What Is WaterMark Certification?

WaterMark is Australia’s mandatory certification scheme for plumbing and drainage products. Administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), it ensures that any product installed in a plumbing system meets strict safety and performance standards.

A WaterMark certified product is:

• Fit for purpose — tested to relevant Australian Standards
• Authorised for installation by a licensed plumber
• Safe for your family and building occupants
• Compliant with the National Construction Code (NCC)

Why WaterMark Certification Is Required

Under Volume Three of the NCC (the Plumbing Code of Australia), certain plumbing product types must be WaterMark certified before a licensed plumber can legally install them. Products listed on the Schedule of Products require certification — no exceptions.

Installing a non-certified product where certification is required can result in:

• Rejection of the installation by your local plumbing authority
• Cost of removing and replacing non-compliant products
• Product failure leading to building damage
• Voided building or home insurance
• Penalties for plumbing work done by unlicensed or non-compliant installers

How to Identify a WaterMark Certified Product

Look for the WaterMark logo on the product, its packaging, or the supplier’s product listing. Each certified product has a unique licence number that can be verified on the WaterMark Product Database.

When buying online — always ask the supplier for the WaterMark licence number if it’s not clearly displayed.

Lead-Free WaterMark — New From May 2026

From 1 May 2026, a new Lead-Free WaterMark standard applies to all copper alloy plumbing products in contact with drinking water. Products must contain no more than 0.25% lead (weighted average) to comply with NCC 2022 Clause A5G4.

All Hands Free Hygiene sensor taps and tapware from Galvin Engineering are Lead-Free WaterMark certified and ready to specify today.

Read our full guide to the May 2026 lead-free tapware changes →

WELS — Water Efficiency Matters Too

In addition to WaterMark, many of our products carry WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) ratings. WELS rates products from 1–6 stars for water efficiency. Higher-rated products use less water without compromising performance — important for commercial facilities managing water costs.

All Hands Free Hygiene Products Are Certified

We only stock products that carry the relevant certifications. No guesswork, no chasing paperwork — every product in our range is ready for a licensed plumber to install, with full compliance documentation available on request.

If you need to verify a specific product’s WaterMark licence number for a project specification, call our team on 1800 874 625 or email sales@handsfreehygiene.com.au.