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The simple answer to this question is yes. Brass fittings are one of the most commonly used fittings for water lines. This is due to the unique features that make it ideal for a variety of uses, plumbing being at the top of the list. Brass fittings are also used for other applications such as carrying chemicals, flammable gases, slurries, among others. Brass fittings are the go-to choice for most plumbers, and we are going to have a look at some of the reasons why this is the case.
Why are Brass Fittings Used for Water Lines?
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While brass fittings may be a bit more expensive than other types of pipe fittings, they are definitely worth the extra cash. With brass fittings, you can be assured of a durable and long-lasting plumbing system. Why is this? Let us have a look at some of the reasons why brass fittings are the preferred choice for a majority of plumbers.
- Versatility: Brass fittings can be found in all shapes and sizes, which makes it easier for you to choose one that works for your plumbing project.
- Durability: Brass fittings are heavy duty and can stay in good condition for years. They are definitely the number one choice if you want your project to have a long lifespan. Brass stays for a long time without cracking or disintegrating.
- Resistance to corrosion: Brass fittings do not rust and are highly resistant to corrosion. This means that a water line made of brass fittings will not experience wear and tear, which will make it long-lasting. Brass is definitely your winner when it comes to pipe fittings.
- Malleability: Brass fittings can be easily molded and shaped to fit corners and bends in pipes. Most of the time, you will find that you need to do this for a water line, which makes brass fittings your ideal choice.
- Can withstand high temperatures: Brass fittings can be used in both cold and hot water lines. In comparison to other fittings made out of other materials, brass fittings have the highest tolerance for high temperatures. You can say they are almost fire-resistant.
Are Brass Fittings a Safe Choice?
Despite all the positive attributes of brass fittings for water lines, we cannot ignore one negative feature that has made some people shy away from using brass fittings for their plumbing systems. This is the fact that brass contains lead which can cause poisoning if it comes in contact with drinking water. However, you can prevent this by routinely flushing your faucets every few seconds to clear out the accumulated lead. You can also avoid brass fittings for drinking water lines entirely and use them for other areas instead, such as laundry and toilet plumbing systems.
What are Some other Options to Brass Fittings?
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Lucky for us, we have other options for pipe fittings other than brass. These other alternatives are just as good and can be made to work just as well as brass fittings. Let us briefly discuss some of the other options you can use for water lines instead of brass fittings.
- Copper fittings: Copper fittings are widely used in residential water lines for both cold and hot water. They are safe and are a preferred choice when it comes to drinking water lines. This is because they are lead-free and won’t contaminate your drinking water.
- PVC fittings: PVC fittings are made of plastic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Because plastic melts when exposed to high temperatures, PVC pipe fittings are only used for cold water lines.
- Black iron fittings: These pipe fittings are majorly used for drain and waste pipes. Black iron pipe fittings are preferred over cast iron fittings due to their resistance to corrosion.
- Steel fittings: Steel pipe fittings are used for both cold and water lines and are highly resistant to heat. They are also strong and durable and will provide you with a long-lasting system. However, steel pipe fittings are more prone to rusting.
- CPVC fittings: Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings are used for residential plumbing applications for both hot and cold water lines.
Conclusion
When it comes to the choice of pipe fittings for your plumbing system, it all really comes down to your needs and budget. Brass pipe fittings cost a bit more than other pipe fittings, but their positive aspects make them worthwhile. Before deciding on one particular pipe fittings for your water line, ensure that you do your research and be aware of your options. If you need guidance on the best pipe fittings for your plumbing system, do not hesitate to get in contact with us. Also, check out our website for more options for you.
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