Australian Standards & Non-Compliant PVC Pipe by Think Pipes

Non-Compliant PVC Pipe gaining industry attention - Think Pipes Think PVC

Last year we brought to the industry's attention the issue of imported PVC pipes and fittings being non-compliant with Australian standards and how this was a real issue for the Australian plumbing industry. Using non-compliant PVC products means the plumbing is potentially facing a raft of warranty issues in the event of failure, with the cost of secondary damage from water losses far outweighing the cost of the failed PVC pipe or fitting.

Earlier this year, industry body PIPA published an article relating to their work with the Australian Industry Group (AiGroup), into the development of policy into the regulation of PVC pipe and fitting imports. An excerpt from the article is below.

In recent times, PIPA has worked closely with the Australian Industry Group (AiGroup) which has been funded by the Department of Industry to undertake a survey of its members to seek feedback on examples that can be used as case studies to better inform any policy action on this matter. PIPA members have also actively participated in the AiGroup survey. A detailed case study has also been prepared by PIPA based on test samples of product taken from the shelves of leading retailers.

In addition to the active involvement in the AiGroup survey and related activity, PIPA has had meetings with other industry associations, State Departments of Fair Trading, State Plumbing Regulators, Certifiers, the ACCC and communication with the Australian Building Codes Board which oversees both the Plumbing Code of Australia and the Watermark Scheme.

While the issue of non-compliant PVC pipe and fittings is being raised at these higher levels, the industry is still facing the issue of PVC pipe products potentially not meeting Australian standards impact and strength requirements and therefore not covered under warranty.

PIPA went on to say
It is disturbing that the Australian consumer is purchasing product they believe to be fit-for-purpose and conforming to Australian standards- yet it does not. Added to this is the fact that Australian industry (both manufacturers and importers) who comply at considerable cost with the regulatory requirements is being insidiously undermined by lower cost product that does not.

The most affected by the supply of non-compliant goods are the local pipe and fitting manufacturers who are doing the right thing, but having to compete against poor quality, non-compliant products that could damage the reputation of PVC plumbing products as a whole. Others who might be affected include retailers, certifying organisations, home owners, builders, plumbers, importers.

It's virtually impossible to tell if a fitting is compliant without doing some sort of analytical or physical testing. The best way to ensure your pipes or fittings are Australian standard compliant is to contact PIPA or Think Pipes. Think PVC.

Check that your PVC plumbing fittings are WaterMark certified to Australian Standards and are Best Environmental Practice PVC http://www.abcb.gov.au/product-certification/watermark

An industry steering group has been developed to consider the key areas the need to be addressed in regards to imported non-compliant PVC pipe.