At Laser Plumbing Grey Lynn, your family’s health and the safety of your home’s water supply are our top priorities. That’s why we’re fully embracing one of the most significant updates to the New Zealand Building Code in years: the shift to Lead-Free Plumbing Products.
Here is everything you need to know about the new regulations, what we’re doing to comply, and how this change benefits you, our valued customer.
š The Key Change: May 1, 2026
The date every homeowner and plumber in New Zealand needs to be aware of is May 1, 2026.
The New Rule: From this date forward, any copper alloy (brass) plumbing product that comes into contact with drinking water and is newly installed or replaced must contain no more than 0.25% lead by weight. This new standard is often referred to as ‘Lead-Free’ and is designed to eliminate the potential for lead to leach into your drinking water.
Why the Change?
While the current fittings in your home have been compliant with previous standards, lead is a cumulative toxin. Even trace amounts of lead exposure over time can pose health risks, particularly for young children and pregnant women. By removing lead from the manufacturing of these products, the New Zealand government is taking a proactive step to further safeguard public health and align our standards with best practices adopted internationally.
š ļø What This Means for NZ Homeowners
The new regulations affect all products made from copper alloys that deliver water for human consumption, including:
- Tapware and Mixers (Kitchen and bathroom)
- Fittings and Valves
- Water Heaters
- Water Meters
š” If you are Building New or Renovating:
Any plumber undertaking a new installation or replacing a component after May 1, 2026, is legally required to use compliant, lead-free products. This means:
- Future-Proofing: Your new plumbing system will be compliant with the highest health standards for years to come.
- Peace of Mind: You can be completely confident in the safety of the water from your new taps and fittings.
š If you have an Existing Home:
The new rules do not require you to rip out and replace all your existing tapware. Your current system is not suddenly “unsafe.”
However, if you have older brass fittings, the Ministry of Health still recommends a simple health measure:
ā Flush Your Taps: Run a cup of water from your drinking water tap each morning before use. This flushes out any water that has been sitting in contact with your fittings overnight.
When your existing components eventually need repair or replacement, our team will ensure that the new parts we install are fully compliant with the lead-free requirements.
š¤ Our Totally Dependable Commitment
At Laser Plumbing Grey Lynn, we have been preparing for this change by working closely with our suppliers to ensure our stock meets the highest standards.
- We only install compliant products. We have already transitioned to sourcing and stocking Lead-Free (LF) and Dezincification Resistant (DR or DZR) products, which are necessary for the longevity and health of your water system.
- We won’t install uncertified products. Be cautious of ordering fittings and tapware online from overseas retailers. If a product cannot be easily identified as meeting the new NZ Lead-Free standards, we will not be able to install it for you to ensure your home remains compliant and safe.
- Expert Advice: We are here to guide you. We can recommend high-quality, certified lead-free tapware and fittings that fit your style and budget.
The shift to lead-free plumbing is a significant positive step for the health of all New Zealanders. We are proud to be leading the way and ensuring your home has the safest, most dependable water supply possible.
Do you have questions about the lead-free requirements, or would you like to schedule an inspection to discuss replacing older tapware in your home?
