Time’s Almost Up!

I know that most people like to wait until the last minute for things, but I don’t recommend it here.

On January 1st, 2010, a new law (AB1953) takes effect in California. It changes the amount of lead that is allowed to be in plumbing materials that come in contact with water. A little more specifically, if the part has more than 0.25% lead in the “wetted surfaces”, and the water that flows through it will be for human consumption, then it will be illegal to sell or install in California.

So angle stops (the valves under your sink), kitchen, bathroom and bar faucets (but not laundry faucets), all brass fittings and valves (but not shower valves) will all fall under this new law. (Other stuff may or may not, these were just some examples.)

Manufacturers are already getting rid of their inventories; selling them at discounts or pushing them into other states (only California and Vermont are affected by this new law). Our suppliers are offering deals, but we’re letting our inventory dwindle so we don’t get stuck.

This is the time for you to save some money, and you don’t want to wait until the last minute. Remember, the “last minute” is right around Christmas, so you’re not going to have any money!

If you wait until next year, you will end up paying more because the manufacturers are going to charge more. They had to spend money coming up with new processes or materials, which means new ways to make their items. If they have to spend money, it means they sell the item for more money.

It could also mean that the “new” item could have more plastic in it. If they could not find a way to make the item from metal that would meet the requirements of the new law, they may have made some parts plastic. Plastic is easy to make without lead, but it isn’t always as sturdy as metal.

So, to sum up…

- you could save money now because suppliers are selling their inventory at a discount.
- You will pay more later due to the increased cost of manufacturing.
- The part you get later may not be as sturdy as the parts currently available.

If you are thinking of having some plumbing work done, now is the best time to do it. And if you’re worried about lead content, just remember that California already has some of the toughest laws on lead in the country. It has been said that this new law won’t make an appreciable difference in the lead content in our water, but it will still be the law.

Still have questions? Call AB&R Plumbing today or visit our website.

South County - 949-642-7900

North County - 714-641-3200

Toll Free - 800-645-2689

Get your work done now to save money and “avoid the Christmas rush!”