The Plumbing Code 2022 (NCC Volume Three) has implemented a change that requires all plumbing products in contact with drinking water to be lead free. This change is intended to have a positive impact on the health and safety of individuals, as well as the environment.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can have serious health effects, particularly in young children and pregnant women. Long-term exposure to lead can cause developmental delays, behavioural issues, and damage to the nervous system. When lead enters the water supply, it can leach into drinking water and be ingested, leading to potential health risks. By eliminating lead in plumbing products, the NCC 2022 is helping to reduce the risk of lead exposure for individuals.
In addition to the health benefits, the change to lead-free plumbing products also has environmental benefits. Lead is a non-renewable resource, and the mining and processing of lead can have a negative impact on the environment. By using lead-free alternatives, the plumbing industry is reducing its reliance on lead and helping to protect the environment.
How do I know I have a compliant product?
- Look for the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating. In Australia, the WELS rating is a mandatory certification for all plumbing products, including water-efficient and lead-free products. The rating is typically found on the product packaging and will indicate the product's water efficiency and performance.
- Look for the product's WaterMark certification. WaterMark certification is a scheme run by the Australian government that certifies plumbing products as compliant with the country's regulations on lead content. By choosing products that have been certified under the WaterMark scheme, you can be sure that they meet the standards set out in the Plumbing Code of Australia, which limits the amount of lead that can be present in plumbing products. This means that by purchasing WaterMark-certified products, you can be confident that you are selecting plumbing products that are safe to use and will not contribute to the presence of lead in your water supply. Additionally, WaterMark-certified products are regularly audited and tested to ensure compliance, so you can trust that the certification is valid and up-to-date.
- Check for certifications. Look for certifications such as the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4020 and AS/NZS 6400.1. These certifications indicate that a product has been tested and meet the requirements for lead-free products.
- Look for the "LeadSafe or "lead-free" label. Some manufacturers may label their products as "lead-free" or "non-toxic" to indicate that they meet the requirements for lead-free products.
- Check the product's composition. Lead-free plumbing products are typically made of materials such as brass, copper, and stainless steel. Avoid products made of leaded materials.
- Contact the manufacturer. If you have doubts about a product's lead-free status, you can contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their products and their certifications.
Why Check Before You Spec and Install?
If you install a non-WaterMark-approved plumbing item in Australia, it may not be compliant with the regulations set out in the Plumbing Code of Australia. This means that the product may contain higher levels of lead than allowed, not meet performance requirements or be of poor overall quality. If a non-compliant product is discovered during plumbing inspections, you may be required to remove and replace it at a significant cost. You may also be subject to fines or penalties if it is found that you have installed non-compliant products. In addition, if the non-compliant product causes harm to public health or damage to property, you may be liable for those damages. It is important to always use WaterMark-certified products to ensure compliance with regulations and to protect the safety and health of yourself and others.
It's also important to note that the NCC 2022 and the Australian standard AS/NZS 6400.1 have set the maximum lead content in the wetted surfaces of plumbing products to 0.25%. So any product that meets this standard is considered lead-free, at this stage, this change will occur in May of 2026.
Overall, the change to lead-free plumbing products in the NCC 2022 has the potential to have a positive impact on individuals by improving their health, protecting the environment, and saving them money. It's important to note that this change is beneficial not only for consumers but also for the entire community as it will contribute to a safer and healthier environment for everyone.
With a total focus on providing Water Solutions for a Healthier Environment, it was an easy decision for the team at Galvin Engineering to make the change to lead-free materials back in 2018. Galvin Engineering was the first to market in Lead Safe solutions and is Australia's number choice for Lead Safe commercial tapware, valves, and plumbing fixtures and fittings.
