When something doesn't look right, verify it before you install it.
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners encourages consumers, plumbing professionals, and industry suppliers to remain vigilant when purchasing plumbing products and materials. Counterfeit or unauthorized products may not meet applicable safety, performance, or code requirements.
In May 2026, Federal officials reported on confiscated sinks that bore a possible counterfeit UPC Shield certification. CBP officers initially inspected the sinks and were unable to locate the sink model number during a search of the IAPMO product directory and detained the shipment for further investigation. See article linked in sidebar.
Tips for spotting potentially counterfeit product
- Be cautious when purchasing from unfamiliar websites, unauthorized distributors, or sources offering products at prices significantly below the normal market price.
- Verify certification markings. Don’t assume that a certification mark is legitimate simply because it appears on the product. Check the certification directly with the applicable certification organization.
- Check manufacturer markings. Look for missing, altered, poorly printed, or inconsistent manufacturer names, logos, model numbers, or identification marks.
- Inspect the packaging. Spelling errors, poor-quality printing, unusual packaging, missing instructions, or inconsistent labels can be warning signs.
- Compare the product with the manufacturer’s information. Check the model number, dimensions, materials, markings, and appearance against the manufacturer’s official information.
- Be cautious of unusual materials or workmanship. Differences in weight, finish, threading, casting, fittings, or overall construction may warrant further verification.
- Keep documentation. Retain invoices, receipts, packaging, and product information, particularly for materials used in regulated plumbing installations.
- When in doubt, verify before installation. Contact the manufacturer or authorized certification organization to confirm that the product and its markings are genuine and appropriate for the intended application.
Protect your customers, your business, and the integrity of the plumbing industry: when something doesn’t look right, verify it before you install it.