Think for a moment if the water you drink from your tap every day has a strange smell, a slight oily coating, or a slightly different taste what would be your first suspect?
Most people would think that the water tank is not clean, or that the water filter has stopped working. Some might even believe that the water supply agency’s treatment plant is not working properly. But very few of us think that this smell or taste could also be due to the lubricants used in the plumbing fittings. Whenever new water fittings are installed in a home or building — such as PVC pipes, taps, valves, or water meters a grease or lubricant is used to connect them properly. These lubricants make the fittings smooth, seal the joints watertight, and make installation easier.
But now it comes to safety.
If these lubricants are not food-grade or drinking-water safe, they can slowly release harmful chemicals into the water. As water passes through those joints, traces of the lubricant can get into the water and this is the “source” we don’t notice.
Note that this change is only detected by the color, taste, or smell of the water, and we keep drinking it assuming that everything is fine.
This situation becomes even more serious when the water is being used by children, the elderly, or sick people. People with weak immunity are more likely to be affected by contaminated water leading to stomach infections, skin allergies, or even organ damage in the long term. Often this small thing just installed in a pipe joint can spoil the water quality of the entire house. And because we think “it’s just grease, it goes everywhere”, we don’t bother to check its brand, certification or safety.
Therefore, it is important not to take this topic lightly. When choosing lubricants for drinking water fittings, check whether it is NSF or WRAS certified or not. Because these lubricants act as an invisible but very important bridge between your water quality and your health.
What is the real function of lubricants?
Whenever a new water pipeline is installed — like PVC pipes, tap fittings, water meters or RO systems — an essential substance is applied to properly fit and seal their joints, which we call lubricant or grease.
Now you will think, “Why is this needed?”
So let’s understand this in simple language:
Making the fitting smooth
When two pipes or fittings are joined together, there is often friction between them. This can lead to pipe breakage or incomplete fitment due to compulsion. Applying lubricant reduces this friction and the fitting fits easily in the right place, without applying too much force. This not only saves the time of the worker, but also reduces the chances of damage.
Leakage Prevention
If there is even a small leak in the water pipeline, it can gradually become a big issue - like dampness in the walls, water accumulation on the ground or even the clear water getting contaminated. Lubricant seals the joints in such a way that water cannot escape from them, which eliminates the possibility of leakage to a great extent.
Enhancing Seal Life
Just like lubrication is necessary to keep the joints flexible in our body, similarly it is necessary for the fittings of the pipes. The right lubricant reduces the wear caused by the friction of the pipe and increases the life of the seal. This does not require frequent repair or replacement.
Making installation easy
Imagine if the pipes fit together easily, then neither the plumber will have to work hard nor will he have to use force with the machines. Lubricant makes installation not only easier, but also quicker — saving both time and labor.
But the biggest question is:
- Are these lubricants that we use so freely really safe?
- Is this grease slowly leaching into our drinking water?
This is where the real concern begins — and this is what we will explain in detail later in this blog.
If you are serious about your family’s health, it is important to know that lubricant choice is important not just for the installation, but also for the purity and safety of your drinking water.
The danger begins when the lubricant is uncertified
If the wrong lubricant is used — such as non-food grade or uncertified grease — the chemicals in it can leach into the water. These chemicals can change the smell, taste, and even color of the water.
Real example:
In 2019, a small community in the US state of Michigan started receiving complaints of a strange smell in the water. Investigations found that the lubricant used in new fittings was not NSF certified. Elements called phthalates released from it had contaminated the water. More than 450 people complained of vomiting, stomach pain, and skin rashes.
This is not a far-fetched thing. In India too, in small towns and tier-2 cities, local and cheap lubricants are often used during pipe fittings, which have no certification.
who is most affected?
Infants whose immunity is still developing
Old people with low immunity
Pregnant women
And people whose only source of drinking water is water
According to the 2022 Health Ministry report of the Government of India, about 37 million people suffer from waterborne diseases every year — a large number of which are linked to chemical exposure through water.
Solution: Use certified, safe and trusted lubricants
The solution to this serious problem is simple and effective — use lubricants specifically formulated for drinking water fittings and certified by international bodies.
Bechem – When it comes to safety
Bechem is Germany’s leading lubricant manufacturer, founded in 1834. Bechem has earned global trust for its food-grade and water-contact safe lubricants for decades.
Features of Bechem lubricants:
- NSF H1 and WRAS certified
NSF H1 means that this lubricant is safe even in case of accidental food contact.
WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) is a UK body that ensures that any product that comes in contact with water meets health and safety standards.
Meaning? Bechem lubricants are completely safe in drinking water, food processing units and hospital equipment.
Odourless & Tasteless
This lubricant does not leave any odour after use, nor does it make any difference in taste.
For example, if you have installed it in an RO unit or water valve, there will be no change in the quality of water.
Compatible with rubber and plastic seals
Bechem's formula is designed in such a way that it does not harm PVC, silicone, EPDM, NBR, and other rubber/plastic seals.
There is no swelling or wear of the seal like normal lubricants. Hence, it ensures long life and better performance.
- Effective from -30°C to +120°C
In India, lubricants are important to work in both winter and summer.
This lubricant works from the cold weather of -30°C to the heat of +120°C, making it ideal for both domestic and industrial uses.
- Helpful in preventing microbial growth
The growth of bacteria or fungus is common when exposed to moisture or water.
Due to Bechem's anti-microbial formula, it helps keep seals and pipes clean and hygienic.
These precautions are important during installation:
- Choose only NSF/WRAS certified lubricants
- Do not apply too much lubricant
- Make sure to flush the pipe after installation
- Always use sealed and labeled products
- Do not reuse old lubricant
Conclusion
The water supplied to your home or office will only be completely safe if everything in the pipeline and fittings – even the lubricants – are certified and suitable for human health.
Bechem's lubricants for drinking water fittings are not only reliable in this case, but also provide a long-lasting solution.
So the next time you get a new fitting or repair it, check not only the quality of the pipe but also the quality of the lubricant.
🔗 For more information visit: Bechem Official Website
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