VBA, ABCB Urges People to Look for the WaterMark

Victorian plumbing professionals looking to purchase a plumbing product for an installation should look for the WaterMark trademark before splashing the cash. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is urging plumbers to make sure that any products bought are certified and authorised for use in Australia.

WaterMark is a mandatory scheme for the certification of plumbing and drainage products that is administered by the ABCB, on behalf of state and territory plumbing regulators.

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The VBA’s state building surveyor Andrew Cialini says products displaying the WaterMark trademark are fit for purpose and protect consumers from unsuitable or unsafe products.

“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 says.

“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.”

When purchasing a plumbing product from overseas or using a second-hand product of unclear origin, plumbers can search for the product on the ABCB WaterMark Product Database.

Plumbers can use the database to check any product they suspect may not comply with the Australian plumbing codes or standards.

If plumbing work costs $750 or more, including the cost of the product, plumbers must provide a compliance certificate. This certificate assures that the work meets plumbing regulations and that all products and materials used are suitable for their intended purpose and WaterMark certified if required.

Regardless of cost, plumbers should also receive a compliance certificate for any work related to below-ground sanitary drains, gas appliances, gas piping and cooling tower works.

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 WaterMark database can be found here.

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