What Are the Disadvantages of Brass Fittings

Brass fittings are also popular for plumbing and construction projects due to their extreme durability and elegant appearance. However, even the best material has its limitations. In the article, we discuss a few of the potential weaknesses of brass fittings and how that will give you a very clear idea of what is wrong with brass fittings. Consequently, you can then make the right choice based on your applications and the pros against the cons weighing down on them.

Disadvantages of Brass Fittings

The below list highlights the biggest disadvantages of brass fittings:

Corrosion and Tarnishing

Some of the disadvantages are that brass fittings tarnish and corrode very easily. Brass has its natural resistance to corrosion, but it is impossible for chemicals and environmental factors not to interact with brass to cause a greenish or bluish-green patina.

Cost

Brass fittings are normally costlier than those made of plastic or galvanised steel. In fact, the extra costs can be quite very high, especially in large-scale applications or where cost sensitivity is involved. Even if the long-term life cycle of brass fittings can provide a counterbalance to offset the short-term investment, it must be weighed through deep consideration in terms of cost-benefit balance.

Weight

Brass is a heavy material; the fittings are, therefore, likely to be heavier than similar items manufactured from lighter materials. Mounting and even transport can be a problem in bigger fittings. Their weight might also necessitate greater care by designers of supporting structures or piping systems where such fittings are employed-high-rise buildings or other applications where component weights become critical. Brass can withstand pressure upto 3000 psi which is quite moderate.

Risk of Lead Emission

The older brass fittings, especially those that were produced before the mid-20th century, may contain lead.Although lead is not used nowadays in most modern brass fittings, it can still leach into drinking water when these fittings are corroded or exposed to acidic water. Lead poisoning poses a grave risk of health effects, especially to children. Therefore, lead-free brass fittings are advisable, along with checking your plumbing system time and again.

Thermal Expansion

Brass has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than some materials.Brasses extend and contract significantly more than some materials in response to changes in temperature. Although extension and contraction are the source of little trouble in most uses, they are potentially important considerations when large ranges of temperature might be experienced or where the connecting part will be subject to significant changes in temperature. All such situations demand proper installation with extra special care given to thermal expansion joints so that leakage or even other problems may not emerge. Additionally, brass is not recommended for use above 400° F temperature.

Not so Flexible

One of the biggest disadvantages of brass fittings is their low flexibility, as they do not exactly fit all those applications wherein flexibility or adaptability is needed. Flexible pipes or fittings of PEX or CPVC can be bent or moulded into almost any odd configuration with very little effort. This, of course, makes it extremely difficult to install in some situations, mainly when cramped spaces or even convoluted configurations exist in plumbing.

Dezincification

This is corrosion that specifically attacks brass fittings with acidic content in water. It particularly targets the zinc particles within the brass alloy for its removal, thereby leaving it porous and, hence, weak in structure. The results of this type of deterioration are a leak and lowered flow and, consequently, the collapse of the fitting. A way in which dezincification is avoided is with brass fittings that contain additives to combat this type of corrosion degradation. The water supply grade will also need to be compatible with brass.

Noise andVibration

Brass fittings are very noisy and vibrating because the brass used is of very brittle consistency.This may be quite evident in a piping system that has a high-pressure or velocity flow of water. Though not such a huge issue in most applications, it can become an issue in noise-sensitive locations. For example, this is problematic in bedroom or office spaces. Installation techniques should include vibration-dampening materials and soundproofing methods to reduce noise and vibrations.

Maintenance Requirements

Brass fitting should be serviced periodically in order to ensure that it achieves long-term performance and life in brass fittings. It should be cleaned because it can happen, if not done, to a layer of dust, grime, or mineral residues. Clean and inspect regularly for signs of corrosion, leakages, etc. Again, a brass fitting will attain a prolonged life period owing to reduced risks of possible brass fitting troubles if done properly.