Drinking water hoses

What are the key features of a drinking water hose?

The most important features of a drinking water hose can be found below:

• Compliance with standards 
• Smooth inner layer
• Medium resistance 
• Cleaning resistance of drinking water hoses

Compliance with standards

Drinking water and its installations are subject to special regulations. The former are general and apply throughout the European Union (Directive 98/83/EC). The second, on the other hand, is determined by the hygiene institute of the country concerned. In the case of the UK, this is the Food Safety Agency (FSA).

In order to ensure that the drinking water hose meets all standards, it is made from materials that are sufficiently inert so that their components do not get into the water. As a result, they do not adversely affect the health of consumers or affect the quality of food.

The drinking water hoses do not contain phthalates or other harmful substances.

Smooth inner layer

When transporting water and other products or semifinished foodstuffs, it is also very important that the medium does not adhere to or penetrate the inner wall of the food grade hose.

This is why drinking water hoses have a very smooth inner layer. On the one hand, it prevents the build-up of biofilm and other contaminants, and on the other, it makes cleaning the hose much easier.

Medium resistance

When choosing a drinking water hose, also look at whether it is resistant to the medium in question. In the case of foodstuffs, this is important because an ill-fitting hose may react with the substance being transferred.

When drinking water is involved, temperature resistance is most important. If you are interested in transporting hot liquid, check if the drinking water hose allows this.

The material from which it is made must remain chemically inert even at high temperatures.

Cleaning resistance of drinking water hoses

When transporting food substances and drinking water, regular hose cleaning also plays an important role. They should therefore be resistant to at least light cleaning agents and elevated temperatures.

Depending on the type of drinking water hose, its properties may require different approaches to the cleaning process, so read the manufacturer's recommendations before undertaking this work.

How is a drinking water hose constructed?

Drinking water hose is constructed of three layers:

• outer (provides abrasion and weather resistance), 
• reinforcements (usually a synthetic braid, which increases the strength of the hose), 
• inner (it is characterized by a smooth surface and is chemically inert and does not alter water quality).

You still have a choice of suction and discharge hoses, which are distinguished by their additional spiral reinforcement. It is necessary to ensure that the drinking water hose does not collapse inwards during vacuum operation.

When it comes to the materials available, you have a choice of PVC and other polymer-based drinking water hoses, as well as those made from rubber compounds.