Lead-free fittings and fixtures

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Why are shower valves exempt from the lead-free plumbing regulations? Isn't the shower valve connected to the house potable water system, and the leached lead will distribute throughout the potable water pipes?
 

Jadnashua

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First, there isn't much lead in the valve (and some are lead-free). Second, there isn't much area that is actually in contact with the water. THird, it's not recommended to drink from the hot water tap, and most people don't drink from the shower. Fourth, the lead concentration is so low that it would be almost immeasurable as it might diffuse through the rest of the piping which would dilute it considerably. Much bigger issue is an old house with lead paint, and a child crawling around or chewing on something like a window sill.
 

NatashaPoidevin04

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Thank you for the information..My little sister has been drinking from the shower..gosh...You are right...
 
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First, there isn't much lead in the valve (and some are lead-free). Second, there isn't much area that is actually in contact with the water. THird, it's not recommended to drink from the hot water tap, and most people don't drink from the shower. Fourth, the lead concentration is so low that it would be almost immeasurable as it might diffuse through the rest of the piping which would dilute it considerably. Much bigger issue is an old house with lead paint, and a child crawling around or chewing on something like a window sill.

What you are saying may be true, but almost all of your assertions would question the sense of the new regulations in general, the rationale behind which I am unable to either approve or dispute. Also, thanks for all the other humorous responses. But according to the regulations, any and all plumbing pipes and fittings connected to the potable water system need to be lead-free, regardless of their distance to the faucets. Even hose bibs, for what it's worth. Shower valves and similar fixtures for water not intended for human consumption, although connected to and not isolated from the potable water pipes (including the outlets intended for human consumption, are exempt. I can't reconcile these conflicting rationales.
 

Jadnashua

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Blame it all on California...they implement something for better or worse, and (eventually) the rest of the country follows. They are a big market, so it is often easier to only make one design. You can thank CARB for a lot of issues with cars, too. Most car manufacturers no longer make a version for those states...it works for all of them, and the rest of us pay for it even though we're not trying to keep LA sky clear.
 

Dj2

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Funny, these new lead free rules are for homeowners, yet water companies are delivering water to them in 100 year old pipes containing lead.
 
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