Safe rubber for drinking water systems
Rubber components used in drinking water lines, pumps, valves and pipes are in direct contact with water. They must therefore be certified for drinking water and must not change the taste, odour or composition of the water.
Why special rubber is needed
Ordinary rubber can release the catalysts, plasticizers or fillers it contains into the water. This creates both a health risk and conditions for microbial growth. Drinking water rubber is neutral, non-migrating and microbiologically safe.
Key international standards
- WRAS (United Kingdom) — the best-known certification for water supply materials
- NSF/ANSI 61 (USA) — drinking water contact materials
- KTW-BWGL and W270 (Germany) — migration and microbial resistance
- ACS (France) — water sanitary conformity
Choosing the right material
The most common materials for drinking water are:
- EPDM — the optimal choice for cold and hot drinking water and chlorinated water. More: what is EPDM rubber.
- Silicone — for high-temperature drinking water systems. See: silicone rubber applications.
NBR is generally not recommended for drinking water, as it is designed for oils and is not certified for water contact.
Points to consider
When selecting a material you should consider the water temperature, pressure, disinfection method (chlorine, ozone, UV) and standard requirements. For example, in ozone-disinfected systems the material's ozone resistance is important — our article on UV and ozone resistance is helpful on this topic.
Seal shape and installation
The correct size, hardness (Shore hardness) and seating surface form the basis of a tight seal. An incorrectly compressed seal deforms over time and causes leakage.
NUR KAUÇUK solutions
NUR KAUÇUK manufactures EPDM- and silicone-based seals from certified raw materials for drinking water projects. Our production stages and quality control keep water safety as the top priority.
To choose suitable rubber solutions for your drinking water systems, see the products section and contact us for technical support.