Our quick guide to the three S's of plumbing management will help schools prepare for some of their most important maintenance decisions.
We all know that managing finances isn't as easy as learning your ABCs, but schools across the country are constantly searching for ways to make their maintenance budget stretch further each year.
While it can be tempting to go for the quick-fix to save a few dollars here and there, all facility managers know they end up spending more in the long-term with cheaper products failing quicker, more often and with damaging consequences.
Plumbing is a significant expense for any school and introduces a multitude of risks around students' health. Galvin Engineering has been providing water solutions for a healthier environment for more than 90 years. We have the technology and experience to give schools peace of mind their products will not only be compliant to Australian standards, but also stand the rigorous tests of time in harsh conditions.
1. Safety and Hygiene
Because you can't cut corners on health
From fungal and bacteria resistant materials offering protection for children's teeth to lead safe tapware, keeping up to date with new standards in safety and hygiene can be a time consuming and often complex topic to understand. After all, not everyone has the time or experience to interpret Australian plumbing standards, research advancements in technology, or check requirements for sanitary tapware.
That’s why Galvin Engineering has done all the hard work by removing the pitfalls and risks for schools. Not only can we guarantee that our products are compliant with all relevant Australian standards and requirements, but we are always looking for ways to future-proof our solutions by staying ahead of the curve.
One National Construction Code amendment Galvin Engineering has been preparing for since 2017 is a sweeping reform to plumbing that's about to impact every new commercial build project in Australia.
From 1 May 2026, plumbing products that do not conform to lead free requirements amendment to the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code will no longer have valid certification and will not be authorised for installation if in contact with drinking water. While 2026 sounds like a long time away, industry impacts will become apparent much sooner as suppliers start to deplete current stock as early as next year and Education Boards demand changes across their schools. Indeed, some School Building Authorities already have strict requirements for lead safe products in anticipation of the new national standard.
The amendment to the NCC Volume Three – Plumbing Code of Australia, lead free provisions was made in response to a decision by the ABC Board to limit the allowable lead content in plumbing products, which contain copper alloys and are intended for use in contact with drinking water. New standards now limit the weighted average lead content to not exceed more than 0.25%. That means from 1 May 2026, clause A5G4(2) of the NCC Volume Three will take effect. From then, only products WaterMark certified as conforming to the lead free provisions, where required, will be authorised for use in plumbing installations.
Lead safe plumbing solutions
Importantly, drinking water is defined by the National Construction Code as "water intended primarily for human consumption but which has other domestic uses". And it's the broad intent of this definition that will see enormous changes to every school plumbing decision, whether it's repairs, replacements or new installations.
Vigilant schools preparing for the amended safety standards are already adopting lead safe solutions as part of their maintenance programs. From drinking bubblers and fountains in the playgrounds to complete plumbing solutions, our commitment to new standards in our extensive range of Lead Safe™ products makes it simple, affordable and convenient for schools to make the switch right now.
While the plumbing standards imposed from 1 May 2026 are much needed and welcomed by the entire industry, there's much work to be done in a short amount of time to ensure every school is compliant. As the demand for new lead safe products increases, schools will need to ensure they can secure the products they need.
2. Supply
Because you always need it yesterday
Supporting the Australian economy and workers are only two of the many reasons schools choose to buy from Australian manufacturers. When you're managing extensive inventories of items that need replacing or repairing frequently, the last thing you need is supply chain issues. That's why buying Australian-made tapware is the answer to getting what you need when you need it, giving you greater control over your maintenance programs.
Galvin Engineering has been manufacturing products in Australia for more than 90 years. Made right here in Western Australia with warehouses in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland, it means our products are on the shelf ready to go. Giving you peace of mind that our inventory levels are reliable and guaranteed to be available. So no matter where your educational facility is in Australia, you can have the products you need when you need them.
Australia requires businesses to meet some of the world's strictest labour, trade, safety and quality control standards. That means when you buy from Australian companies, you know you're contributing to a business that uses high quality resources and materials that are suitable for our unique environment.
3. Suitability
Because you need it to be fit for purpose and made for Australian conditions
From the tropical Top End to the snowy mountains of Tasmania, whether you're in the burning sun of the Western Australian desert or the relentless winter rain of the southern states, one thing you need to know is that your products will keep working for longer.
Quality doesn't have to break the bank, and Galvin Engineering recognises that sustainability or whole-of-life costs are critical in the design and development of educational facilities. Our tapware, safety and sanitaryware products are intentionally designed to reduce costs and downtime for the item's lifecycle. We ensure and warrant that everything we sell is durable and fit for purpose in the most demanding education environments, as well as being supported by our Australian team of experts.
As a mark of reliability our products are proven to withstand the test of time and heavy-duty usage in school indoor environments or Australia's harsh outdoors. Using robust materials like chrome-plated DZR, stainless steel, and nitrile rubber compounds, we have designed weather and vandal resistant products, giving schools longer-lasting products that minimise maintenance worries.
Solutions that Work for Schools
At Galvin Engineering, our team is committed to providing solutions that meet the highest safety, functionality and quality standards at value-for-money prices.
For more than half a century, schools and universities across Australia have trusted us to provide tapware for drinking, washrooms, school wet and dry labs, safety products and more.
We proudly hold WaterMark, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, WELS and AGA Certifications.As well as this, we hold approvals in New South Wales schools, Victorian VSBA projects, Queensland DETE projects and Western Australian DET schools.
Whether you're a facility manager, maintenance engineer, school principal, or member of an Education Board, the team at Galvin Engineering can advise you on the best solutions to give you compliance, value and reliability. With our experience you know you're getting products proven to withstand the test of time as well as meet the highest standards of hygiene, giving you water solutions for a healthier environment.
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