If you're a builder or plumber with plumbing products such as taps, fittings and fixtures stockpiled for projects or stored in your trucks, vans or shed, now is the time to make use of your current inventory so you’re not left with products that can’t be legally installed very soon.

New lead-free plumbing products explained

The 2022 National Construction Code (NCC) edition introduced a new lead limit in plumbing products used for drinking water. Clause A5G4 of NCC 2022 Volume Three (Plumbing Code of Australia) specifies that all copper alloy plumbing products in contact with drinking water must limit the allowable lead content.

Products will be limited to a weighted average lead content of less than 0.25 per cent. This limit will be assessed through a new referenced standard, NSF 61Drinking Water System Components.

This requirement will be regulated at the point of installation. It will take effect from 1 May 2026, meaning that existing copper alloy plumbing products with more than 0.25 per cent lead will no longer be authorised for installation in plumbing systems that convey drinking water.

Why change? Is there a problem with existing products?

There are already limits to the allowable lead levels in many plumbing products. These limits are outlined in individual product standards and regulated through the WaterMark Certification Scheme; however, these limits currently vary between different products. Existing product standards combined with the requirement to test to AS/NZS 4020 Testing of products in contact with drinking water, ensure that lead in Australia’s drinking water is within the levels outlined in the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.

While drinking water in Australia is safe, the World Health Organization recommends that if human exposure to lead can be reduced, it should. This means that existing products are not considered unsafe. However, many health benefits  can be achieved by minimising lead exposure.

What does this mean for builders and plumbers?

Until 30 April 2026, plumbers may continue installing existing product stock. However, from 1 May 2026, only lead-free plumbing products will be authorised for installation.

What products are covered by the NCC’s lead-free requirement?

All copper alloy products in contact with drinking water will be required to comply with the new lead-free requirements of the NCC. This includes fittings, valves, backflow prevention devices, taps, mixers, water heaters, water meters and water dispensers (boiling and cooling units).

Details of the product types within this change are outlined on the WaterMark Schedule of Products. This Schedule outlines all plumbing products that require WaterMark certification to be authorised for installation in a plumbing or drainage system and also indicates which products must comply with the lead-free requirements of the NCC.

Does the lead-free requirement apply to all products?

No, the lead-free requirement does not apply to all plumbing products. Some products not expected to come into constant contact with drinking water and have a low likelihood of being used for human consumption are exempt from this requirement. This includes shower heads, washing machines, dishwashers, commercial boilers (associated with HVAC systems), emergency deluge showers and eyewash equipment.

Copper alloy products used in fire-fighting equipment, irrigation systems and recycled water systems are also exempt from the lead requirement because they do not provide water for human consumption. Beyond this transition date, existing products may be used in other exempt applications, such as systems not used to convey drinking water.

Where did this decision come from?

Macquarie University undertook a literature review in 2018 to determine to what extent plumbing products may contribute to lead levels in drinking water in excess of those permitted by the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.

This report confirmed that, although Australia’s drinking water meets the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines, there is still potential for lead to leach from copper alloy plumbing products in contact with drinking water.

In response to the report’s findings, the Australian Building Codes Board developed a Regulation Impact Statement, which analysed whether the allowable lead content in plumbing products should be reduced and assessed any alternative options available to address the issue. Ultimately, building ministers supported the move to reduce the allowable levels of lead in plumbing products to provide greater health benefits to Australians.

How can I determine if the product is lead-free?

Products complying with the lead-free requirements and certified under the WaterMark Certification Scheme are identifiable by the Lead-Free ‘Mark of Conformity’, which must be displayed on the purchased product. A product complying with the new requirements will be identified with a new label, shown below.

Testing and certification of new product update

This is a significant change for plumbing product manufacturers. During this transition period, many manufacturers have needed to source new raw materials, change manufacturing processes, and have products re-tested with an accredited laboratory and recertified with a JAZ-ANZ Accredited WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body.

‘The Australian requirements for lead-free plumbing products align with countries such as the USA and Canada. Fortunately, several accredited laboratories and WaterMark Conformity Assessment Bodies, such as the International Code Council, have been testing and certifying products to the same lead-free requirements as these other countries. They bring many years of experience to the Australian market to support the lead-free transition,’ says Tom Roberts, Global Director of Plumbing, Mechanical and Gas with the International Code Council.

As the deadline gets closer, plumbers and builders should see an increasing number of lead-free plumbing products becoming available at suppliers as existing products work their way through the supply chain and lead-free products enter the market.

‘Everyone in the industry needs to understand that this is a significant change for the manufacturing industry. It will be regulated at the point of installation, so plumbers will generally hold the responsibility for compliance,’ Tom advises. 

‘Unfortunately, the transition deadline for manufacturers and WaterMark Conformity Assessment Bodies is not in 2026. Manufacturers are working hard to have lead-free products available as soon as possible, ensuring that suppliers, builders and plumbers can have compliant products available for projects well before the transition period ends.’

This is an important reminder to builders and plumbers who may have plumbing products stockpiled for a project or in the back of their ute or van. Ensure that your existing plumbing products are utilised over the next year and only lead-free products are used in projects that may be completed after the 1 May 2026 deadline.

Meet Tom Roberts

Tom Roberts is the Global Director of Plumbing, Mechanical and Gas with the International Code Council (ICC).

Tom is also the Chair of Standards Australia’s WS-014 committee responsible for the AS/NZS 3500 suite of standards. These are Australia and New Zealand’s primary design and installation standards for water services, sanitary plumbing and drainage systems and stormwater systems.

Tom was previously an Australian Building Codes Board Director and was responsible for developing the Plumbing Code of Australia, where he was heavily involved in the administration of the WaterMark plumbing product certification scheme. Tom also led the policy development and implementation for lead-free product requirements in Australia.

Tom is a regular presenter around the world. He works closely with governments and the industry globally to promote, educate and develop building safety solutions.

First published 18 October 2024