Here you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions; check back often as we'll make updates as new questions arise.
What NIBCO-specific products have been tested and certified for compliance with Annex G of NSF/ANSI 61?
Please reference the NIBCO Lead-Free Price List and Product Guide for an up-to-date list of products bearing third-party certification of compliance with the aforementioned standards and/or regulations. In addition, you can refer to the various listing agency websites for further verification.
Is there an additional cost for lead-free products?
What is Standard 61, Annex G?
In December 2008, NSF/ANSI Standard 61 was revised to add requirements to the standard allowing manufacturers the option of being certified to a lead content standard in jurisdictions with a 0.25% weighted average lead content requirement. For more information on Annex G, go to http://www.nsf.org/.
What is California Bill AB 1953?
AB 1953 is the designation that was assigned to the California Assembly Bill that was introduced by Assemblywoman Wilma Chan to revise Section 116875 of the California Health and Safety Code, relating to plumbing products which may contain lead components. This Bill was signed into law on September 30, 2006, and revises the meaning of the term "Lead Free." Since AB 1953 is a document number that can be reassigned each year, the law may be referred to as the "California Lead Plumbing Law" or as "Section 116875 of the California Health and Safety Code."
When did the California law take effect?
The effective date was January 1, 2010. Relevant portions Section 116875 of the California Health and Safety Code state as follows:
- "No person shall use any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux that is not lead free in the installation or repair of any public water system or any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption, except when necessary for the repair of leaded joints of cast iron pipes."
- "No person shall introduce into commerce any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting, or fixture, that is not lead free, except for a pipe that is used in manufacturing or industrial processing."
Does NIBCO offer lead-free products?
Yes. An extensive line-up of NIBCO lead-free products is available throughout the country and many more are being added. NIBCO offers lead-free products in multiple configurations and materials including:
• Bronze ball, gate, check and supply stop valves
• Iron resilient-wedge gate, butterfly and silent check valves
• Wrot and cast copper solder fittings, Press copper fittings, CPVC-CTS transition fittings and PEX fittings
Where do I find lead-free compliance documentation?
You will find specific information about our lead-free products at http://www.nibco.com/Lead-Free/; the ‘Resources’ section includes links to several white papers, technical documents, etc.
Will you provide training on compliant product?
Yes. Our knowledgeable and trained NIBCO direct sales people will be happy to schedule a customized training session for your specific needs. Go to the "Where to Buy" section of the web site to find a sales manager in your state.
What is Vermont S.152?
S. 152 is a bill regulating lead in consumer products similar to the California Lead Plumbing Law which also prohibits the sale of plumbing fixtures whose wetted surfaces contain more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead, effective January 1, 2010. The term "plumbing fixtures" is defined as "pipes, pipe, plumbing fittings and fixtures used to convey or dispense water for human consumption."
Is there current federal legislation that defines lead free?
Yes. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect the nation's public drinking water supply. The law has been amended in 1986 and 1996. Currently, the SDWA states that "lead-free" plumbing may contain up to 8 percent lead. For more information, go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/index.html
How does lead free tie into the company's ‘Commitment to Green'?
NIBCO lead-free initiatives have a direct correlation to improving health and safety. Additionally, water is a finite natural resource which requires conservation and preservation. As a manufacturer of plumbing products, we continue to stay abreast of industry trends and to be in compliance with laws designed to safeguard drinking water.
Will NIBCO ship products that contain lead into a state that currently has lead-free requirements?
Yes - for products used in non-potable water applications, such as irrigation, HVAC and other mechanical piping as well as industrial process piping.
Does this law apply only to residential buildings?
No. The law does not distinguish between residential and commercial uses. The law is specific to any application in which the water that is conveyed or dispensed is intended for human consumption, specifically drinking or cooking.
Do NIBCO® lead-free products incorporate special markings?
Yes, though this depends upon the agency that is conducting the certification. Organizations conducting certifications include: NSF, IAPMO, Truesdale Labs, WQA, and UL among others. NIBCO lead-free products are designated with an LF suffix as a part of the figure number; packaging, labels are clearly marked lead free and are light blue.
Do lead-free products need to be third-party certified?
California passed Senate Bill No. 1334 Chapter 580 which is an act to amend Section 116875 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to drinking water. SB 1334 requires lead-free products to be certified by an independent third-party laboratory. As of today, Vermont, Maryland, Louisiana and the Federal Legislation do not require third-party certification though NIBCO will continue to offer third-party listed lead-free products.
How does the Lead Plumbing Law define ‘Lead Free'?
"'Lead Free' means not more than 0.2 percent lead when used with respect to solder and flux and not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures. The weighted average lead content of a pipe and pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixture shall be calculated by using the following formula: The percentage of lead content within each component that comes into contact with water shall be multiplied by the percent of the total wetted surface of the entire pipe and pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, or fixture represented in each component containing lead. These percentages shall be added and the sum shall constitute the weighted average lead content of the pipe and pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, or fixture."
Do you have like products that are both non-compliant and compliant?
Yes. In situations where we offer both standard product and a lead-free alternative, the part number of the lead-free version has an "LF" suffix designation.