Lead-free plumbing refers to products that contain no more than 0.25% lead in wetted surfaces, as required by the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. This ensures safer drinking water and protects public health.
Lead-Free Compliance: A Critical Change in the NCC 2022
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 – Volume Three mandates that all plumbing products in contact with drinking water must be lead-free. This regulation is designed to protect public health and the environment by eliminating exposure to lead, a toxic heavy metal linked to developmental delays, neurological damage, and other serious health issues, especially in children and pregnant women.
Environmental and Health Benefits of Going Lead Free
- Health Protection: Reduces risk of lead ingestion through drinking water.
- Environmental Impact: Minimises reliance on non-renewable lead resources and reduces pollution from mining and processing.
- Community Safety: Supports a healthier built environment for all Australians.
How to Ensure Your Plumbing Products Are Compliant
Before specifying or installing any plumbing fixture, check for the following certifications and indicators:
- WaterMark Certification. WaterMark is an Australian government scheme confirms plumbing products meet national standards, including limits on lead content. Choosing WaterMark-certified products ensures compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia and guarantees they’re safe for drinking water use. These products are regularly audited and tested, so you can trust their quality and up-to-date certification.
- WELS Rating (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards). 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.
- 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.
- Lead Safe or Lead Free Labels. Some manufacturers may label their products as "lead-free" or "non-toxic" to indicate that they meet the requirements for lead free products.
- Material Composition. Lead-free plumbing products are typically made of materials such as brass, copper, and stainless steel. Avoid products made of leaded materials.
- Manufacturer Verification. 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 Compliance Matters
Specifying and installing plumbing products that do not meet current regulatory standards, can have serious consequences for your project, your reputation, and public safety.
- Failed Inspections and Delays
Non-compliant products are likely to be flagged during plumbing inspections, causing project delays and requiring urgent replacements. This can disrupt timelines, increase labour costs, and damage client relationships. - Costly Replacements and Rework
Installing products that don’t meet lead-free standards may require full removal and replacement, especially if they’ve already been integrated into the plumbing system. This leads to additional material costs, labour expenses, and potential damage to surrounding infrastructure. - Legal and Regulatory Penalties
Using non-compliant fixtures can result in fines, legal action, or loss of certification for builders, plumbers, and specifiers. Regulatory bodies may also impose restrictions on future projects or revoke licenses. - Health and Safety Liability
Lead exposure through drinking water poses serious health risks, particularly to children, pregnant women, and vulnerable populations. If a product is found to contribute to contamination, the installer or specifier may be held liable for health impacts, property damage, or even litigation. - Reputational Damage
In today’s compliance-driven market, using unsafe or outdated products can harm your brand’s reputation. Clients and stakeholders expect high standards, and failure to meet them can result in lost business and negative publicity.
Galvin’s Commitment to Lead-Free Innovation
Galvin has been leading the way in lead free plumbing solutions since 2018. As Australia’s first to market with lead-free (Lead Safe™) commercial tapware, valves, and fixtures, Galvin continues to deliver Water Solutions for a Healthier Environment.
Explore our Lead Free Range and Spec Guides to ensure your next project is safe, compliant, and future-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
