Moen Study: 90% of Off-Brand Faucets Contain Lead

Linek Plumbing Company

What Moen’s Study Revealed About Lead and Water Safety

At Linek Plumbing Company, we know that the quality of your water depends not only on your water source, but also on the fixtures that carry it into your home. That’s why we’re committed to helping our customers make informed decisions when it comes to faucets and other plumbing products. A recent study conducted by Moen — one of the brands we proudly recommend — highlights just how important those decisions can be.

The Hidden Dangers of Off-Brand Faucets

In 2025, Moen partnered with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to test 20 top-selling off-brand faucets commonly available online and in discount retail channels. The results were startling:

• 90% of the faucets failed to meet U.S. safe drinking water standards.
• Over half leached lead at levels that exceeded federal limits — some by more than 500%.
• Many faucets also released harmful chemicals, including DEHP, NDMA, and carbazole, all of which are associated with serious health risks including cancer and organ damage.
• See the complete results of the Moen study.

Moen’s study estimated that more than 35 million of these low-cost, uncertified faucets entered U.S. homes between 2020 and 2024. In response, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued product safety warnings for nine specific off-brand faucet models, warning of dangerous lead exposure — particularly for infants, young children, and pregnant women.

Why It Matters for Your Home

Lead and other harmful chemicals can leach into your water through the very fixtures you use every day. According to the EPA, even low levels of lead in drinking water can cause serious health problems, particularly in children. These risks often come from low-cost faucets that appear fine on the outside but haven’t passed the rigorous safety testing required in the U.S.

At Linek Plumbing Company, we routinely inspect and install faucets in homes across the St Louis area. If you’re unsure about the safety of your existing fixtures, we can help evaluate and replace them with trusted options.

What We Recommend

As professional plumbers, we don’t take product recommendations lightly. That’s why we stand behind Moen and other reputable brands that meet or exceed U.S. water safety standards. Moen’s commitment to quality, durability, and independent testing is why it remains one of our top choices for faucet installations and replacements.

We offer faucet installation services backed by over 100 years of plumbing expertise. If you’re considering a fixture upgrade, we recommend starting with a trusted product line and a licensed installer who understands your home’s needs.

You can also explore our broader work related to water quality solutions, including filtration and softeners.

Final Thoughts

The cheapest faucet on the shelf isn’t always the best deal — especially when it puts your family’s health at risk. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, updating an aging fixture, or just want peace of mind, Linek Plumbing Company is here to help you choose products that combine safety, performance, and long-term value.

If you’re concerned about the quality of your faucets or the safety of your drinking water, contact us today. Our team of licensed, experienced plumbers can guide you through your options and help you make a decision you can feel good about.

Request Service today.