Lead-free valves are required by federal and state law for all new installations and replacements in systems that convey potable (drinking) water. The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (RLDWA, effective January 2014) requires that any valve, fitting, or pipe wetted by drinking water contain no more than 0.25% lead by weight — the "lead-free" standard under NSF/ANSI 61 Section 8 and NSF/ANSI 372. Standard brass (C36000 free-machining brass) contains 2–3% lead and does not meet this requirement.
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1/4 in. Female x Female Lead-Free CSA Full Port Ball Valve -
1/2 in. Copper x Copper Swing Check Valve, Lead-Free -
1/2 in. Female NPT Swing Check Valve, Lead-Free -
1/2 in. Female x Female Lead-Free CSA Full Port Ball Valve -
1/2 in. Lead-Free Check Valve -
1/2 in. Sweat x Sweat Lead-Free CSA Full Port Ball Valve -
1 in. Copper x Copper Swing Check Valve, Lead-Free -
1 in. Lead-Free Check Valve -
1 in. Sweat x Sweat Lead-Free CSA Full Port Ball Valve -
1-1/4 in. Female x Female Lead-Free CSA Full Port Ball Valve
Apex Flow Solutions stocks NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 certified lead-free brass ball valves and gate valves in female NPT connections, covering the most common shutoff valve applications in residential plumbing, commercial building water service, and municipal water distribution systems.
Lead-Free Brass Composition
Lead-free brass valves use bismuth-selenium (C89833/C89836), silicon bronze (C87600), or DZR (dezincification-resistant) brass alloys that meet the 0.25% lead maximum without the machinability penalty of earlier lead-free formulations. These alloys are approved under NSF/ANSI 61 for contact with potable water and carry the NSF mark on the valve body.
When Lead-Free Certification Is Required
Lead-free certification is required for: new residential and commercial construction potable water systems, plumbing repairs or replacements in existing potable water systems, municipal water distribution components, and any valve installed in a system regulated by state drinking water codes. Industrial-only applications (HVAC, steam, oil/gas, industrial process) are exempt and may use standard brass.