Phoenix commences the move towards Lead Free with the launch of Cromford
“Phoenix tapware has always adhered to Australian Standards but the new Lead Free requirements will mean that Phoenix will now embark on a roll-out project that will see all of our collections delivering even higher standards in the interests of public health in Australia” Michael Phelan, Phoenix Sales Director
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has agreed to limit the allowable lead content in brass plumbing products, which contain copper alloys and are intended for use in contact with drinking water, to a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25%.
The definition of Lead Free in Australia falls in line with American terminology, and is applied to a plumbing product that meets this weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25%
This move is in the interests of public health. One of the main ways that lead finds its way into our bodies is through tap water. When lead builds up it can cause various documented health issues.
Cromford Exposed Sink Set, Vessel Mixer and Basin Mixer in Brushed Nickel
For Phoenix, this means that all of our products that are intended for use as an outlet for drinking water, namely tapware and mixers, must transition to this Lead Free brass content by 1 May 2026. After this time, only products conforming to this requirement will be authorised for use in plumbing installations and will be the only products eligible for Watermark certification.
The Watermark certification is a consumer’s guarantee that their plumbing products are fit for purpose and protects community health and safety. All compliant products, including low lead tapware and mixers, are certified and in the future will display the approved Lead Free Watermark trademark, which has now been registered.
Moving forward to the regulatory deadline, Phoenix has implemented a roll-out strategy, that will see products across existing and new collections transition to Lead Free, until all tapware and mixers comply with the regulation. That is, Sink Mixers, Basin Mixers, Vessel Mixers, Shower / Wall Mixers, Wall Top Assemblies, Basin / Bath Mixer Sets and Basin / Bath Outlet Sets from Phoenix will start to conform to having no more than 0.25% lead content. The regulations do not apply to Phoenix showers or accessories.
Cromford Vessel Mixer and Basin Mixer in Brushed Nickel
Our new Cromford collection (launched in March 2023) is pioneering our drive toward Lead Free tapware. This means that all Mixers and Wall Top Assemblies in the Cromford collection comply with the new regulation. Home owners can install the Cromford collection in their homes based on the design aesthetic and have the added bonus of a Lead Free product that is a healthier option for them and their family.
Phoenix Sales Director, Michael Phelan, believes this move is an extremely positive one for the tapware industry. “Phoenix tapware has always adhered to Australian Standards but the new Lead Free requirements will mean that Phoenix will now embark on a roll-out project that will see all of our collections delivering even higher standards in the interests of public health in Australia”
