Editorial · 24 articles published · Updated weekly Articles · 24 published · New articles each week

News & technical guidance. News and help with technical questions.

Material specifications, compliance updates, field guides, and stock news from VWA's editorial desk. Plain trade English, no marketing fluff. Help choosing materials, updates on standards, step-by-step guides, and news about what we have in stock. Written in plain language, with no marketing words.

Most recent Newest article

Technical guidance · 6 min read Help choosing materials · 7 min read

DR brass vs standard brass: which to spec for outdoor work DR brass and standard brass: which one for outdoor jobs

When dezincification matters, when it doesn't, and how to tell the difference at the counter — without paying for premium where premium isn't needed. Some brass parts can corrode from the inside in certain water. We explain when this matters, when it does not, and how to choose without paying extra when you do not need to.

By VWA technical desk

Published 18 March 2026

Updated 10 April 2026

WaterMark certification: what's required, when, and why

WaterMark certification: what it means and when you need it

A practical reading of the National Plumbing Code's WaterMark requirements, with examples of what passes and what doesn't.

A practical guide to the WaterMark approval mark in the National Plumbing Code, with examples of what is approved and what is not.

Published 2 March 2026

Specification · 8 min read Choosing parts · 9 min read

Specifying thermostatic mixing valves for healthcare installations

Choosing thermostatic mixing valves for hospitals and clinics

TMV3 vs TMV2, hospital-grade duty cycles, and the maintenance schedule you'll be locked into for the life of the valve.

TMV3 versus TMV2 standards, how often hospital valves need to work, and the regular maintenance these valves need.

Published 12 February 2026

Field guide · 5 min read Step-by-step · 6 min read

Philmac UTC: joining poly to copper without specialist tools

How to use a Philmac UTC to join poly pipe to copper

Step-by-step on the Philmac Universal Transition Coupling — torque values, alignment, and the three mistakes we see most often.

Step-by-step instructions for using the Philmac Universal Transition Coupling. Includes torque values, alignment, and three common mistakes to avoid.

Published 28 January 2026

Compliance · 5 min read Standards · 6 min read

AS/NZS 4020:2026 amendment — what changes for tank fittings

Update to AS/NZS 4020 in 2026: what changes for tank fittings

The recent amendment to AS/NZS 4020 tightens leaching limits for fittings on rainwater and bore tanks. We summarise what's now required and which products on our shelves already comply.

The recent update to AS/NZS 4020 makes the rules tighter for fittings on rainwater tanks and bore tanks. We explain what is now required and which of our products already meet the new rules.

Published 22 January 2026

Technical guidance · 7 min read Help choosing parts · 8 min read

Pressure spikes and water hammer: when to spec a PRV

Pressure spikes and water hammer: when to use a PRV

Mains pressure isn't constant. We walk through where spikes come from, how to measure them, and the threshold at which a pressure-reducing valve becomes worth specifying.

Water mains pressure changes over time. We explain where the changes come from, how to measure them, and when it is worth fitting a pressure-reducing valve.

Published 14 January 2026

Stock & supply · 2 min read Stock news · 3 min read

Banjo poly range: 18 lines back in stock

Banjo poly products: 18 items back in stock

After a six-week supply gap, the full Banjo poly fitting range is back. Includes the 1¼" and 1½" tee variants we know everyone has been waiting on.

After being out of stock for six weeks, all the Banjo poly fitting products are back in stock. This includes the 1¼ inch and 1½ inch tee fittings that have been hard to get.

Published 8 January 2026

Technical guidance · 6 min read Help choosing parts · 7 min read

Specifying solenoid valves: AC vs DC, NO vs NC, latching vs continuous

Choosing electric water valves: AC or DC, normally-open or normally-closed

A practical decision tree for solenoid valve specification. Covers the four main coil/orientation choices and the failure modes each one optimises for.

A practical decision guide for choosing solenoid valves. Covers the four main electrical and orientation choices and the safety modes each one suits.

Published 19 December 2025

Field guide · 6 min read Step-by-step · 7 min read

Backflow prevention for residential: which device, which install

Stopping water flowing backwards in homes: which device for which job

Dual check valves, RPZD, atmospheric vacuum breakers — when each is required, where to install, and the registration paperwork that follows.

Different types of devices that stop water flowing backwards in home plumbing. We explain when each one is required, where to install it, and the paperwork that follows.

Published 4 December 2025

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