Moen Raises Red Flags Over Health Risks of Off-Brand Faucets

Moen is urging hardware retailers to take a closer look at off-brand plumbing fixtures after independent lab testing revealed serious health concerns tied to some low-cost faucets.

According to Moen, 90 percent of off-brand faucets it tested contained lead and other toxic substances that could leach into household drinking water. The company says many of these products fail to meet established safety standards and often lack third-party certification for lead-free compliance.

The results come as consumers increasingly look for budget-friendly options online and in discount outlets—products that may visually resemble name brands but are manufactured without the same quality controls.

Moen’s findings highlight a growing risk for independent retailers who may unknowingly stock or install unsafe faucets. In addition to lead, other contaminants found in the tested products included unsafe levels of arsenic and antimony, both of which pose long-term health hazards with prolonged exposure.

For retailers, the warning is a reminder of the importance of verifying product certifications, such as compliance with NSF/ANSI 61 standards and state-level lead-free laws. Offering low-cost alternatives may appeal to price-sensitive customers, but Moen’s research underscores the need to weigh those decisions against potential health and liability risks.

For more details, including Moen’s test methodology and recommendations for safe sourcing, see the company’s press release.