Pipe down! Don’t be ‘caught short’

Frankliners looking to build or renovate should ensure their plumbers are up to date with new rules regarding the use of lead components.

All plumbing fixtures installed in new homes must now be lead-free, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk confirms.

“The move to lead-free plumbing products has been well signalled. In 2022, plans were announced to tighten the amount of lead permitted in plumbing products used for drinking water, alongside a transition period to give the industry time to prepare.”

Ingesting lead can impact brain function, raise blood pressure and cause some reproductive issues.

Now in effect, the new rules cover any plumbing components that come into contact with drinking water including valves and tapware. Tapware must also be resistant to dezincification to help maintain water quality over time.

“Designers and tradies will need to check that products specified in a building consent and those installed meet the updated requirements and confirm early with suppliers that compliant products are available, so they don’t get caught short.”

The changes are in line with regulations overseas, the response from tradies to date has been positive and the cost of switching is negligible, Penk says.

“This update sets a clear, modern standard and gives New Zealanders confidence in the safety of their drinking water. It is a sensible, preventative step that will benefit the well-being of Kiwis over the long term.”