Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Plumbing Fixtures

In 1962, the development of an industry standard for fiberglass reinforced plastic plumbing fixtures was undertaken by the NAHB Research Institute, the Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics Industry Advisory Board, and SPI. This industry standard, issued on July 5, 1963, was the first performance-type standard for such products.

In 1965, a revised standard was issued, submitted to ANSI, and approved in April 1967 as ANSI Z124.1 for plastic bathtubs and ANSI Z124.2 for plastic shower stalls. In 1967, the NAHB Research Center, Inc., established a program for testing and labeling plastic plumbing fixtures in accordance with these standards.

To be eligible for the Research Center seal, fiberglass reinforced plastic bathroom fixtures must meet the standards in HUD's Use of Materials Bulletin No. 73a and the requirements the Model Building Codes. Each manufacturing plant must pass an initial qualification inspection, and each plant is included in a continuing inspection and testing program, with particular emphasis on review of quality control procedures. Fixtures to be tested in the Research Center's laboratory are chosen randomly from the firm's finished goods inventory.

Testing conducted in the Research Center's laboratory include structural evaluation, and physical characteristic tests on specimens of the material which have been cut from completed units. The test methods include water resistance; colorfastness; stain and chemical resistance; wear and cleanability; cigarette burn; and ignition. Additional tests, as defined by the appropriate ANSI Z124 standard, are performed.

Whirlpool bathtubs undergo additional testing and evaluation. Products are checked to ensure that each includes proper care, maintenance, operating, and safety instructions. The whirlpool bathtubs are tested for hair and body entrapment and water retention.