Lead Free Mandate goes into effect Jan 4, 2014

[Sam Leon]

As many of you know starting Jan 4, 2014 the lead free mandate goes into effect. No more selling and installing of non lead free pipes and fittings in the potable water system after that day.

This is nation wide EPA and it is different from previous implementations where they first have the manufacturers stop production but give time for the retailers and installers to phase out and switch over, this time it applies to all stops on the supply chain.

So, if you plan to install any leaded fittings, do it before Jan 3, 2014.

Also, if you need some ball valves or drop ear elbows or whatever, cough cough...your local plumbing supply stores...cough cough...are probably trying to get rid of all their leaded inventory...cough cough...and may have those on deep discount...cough cough...because after Jan 4 they can't sell them anymore...cough cough...

Even though you may think potable means faucets, and may not apply to all of the water supply system...it DOES. Shower elbows, dishwasher stops...they all apply. Now, you could have a leaded shower head LOL and of course, your local city water mains are still all heavily leaded.

Here is an interesting article to get info on.

Plumbing and Mechanical article