How SKZ has been contributing to the safety of piping systems for decades
Since 2010, World Plumbing Day, initiated by the World Plumbing Council (WPC) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has been bringing the central importance of safe and hygienic piping systems to the attention of the public. The day of action on March 11 underscores how indispensable reliable pipes, fittings, and materials are for a safe drinking water supply and the sustainable protection of human health. On the occasion of this international day of action, SKZ spoke with Christian Winkler, Group Leader for Pipe Systems, about two decades of experience in product certification, product monitoring, and testing of piping systems, as well as the role of independent testing and certification bodies in ensuring quality, safety, and trust.
Christian Winkler from SKZ explains why intact piping systems are so important in an interview. (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)
Christian Winkler in conversation on the occasion of World Plumbing Day on March 11
SKZ: Christian, you have been working at SKZ for 20 years. What does World Plumbing Day mean to you?
Christian Winkler: World Plumbing Day is a powerful reminder that clean drinking water cannot be taken for granted. Pipes, fittings, and valves form the backbone of the water supply—they must be mechanically reliable, durable, and, above all, hygienically safe. At SKZ, we comprehensively test these products in accordance with national and international standards and support manufacturers in meeting the high requirements for safety and quality on a long-term basis.
SKZ: In addition to traditional product testing, product certification is playing an increasingly important role. How is your group positioned in this regard?
Winkler: Product certification is a key component in building trust in piping systems and fittings. SKZ itself has been certifying in this area for more than 20 years; among other things, we are also accredited as a certification body according to UBA and are seeking notification according to DWD. In addition, we work with a large number of recognized certification bodies worldwide, e.g., the Water Supplies Department Hong Kong. This close international network enables us to support manufacturers in obtaining a wide range of national and international certificates – whether for drinking water applications or technical areas of use. In this way, we ensure that products are not only tested, but also officially certified and marketable.
SKZ: But certification doesn't end with the test report, right?
Winkler: Exactly. A crucial point is regular product monitoring. Certified products are subject to regular inspections, which include checking production processes, material consistency, and product properties. This continuous monitoring ensures that the tested quality is maintained in the long term—an important contribution to the safety of the water supply and consumer protection.
SKZ: What role do products that come into contact with drinking water play in this?
Winkler: Products that come into contact with drinking water are subject to special monitoring. This is not only a matter of mechanical properties, but above all of hygienic safety. SKZ supports manufacturers in the testing and certification of materials and components that come into contact with drinking water – from pipe systems and seals to fittings. In this way, we make an important contribution to ensuring drinking water quality along the entire supply chain.
SKZ: Looking back on your 20 years at SKZ, what has changed the most?
Winkler: The requirements have become significantly more complex. International markets, stricter regulations, and rising expectations for sustainability and hygiene shape our work. At the same time, the importance of independent testing, certification, and reliable product monitoring has increased massively. This is precisely where SKZ's strength lies: we combine technical expertise, modern testing infrastructure, and a strong international certification network.
SKZ: What is your message for World Plumbing Day?
Winkler: Pipes and their components are invisible but vital systems. Their safety is not a matter of chance, but the result of consistent testing, recognized certification, and continuous monitoring. World Plumbing Day is the perfect occasion to raise awareness of this importance—for industry, politics, and society alike.
The interview was conducted by Alexander Ebenbeck, SKZ
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