Decoding Faucet and Showerhead Certifications: What They Mean and Why They Matter
What is a Faucet Certification?
A faucet, showerhead or other plumbing products certification is a signal to people who buy these products that they have passed a strict testing and verification processes. The certifications come from third-party agencies such as the US federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Faucet manufacturers are not required to certify their products, but the best ones do. Each certification has an associated badge that a purchaser and consumer will usually find on product packaging and in the pricing catalog. In this article we list some of the most crucial certifications, what they mean and why they’re important. Pioneer and the Pioneer faucet family, Olympia and Central Brass, believe certifications are important in order to ensure we provide our customers with quality products.
IAMPO
IAMPO stands for The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and is widely known as a standard certification for plumbing. The IAMPO was formed in 1926 as a way to help unify plumbing standards across the United States and ensure minimized risk to do with waterborne diseases and public sanitation. Today, this certification is given when products meet both the IAMPO performance standard as well as the Uniform Plumbing Code. The UPC are a set of standards and guidelines developed in 1945 that include but are not limited to the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing. Manufacturers across the United States rely on IAMPO to ensure their products are not only highly efficient but safe for public use.
ADA
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act and was a civil rights law that was enacted in 1990 to help protect those with disabilities from being discriminated against in any way. The ADA plays a critical role in faucet and showerhead certifications and has had a major impact on regulating the standards for enabling accessibility standards in public spaces. Aspects of plumbing including the height of sinks, the ability to operate a sink with one hand, and clearance underneath them to allow for wheelchair access are all part of ADA compliance. The commitment to ADA compliance in non commercial plumbing products displays a commitment to inclusivity and universal access for everyone.
NSF/ANSI 61
The NSF, or National Sanitation Foundation, has been working since 1944 to regulate both public and environmental health standards for drinking water. Their work ensures that any product that may come into contact with drinking water such as pipes, gaskets, faucets, and fittings are safe, and will not leach any kind of contaminants into the water. Contaminants that they test for like lead and mercury, are held to EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) standard for safe levels. NSF/ANSI Annex G (or Annex G) is an additional certification offered that displays that products are “lead-free” by the standard set by the Safe Drinking Water Act – this certification is especially important in states like California, where there are stricter lead regulations.
Compliant with Buy America Act
The Buy America Act (BAA) is a law signed by President Hoover in 1933 that requires the federal government to buy U.S. made products (when possible) for all federal projects. Its goal is to encourage the purchase of goods and use of domestic manufacturing services in the United States and to stimulate the economy. In plumbing, the BAA is important because any product that obtains a BAA certification is eligible to be sold to and used by the government for federal projects, plus it will have met the standards for being manufactured in the United States.
WaterSense Certified
In 2006 the EPA (or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), created a program called WaterSense in the hopes of regulating the use of water efficient products and services in the United States. Their goal is to preserve the water supply and help reduce stress on water treatment plants and systems by developing and regulating water efficiency standards in plumbing products and services. By the end of 2023 the WaterSense program has saved 8.7 trillion gallons of water (equivalent to filling over 13 million Olympic sized swimming pools!), and over $207 billion in water and energy bills. WaterSense certified products use less water than non certified products – for example, a WaterSense certified sink faucet uses 1.5 or less per minute.
Pioneer, Olympia and Central Brass
Pioneer Industries is deeply committed to producing the highest quality and energy efficient faucets and accessories. Pioneer products bear many faucet, showerhead and other product certifications that show a dedication to excellence. Safety standards are proudly met with certifications like IAMPO and NSF/ANSI 61, ensuring safe drinking water. Implementing water saving measures and adhering to WaterSense standards allow Pioneer to aid in preserving the water supply and reducing cost for their customers.
As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, availability, and speed by partnering with Pioneer, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands. Transform your project or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets and accessories. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.
We’ll Save You Money and Time
There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.
Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money. Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.
Consider choosing these great faucets from Pioneer and the Pioneer family of products, Central Brass and Olympia. All are backed with a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install and look great in any setting.
