Protect Your Home: The Truth About Cheap Foreign Off-Brand Faucets and Water Safety

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90% OF OFF-BRAND FAUCETS TESTED CONTAIN LEAD OR OTHER TOXIC CHEMICALS.*

There are 35 million foreign-made, off-brand faucets sold in the U.S.** 90% of those tested by an independent lab failed to meet American safe drinking water standards.* In fact, the worst offender contained carcinogens at levels 590% above the allow able limit. If you're using one of these faucets, you could be putting the health of your family, friends and even pets at risk.^†

See If You're At Risk

CHEAP, OFF-BRAND FOREIGN-MADE FAUCETS

In recent years, a large number of foreign made, off-brand faucets have flooded the American market.

Third-party testing discovered these products failed one or more, American safe drinking water testing standards.* Meaning you could be at risk.

DECREASED LUNG FUNCTION

60% of these faucets tested positive for elevated levels of lead, with one 609% over safety standards.*

Lead poisoning can cause negative long-term health effects on your respiratory system and other organs.^†

	LIVER CANCER Water running through these faucets was found to contain carcinogens including: Elevated levels of DEHP which is linked to liver cancer.^†‡ NDMA, at rates up to 340% over safety standards. TCP, at rates up to 590% above safety standards, which is linked to an increased risk of leukemia, lymphomas, and liver cancer.^‡
STOMACH CANCER Cheap, off-brand foreign-made faucets were found to contain carbazole at rates up to 192% over safety standards. Carbazole is linked to stomach cancer after extended periods of ingestion.^‡

KIDNEY DAMAGE

One faucet revealed a compound often found in gasoline, NDEA, at 18% above safety standards.

When ingested, NDEA is known to cause kidney and liver damage.^‡

View the Test Results

FAQs

► Why did Moen conduct this research?

As a company committed to being a steward of water and delivering exceptional water experiences, Moen is naturally concerned about ensuring that people have clean and safe water flowing through their faucets when they go about their day.

According to third-party market data, up to 35 million cheap, off-brand foreign-made faucets are imported into the United States every year. We want to inform consumers so they can make educated decisions when purchasing faucets for their homes.

► What did the research show?: The independent third party testing reveals that many foreign-made off-brand faucets contain elevated levels of harmful chemicals and fail to meet U.S. safety standards. The majority contained elevated levels of lead, and studies show elevated lead levels pose serious health risks, particularly to children.^† Additionally, many faucets contained chemicals linked to severe health issues. 90% of the faucets tested failed, with some exceeding safe limits by up to 590%.*

(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/symptoms-complications/index.html or https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health)

► Who are these cheap foreign brands?: The 20 brands tested were:
Ultimate Unicorn; NICTIE KZH; KICIMPRO; KPW; Hurran; FORIUS; Fransiton; HGN; CIENOL; HIQIFET; BASDEHEN; OWOFAN; Sbosbo; QOMOLANGMA; Phiestina; VFAUOSIT; VESLA HOME; Rainsworth; WEWE

► Why were only those brands tested?: The research sampled popular foreign-made off-brand products that were offered at prices so low that it raised questions about how they could meet industry standards.

► What differentiates Moen’s manufacturing process from these cheaper, off-brand foreign-made products?

Moen is an 85-year-old American brand that manufacturers and sells faucets, showers, smart-water products, and other products designed to meet certification requirements and manage and deliver water to the home. Protecting consumer water experiences and delivering water in an exceptional way is at the core of who we are as a business.

Moen products undergo rigorous safety testing, and our deep knowledge of water dynamics and challenges allows us to safely deliver water through quality, long-lasting products. Moen stands behind our faucets with a lifetime limited warranty and best-in-class customer service. These factors have helped us earn our place as America’s Most Trusted Faucet Brand.^®

► How can I determine if my products are made with U.S. standards?

Consumers can determine whether a product is made with U.S. standards in several ways. One of the best ways is to look for the appropriate markings and labels on product packaging and manuals — these could include UPC, IAPMO, and NSF certification marks to name a few. Learn more at: https://www.safeplumbing.org

We also encourage consumers to research when comparing faucets they’re interested in buying check reputable reviews, look for industry quality ratings, and research the manufacturer. Also, look for brands with a history of manufacturing products that meet industry standards.

► Where can I find more details on the study?: You can review the full study and data here: https://moen.widencollective.com/portals/5zhpbjff/SafeFaucetsTestResults

* 90% of the twenty cheap, off-brand faucets tested by Moen (18 of 20) failed NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2023 section 9 testing due to elevated levels of lead or another contaminant as tested by an accredited laboratory. See details at https://moen.widencollective.com/por...tsTestResults2

** According to third party market data, up to 35 million cheap, off-brand faucets are imported into the U.S.

^† Significantly elevated levels of lead and other contaminants tested under NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2023 section 9 can increase health risks to humans and pets.

^‡ Based on data found at https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ as of February 7, 2025.

90% OF OFF-BRAND FAUCETS TESTED CONTAIN LEAD OR OTHER TOXIC CHEMICALS.*

CHEAP, OFF-BRAND FOREIGN-MADE FAUCETS

DECREASED LUNG FUNCTION

LIVER CANCER

STOMACH CANCER

KIDNEY DAMAGE

FAQs