This piece was purchased new in 2022. It is a metal alloy with nickel finish and plastic turns.
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 to test this product because it is advertised as CSA certified for low lead content and compliant with California’s AB1953 and Vermont Act 193 low lead regulations. In a nutshell, these state regulations limit plumbing fixtures used for potable water to 0.25% lead content in a manner similar to the federal ban.
The metal version of the Camco product does not have external markings to indicate that it is certified and the plastic version does. Here is a guide from the EPA on how to identify lead free (usually low lead) certifications on plumbing fixtures.
Reading on the Metal Body:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| None Detected | ||
| Other Elements | ||
| Chromium (Cr) | 14,198 | +/- 342 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 442,448 | +/- 995 |
| Copper (Cu) | 371,594 | +/- 1,002 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 170,938 | +/- 975 |
| Bromine (Br) | 38 | +/- 13 |
| Cobalt (Co) | 207 | +/- 77 |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 348 | +/- 42 |
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. Note: We do not disassemble or damage products or test internal or inaccessible components.
Test Summary:
Lead was not detected in the metal body. Most lead-free brass products contain trace lead. This particular product, which is made of metal but not advertised as brass on the package, contains no detectable lead when tested with XRF. Please note that the plastic handles are also non-detect for lead.
We believe it is more appropriate to evaluate plumbing fixtures in the context of safe drinking water standards than lead limits (90-100 ppm) applicable to children’s products. We have no concerns about the use of lead-free and low lead options that meet current standards for potable water. These products are safer choices than high lead brass.
Our previous hose bib from a 2005 build tested at over 150,000 parts per million lead, so having a low lead or lead-free option 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 items for the garden here.
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.
Plastic also appears to be a good and lead-free option for outdoor plumbing fixtures, provided no lead has been added and no contaminated plastic waste has been recycled into the product. We would not expect either in a certified low lead fixture.
Good Options:
Disclosure: The certified options by Camco are great for this type of product.
These are Amazon affiliate links. By shopping for any item on Amazon starting with our links, you help support our business and testing.
Camco Wye Garden Hose Valve – Metal
Why we like it: Here is the product we tested above.
Camco 20073 Wye Garden Hose Valve – Plastic
Why we like it: Here is the plastic version of this product. We tested this example here.
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.