our drinking water clean
Plumbing fixtures have to meet high standards of safety, hygiene and durability. The SKZ Plastics Center has many years of experience in testing fixtures – in the testing laboratory of the Würzburg Plastics Institute, the functional properties of fixtures are examined in strict accordance with international guidelines. In addition to mechanical strength, the focus is also on drinking water hygiene requirements, which are checked and audited on the basis of the UBA assessment criteria.
The SKZ has many years of experience in testing valves – the photo shows a single-lever mixer tap according to EN 817. (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)
SKZ offers comprehensive testing of sanitary fittings for the highest quality and safety
The wide range of tested sanitary fittings includes, among other things, taps, shower heads and thermostat fittings, which are mainly used in bathrooms and kitchens. These products play an important role in water and building installations. To ensure a long service life, the mechanical properties of the fittings are tested according to international standards. The quality of the surface coatings is also comprehensively evaluated using special test methods.
Separate testing of surface quality
The SKZ testing laboratory also offers testing according to WRAS guidelines, which are recognized in the UK. This helps to avoid duplicate testing, which is a decisive advantage for manufacturers. In addition to technical and functional aspects, fittings often also have to meet aesthetic requirements. For this reason, the surface quality of the fittings is tested separately to ensure that visual standards are also met.
Impurities from materials and coatings must be prevented
Christian Winkler, Group Leader for Pipe Systems at SKZ, explains: “As a transport medium for drinking water, fittings must meet additional hygienic requirements.” The UBA assessment criteria are aimed at ensuring drinking water quality and preventing drinking water from being contaminated by the migration of materials or coatings. In this area, too, SKZ offers comprehensive testing and auditing. With its comprehensive range of testing services, SKZ makes a significant contribution to ensuring that sanitary fittings meet the high requirements for safety, hygiene and durability.
Find out more about fitting testing at SKZ
