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By: FlowGuard EMEA on 21-jul-2021 8:57:37
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How Testing Makes Safe Plumbing Possible

The subject of testing in manufacturing pipe material isn’t just an important conversation we should be having; it’s the first conversation specifiers need to have with project investors and colleagues. Water safety in our homes and businesses now depends on it.  

As the COVID 19 pandemic casts new light on cleanliness and hygiene, we think it’s a good time to discuss the rigorous testing required to manufacture FlowGuard® CPVC. To do that, we must meet the experts responsible for global testing for the preservation of public health, NSF International.

Meet the Testing Specialists

Since 1944, NSF International has developed standards and certifications for the regulation of manufacturing, food and water industries. Their prestigious program of testing, training and certification protects consumers, manufacturers and regulators in the selection of products or services.

NSF International’s expertise in water includes municipal water and wastewater treatment, products, water packaging and plumbing products. 

Plumbing services include testing and certification for plumbing pipes and fittings and any plastic products that come in contact with water intended for consumption.

The NSF Mark

Products that meet NSF International’s standards of testing and inspections carry the official NSF certification mark. FlowGuard CPVC carries this mark of certification.

Receiving the NSF mark for plumbing means:

  • These products have been independently reviewed and approved by one of the world’s most respected certification organizations
  • Any claims relating to the product have been verified by a trusted third party
  • These products carry a clear advantage for performance over alternatives
  • Demonstrates commitment to quality, compliance and safety

Testing FlowGuard CPVC

Plastic pipe material must be tested for a number of safety factors before being considered safe for installation: 

  • Chemical leaching
  • Growth of microbial organisms
  • Transmission of legionella and other pathogens

These are hazards of water distribution that can threaten the health of consumers, as well as the performance of the piping system itself. 

FlowGuard CPVC has been tested and verified against NSF standards for its piping components, including NSF Standard 61 (Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects) and NSF Standard 14 (Plastic Piping Components and Related Materials.)Of the accolades received by NSF International for our pipe quality, arguably the most significant is the NSF 61 Annex G certification. This standard is NSF’s guarantee of reduced health risks.

What Can Specifiers Do?

In a recent episode of the FlowGuard podcast, NSF International’s Dave Purkiss recommended that “to achieve water safety, you need a preventative approach. And it’s important to identify possible hazards that could create a risk.”

NSF International recommend a number of measures to mitigate risk to public health:

  • Ensure you have up to date testing documentation for all of your materials
  • Protect the installation environment to maintain system integrity
  • Regularly test water supplies once installed to prevent growth of hazardous substances

To learn more about the importance of quality water piping, the signs of contamination and the development of water safety testing for the future, particularly in a post-Covid world, watch our interview series, The Importance of Water Safety, featuring NSF International’s Dave Purkiss.

To find out more about this subject, listen to this episode of the FlowGuard podcast.