This piece was purchased new in 2022. It is advertised as being nickel-plated, lead-free brass. The handle is vinyl coated stainless steel. We have removed the original vinyl from the unit.
This example tested around 2,000 parts per million in the leaded vinyl handle. We apologize but did not retain the original vinyl. The fix for the leaded handle is easy. We cut the vinyl with scissors, leaving us with a beautiful 304 stainless steel handle!
In 1986, Congress amended the Safe Water Drinking Act which limited pipes used for potable water to “lead-free” options. The catch? So-called “lead-free” alloys could contain up to 8% lead, a staggering figure. The term “lead-free” to define this kind of product was extremely misleading to consumers, but at least the amendment was a step in the right direction because it limited the use of lead in pipes, solder, and flux in potable water applications.
After the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act was passed in 2011 and effective by 2014, “lead-free” plumbing fixtures used for potable water may not contain more than 0.25% weighted average of lead on wetted surfaces.
We chose this example to give you an idea of the amount of trace lead that may be present in a compliant lead-free brass product.
Reading on the Lead-Free Brass Body:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 1,100 | +/- 102 |
| Antimony (Sb) | 76 | +/- 33 |
| Other Elements | ||
| Tin (Sn) | 6,179 | +/- 107 |
| Barium (Ba)* | 140 | +/- 89 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1,167 | +/- 130 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 51,070 | +/- 374 |
| Copper (Cu) | 672,149 | +/- 1,045 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 259,831 | +/- 897 |
| Bromine(Br) | 33 | +/- 16 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 830 | +/- 93 |
| Indium (In)* | 41 | +/- 22 |
| Iron (Fe) | 6,418 | +/- 156 |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 953 | +/- 57 |
Reading on the Metal Hardware on the Top of the Unit:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| None Detected | ||
| Other Elements | ||
| Tin (Sn)* | 17 | +/- 11 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 100,911 | +/- 494 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 13,469 | +/- 318 |
| Copper (Cu) | 4,920 | +/- 194 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 131,805 | +/- 792 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 523 | +/- 51 |
| Iron (Fe) | 746,873 | +/- 965 |
| Vanadium (V) | 1,156 | +/- 138 |
Reading on the 304 Stainless Steel Handle:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| None Detected | ||
| Other Elements | ||
| Tin (Sn)* | 20 | +/- 12 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 184,263 | +/- 656 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 82,158 | +/- 683 |
| Copper (Cu) | 272 | +/- 91 |
| Zinc (Zn)* | 49 | +/- 29 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 11,971 | +/- 475 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 657 | +/- 53 |
| Iron (Fe) | 718,072 | +/- 1,045 |
| Vanadium (V) | 999 | +/- 159 |
| Cobalt (Co)* | 1,427 | +/- 529 |
All samples were tested in consumer goods TestAll mode using a Niton XL3t 700S for at least 30 seconds. Results are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Test Summary:
Lead was detected in the metal body of the product. The item tested is above the federal lead restrictions for children’s products which limits products intended for use by children to 90-100 parts per million lead. However, the item is not a new children’s product and is not subject to these regulations. The lead detected in the sample is consistent with lead-free brass material, which as of 2014 is limited to 0.25% lead on wetted surfaces.
We believe it is more appropriate to evaluate this product in the context of safe drinking water standards. We have no concerns about the use of lead-free brass that meet current standards for potable water. These products are safer choices than high lead brass. However, we wish a truly lead-free alternative was available.
Note: The vinyl handle contains high levels of lead. Once the vinyl is removed, the handle is lead-free stainless steel. We do not support adulterating products with lead, even those used by adults, when lead-free alternatives are available. However, lacking lead free options in this category, the sillcock a recommended option due to it being made from low lead brass with a stainless handle. We are not extreme and we don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Our previous hose bib from a 2005 build tested at over 150,000 parts per million lead, so having a low lead brass around 1,000 parts per million is objectively much better, especially given kids drink water from hoses or play in sprinklers when outside. We also have more recommendations for lead-free and low lead hoses and spigots for the garden here.
Trace antimony was detected. We do not have a concern with this trace amount in a plumbing fixture. For context, antimony in plumbing materials, such as solder, can be present at much higher levels than the amount detected in the brass sample.
No other elements of interest were detected.
We Prefer:
We accept lead-free brass spigots and similar as best in class options to replace older products high in lead and not safe for potable water. However, we hope that stainless components are made available in the future.
Acceptable Options:
Disclosure: There is no great option in this category unless you are able to source a component made with stainless steel. We are not aware of any product that meets this criteria in the particular size tested above. Marine supply companies do tend to have plumbing components made of 316 stainless for use in saltwater environments.
For most consumers the best option is lead-free brass if you are replacing an older hose bib that does not meet current standards for potable water. The amount of lead in older hose bibs can be quite high. The handles on similar products generally contain trace lead especially if they are painted metal, unfortunately. We will continue to review similar products to see if we can identify a better option.
These are Amazon affiliate links. By shopping for any item on Amazon starting with our links, you help support our business and testing. The item we tested above from Webstone is not on Amazon and can be found here.
Why we like it: Here is a comparable low lead brass spigot.
CFI 1/2″ FIP Arrow Brass Style Lead Free Brass Heavy Duty No-Kink Multi-turn Hose Bibb (1/2″ Female)
Why we like it: Here is a low lead brass product rated for potable water.
Disclaimer: These items have not always been personally tested by us but are likely to be lead free or low lead and/or cadmium based on our research into the materials, discussions with manufacturers, and/or testing on similar products. Or they represent better options compared to other goods in their product class. We recommend items we would use ourselves.
We provide our XRF testing for general educational or informational purposes only to help consumers identify low lead and lead-free products. We hereby disclaim any and all warranties, expressed or implied, and assume no duty or responsibility with respect to how any person or entity chooses to use the information on this website.