Lead is being removed from water heaters.
Important changes are on the way for the plumbing industry, including homeowners and businesses in Penrith, now is the time to get prepared.
From mid-2026, all plumbing components that come into contact with drinking water – including hot water systems – must comply with new lead-free regulations.
At Cheapa Hot Water Penrith, we’re helping local homeowners and businesses prepare for this transition by installing fully compliant, lead-free hot water systems across the area.
Why are water heaters being manufactured lead-free?
To help improve the quality and safety of drinking water, the Australian government is introducing strict limits on the amount of lead allowed in plumbing products.
From May 2026, taps, mixers, valves, and hot water heaters, must have no more than 0.25% lead in surfaces that come into contact with water.
Lead-free products aim to:
- Reduce potential lead contamination in residential water supplies
- Bring Australia into line with established international safety benchmarks
- Provide better long-term health protection—especially for families with young children
How do you know if your water heater is lead free?
Newly certified lead-free plumbing products are now being marked with a blue WaterMark label, making it easy for homeowners and plumbers to spot compliant items.
You may still see red-labelled units in the market, but these will no longer be approved for potable water use once the new rules come into effect in 2026.
Do you have to upgrade your existing hot water system if it’s still working?
If your existing system is still operating efficiently, there’s no urgent need to replace it. However, if you’re thinking about upgrading your hot water unit, especially in the next 12–24 months, it makes sense to choose a lead-free model now and get ahead of the changes.
Many well-known manufacturers, including Vulcan and Rheem, are already producing systems that meet the new requirements.
Need advice about lead-free water heaters?
If you’re in Penrith or the surrounding Western Sydney area and your water heater is due for replacement, now is a great time to switch to a lead-free, future-ready model. We supply and install a wide range of hot water systems that are tailored to suit your location, hot water usage, and budget. Call me directly for helpful advice you can trust.
John Graham
Cheapa Hot Water Penrith
Lead-free water heater installation in Penrith
We recently installed a new Vulcan 315L electric hot water system for a customer in Penrith, replacing their worn-out Rheem heat pump, which was no longer performing reliably and had become expensive to run.
Instead of repairing the failing unit, the customer opted for a dependable and cost-effective replacement. Based on their household needs, we recommended the Vulcan 315L lead-free water heater due to its:
- Consistent performance for larger households
- Affordable pricing and robust design
- Trusted manufacturing backed by Rheem
A key advantage of this system is its blue WaterMark label, confirming compliance with Australia’s upcoming lead-free plumbing standards.
Our all-inclusive water heater installation service involved the complete removal and disposal of the old Rheem heat pump, followed by all required plumbing and electrical adjustments. We then supplied and installed the new Vulcan 315L lead-free water heater and responsibly recycled the customer’s previous system.
Ready for a water heater upgrade?
Don’t let hot water problems disrupt your day. Whether you need urgent repairs, routine servicing, or hot water system installation service, we’re here to help. When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with a hot water specialist (not a call centre or office member) who will provide you with helpful advice and fast service.