Lead-free hot water systems. What you need to know.
Changes are on the horizon for the plumbing industry, and if you live on the Northern Beaches, now is a great time to prepare. By mid-2026, all plumbing products used in drinking water systems, including hot water heaters, must comply with new lead-free regulations.
At Cheapa Hot Water Northern Beaches, we’re helping homeowners and businesses stay ahead of these changes by supplying and installing compliant, lead-free hot water systems across the area.
Why are lead-free water heaters being introduced?
To improve household water safety, Australia is phasing out plumbing products that contain lead. From May 2026, taps, valves, fittings—and hot water units—must contain no more than 0.25% lead in any surface that comes into contact with drinking water.
- Reduces the risk of lead leaching into your household water.
- Aligns with global safety standards already adopted in countries like the US and EU.
- Ensures long-term protection for Australian homes, particularly for families with young children.
How can you tell if your water heater is lead-free?
Lead-free plumbing and hot water products are now marked with a blue WaterMark certification label. This makes it easy for plumbers and homeowners to identify compliant products.
You’ll still see red-labelled products available for a little while longer, but they’ll be phased out for potable water use after the 2026 deadline.
What do these changes mean for your existing hot water system?
If your existing water heater is still working well, you don’t need to replace it immediately. However, if you’re planning a replacement or new installation, choosing a lead-free model now will ensure your system is future-ready and fully compliant.
Many reputable manufacturers have already begun rolling out compliant models.
Questions about lead-free water heaters?
If you’re concerned about your existing water heater or want to upgrade to a new lead-free hot water system, now is the perfect time to install a lead-free system.
We supply and install a wide range of lead-free compliant hot water systems, including electric, gas, solar, and heat pumps, all tailored to your usage needs and budget.
Call our local Northern Beaches hot water specialists for expert advice and reliable service.
Call 0410 693 532 Send an SMS Email Us
Lead-free water heater upgrade on the Northern Beaches.
We recently completed a full system upgrade for a client in the Northern Beaches, replacing their failing Rheem heat pump with a new Vulcan 315L electric storage water heater.
The existing unit was underperforming and driving up their energy bills, so the customer chose to upgrade rather than repair.
We recommended the Vulcan 315L due to the following features:
- Durability and reliability for medium to large households.
- Affordable price point without compromising quality.
- Backing by Rheem’s trusted manufacturing.
Best of all, this Vulcan model came with a blue WaterMark, confirming that it meets the new lead-free standard.
We handled the entire process from start to finish. First, we drained and removed the old system. Then we made all necessary plumbing and electrical adjustments. We supplied and installed the new Vulcan unit, and responsibly recycled the old Rheem heat pump.
Need advice about lead-free hot water systems?
If your existing hot water system is nearing the end of its life and you’re considering upgrading to a lead-free model, we’re here to assist. We offer a wide selection of fully compliant electric, gas, solar, and heat pump systems tailored to your household’s needs and budget. Get in touch with our team today for professional guidance and support.