The purpose of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006 is to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring that people carrying out sanitary plumbing are competent to do so. For plumbers, that responsibility is not only about how work is installed but also making sound decisions about the products being installed in drinking water systems.

From 2 May 2026, G12/AS1 Amendment 14 introduced lead free requirements for copper alloy plumbing products used in contact with drinking water. Under this compliance pathway, those products must have a weighted average lead content of no more than 0.25% (0.25 is deemed to be lead free).

The Board is aware that some resellers may still be selling leaded products. The fact that a product is available for sale does not necessarily mean it complies with the recent changes. Plumbers should ensure that the products they install are compliant before installation.

Safe drinking water depends on the complete plumbing system. That includes the pipework, fittings, valves, taps, mixers and other products that water passes through before it reaches the consumer. A plumber cannot reasonably meet their public health responsibility if they install a product without being satisfied that it is suitable and compliant for use with drinking water.

Before installing a product, check the product information, certification and markings to make sure there is appropriate evidence that it meets the lead free requirements. Do not assume a product is compliant simply because it is available from a merchant, appears in a catalogue, or has been supplied by someone else on the job.

You should be satisfied that the products you install in contact with drinking water are compliant and lead free. If you cannot confirm that, do not install them.