Victorians looking to purchase a plumbing product for a licensed or registered plumber to install should look for the WaterMark trademark, before splashing the cash.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) are urging consumers to make sure any products they buy 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.

The VBA’s State Building Surveyor Andrew Cialini said 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,” Mr Cialini said.

“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.”

If you have purchased a plumbing product overseas or plan to use a second-hand product of unclear origin, you can search for the product on the ABCB WaterMark Product Database.

You can use the database to check any product you suspect may not comply with the Australian plumbing codes or standards. Any plumbing product purchased must be installed by a licensed or registered plumber.

If plumbing work costs $750 or more, including the cost of the product, a licensed plumber must provide a compliance certificate.

This certificate assures you 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, you should also receive a compliance certificate for any work related to below-ground sanitary drains, gas appliances, gas piping, and cooling tower works.

A licensed or registered plumber is prohibited from installing a product that does not have WaterMark certification when a WaterMark product is required by the Plumbing Code of Australia.

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.

For more information about WaterMark, visit the WaterMark website