The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is urging consumers to make sure that any plumbing products they buy are certified and authorised for use in Australia.
State Building Surveyor at VBA, Andrew Cialini said Victorians looking to purchase a plumbing product for a plumber to install should look for the WaterMark trademark, “before splashing the cash”.
Mr Cialini said WaterMark was a mandatory scheme for the certification of plumbing and drainage products that was administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), on behalf of State and Territory plumbing regulators.
“Products displaying the WaterMark trademark are fit for purpose and protect consumers from unsuitable unsafe products,” Mr Cialini said.
“Any product that comes into contact with drinking water, as well as items such as hot water systems, toilets and sanitary ware need to meet national standards,” he said.
“Plumbing products that require the WaterMark trademark but do not have it are not approved for use in Victoria and may be unsafe to use.”
Mr Cialini warned consumers that licensed or registered plumbers were prohibited from installing a product that did not have WaterMark certification when a WaterMark product was required by the Plumbing Code of Australia.
He said any plumbing product purchased must be installed by a licensed or registered plumber.
“Consequences of not using WaterMark certified products where required include consumers bearing the cost of replacing materials, product failure resulting in building damage or loss and possible voided insurance,” the State Building Surveyor said.
“If you have purchased a plumbing product overseas or plan to use a second-hand product of unclear origin, you can search for the product on the ABCB WaterMark Product Database.”
Mr Cialini said people could also use the database to check any product they suspected may not comply with the Australian plumbing codes or standards.
The ABCB WaterMark Product Database can be accessed at this PS News link.
