SUNSHINE COAST, QLD — 23 February 2026 — Sunshine Coast-based Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage is advising local homeowners, landlords, property investors, and commercial operators to prepare now for upcoming changes to Australia’s plumbing rules that apply from 1 May 2026.
From 1 May 2026, under the National Construction Code (NCC), most copper alloy plumbing products used in contact with drinking water must be “lead free,” meaning a maximum weighted average lead content of 0.25% and certification under the Lead Free WaterMark scheme. Products that are not appropriately certified will not be authorised for installation in new work or renovations involving drinking water services after that date. These requirements apply in Queensland as part of the nationally adopted NCC framework.
The changes focus on copper alloy components that convey or are in contact with potable water, such as taps, mixers, valves, certain hot water system connections, and drinking water outlets including bottle refill stations and fountains. Fixtures and fittings only used for non-drinking purposes, such as shower heads or irrigation systems, are not included in the lead-free mandate.
Lead in drinking water has been linked internationally to negative health effects, particularly for children and vulnerable groups, and Australia’s transition to lower-lead plumbing products is consistent with regulatory trends in other developed countries. Local plumbing businesses are working to update their product ranges and practices in line with the new standards so that any new or replacement installations for drinking water systems after 1 May 2026 use compliant, certified products.
Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage, a family-operated plumbing and drainage business that has served the Sunshine Coast region for many years, has updated its standard product selections to use lead-free, WaterMark-certified options for applicable drinking water work. The company is offering site inspections to advise property owners on which fittings are likely to be affected in future work, and how to plan upcoming renovations or upgrades so they align with the new NCC requirements from 1 May 2026 onward.
“For property owners planning renovations, maintenance, or new builds that involve drinking water systems after 1 May, it makes sense to check that specified products meet the lead-free and WaterMark requirements,” a spokesperson for Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage said. “We can review existing setups, recommend compliant replacement options where needed, and help people avoid issues with non-authorised products in future installations.”
Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage provides residential and commercial plumbing services across the Sunshine Coast, including maintenance, blocked drain clearance, new installations, and emergency call-outs. Property owners who would like guidance on lead-free product selection or upcoming plumbing work can contact the team to arrange an appointment.
For media enquiries or to book an inspection, please contact:
Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage
Mario Bellini: 07 54 79 6053
