Plumbing products
Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing tests products intended for contact with drinking water, to verify they do not adversely affect water quality. This is a requirement of the WaterMark™ certification application process.
AS/NZS 4020 prescribes tests for analysing the suitability of products for use in contact with drinking water.
This relates to their effect on the quality of the water and is a requirement in the application for WaterMark™ certification.
Testing focuses on wetted parts only. It is applicable to metallic and non-metallic products such as pipes, taps, fittings, components, hot water units and materials used in coating, protection, lining, jointing, sealing and lubrication applications in the water supply and plumbing industry. The hot water tests apply where water has the potential for human consumption, food preparation, utensil washing and oral hygiene. The test reports for the AS/NZS 4020 test is valid for 5 years.
Principle of test
The product is immersed in, or exposed to, test water in accordance with extraction procedures as outlined for each of the tests for taste, appearance, growth of aquatic micro-organisms, cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and extraction of metals. This includes specific procedures for high temperature tests for end-of-line fittings, and water (including heating systems), as well as for simulated samples.
A scaling factor (field exposure to test exposure) can be applied to compensate for a greater surface area-to-volume ratio used for test extractions, when compared to the worst case scenario in end-use.
Extraction is allowed to proceed for the time given in the relevant test. The final extract is then analysed in accordance with the test requirements for each test. Products are required to comply with all tests relevant for that product type, and the results provide guidelines for, water supply quality at consumers’ taps , with respect to general health requirements.
Sample requirements
Where a range of products using the same wetted materials and processes is produced, the one with the highest surface area-to-volume ratio in the product range, i.e. worst case scenario, is required for testing. Collaboration with the certifying body is essential to ensure acceptance of the model or size selected to cover the entire range.
Background information on total surface area of each wetted part and/or estimated percentage wetted is essential. The number of samples required will depend on product type, end-usage and tests requird. Consult the laboratory prior to sending samples for testing.
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