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FAQ’s: LEAD-FREE BRASS

What does lead free mean? Lead free means not more than 0.20 percent lead content for solder and flux and not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures etc. that are intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking. How does lead enter the drinking water? Lead enters water through the corrosion of pipes and plumbing fixtures, solder and fittings Status of Low Lead requirements in Canada ASME A112.18.1/CSA N125.1 and CSA B125.3 standards for Plumbing fittings were amended as of December 2012 to include the following under section 4.9 Toxicity and Lead Content: 4.9.3 Fittings intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking shall not contain a weighted average lead content in excess of 0.25% when evaluated in accordance with the test method specified in NSF/ANSI 372 When Do the “No Lead” Rules come into effect? The “No-Lead” rules officially become law when the Provinces and Territories reference the new Model Codes in legislation. It is anticipated the Provinces and Territories will begin enforcing at the beginning of 2014. Reduction of lead free in drinking water does not apply to: Pipe, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, or fixtures that are used exclusively for non-portable services such as manufacturing, irrigation, outdoor watering or any other uses where the water is not used for human consumption Who is responsible for compliance with the legislation? All Plumbers, manufacturers, distributors, builders etc. must comply with these new regulations. How to Identify Fairview No Lead products Fairview “Lead Free” brass product numbers will be prefixed with the letters LF (eg . LF-62-6, LF-BV4103-D). All fittings will be bar marked “LF” or with the words “Lead-Free” on brass ball valve handles as space permits. Fairview Bulk Bag and Master Carton Labels will be white with blue printing prominently featuring the words “(LEAD-FREE BRASS)”

WARNING: Because lead-free brass is harder it can also be more brittle. To prevent cracking, extra care should be taken not to over-tighten lead-free fittings.