How RWC is Giving the Plumbing Industry a Path Forward to Safer, Smarter Plumbing

With the 2026 National Construction Code deadline approaching, the plumbing industry is preparing for a major change. The requirement to use lead-free copper alloy products marks a significant step forward in responsible manufacturing.

While current compliant plumbing products, including those made by RWC, already meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, the real issue lies with non-compliant products that continue to be used in parts of the industry.

The shift to lead-free is not about questioning the safety of compliant products. It’s about reducing the use of a known hazardous material in the manufacturing process. This change brings a clear benefit to the supply chain and supports safer, more sustainable practices.

RWC has taken a proactive approach. We identified the best lead-free alloys early, contributed to the development of technical standards and ensured our full product range was lead-free and available by 2024. Our experience in international markets gave us a head start and helped us deliver a smooth transition for our customers.

To support this transition, RWC has also launched an online tool that allows customers to easily look up product codes that have been transitioned to lead-free, along with their updated codes. This resource is designed to make the changeover as smooth and transparent as possible, giving installers and specifiers confidence in every product they choose.

By removing lead from the process, we are helping to reduce risk in manufacturing, support environmental goals and lead the industry toward a more responsible future.

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Article by RWC