Brass Plumbing Fittings

If You Need Fittings, Why Not The Best? Brass Plumbing Fittings

If you need plumbing fittings, is it really worth it to spend the extra money on the brass type? Yes it is -- and for two main reasons. First of all brass plumbing fittings are very durable and hard wearing -- fittings made out of brass have been used in plumbing installations for a long, long time and there is a reason for that -- they last and last. And the other reason? Simply this: brass plumbing fittings just look GREAT.

Here is an instance where brass plumbing fittings can come in handy -- the installation of a PEX tubing system as a replacement waterline. If you purchase a BEST-PEX kit from Flair It, you can use a 3/4" barb brass tee to join the water lines -- this brass plumbing fitting is manufactured solid brass, and complies with standards ASTM F877 and F1807. This type of hardware is also available in 3/8", 1/2" and 1-inch sizes as well.

Anderson Fittings is another good quality manufacturer of brass plumbing fittings -- right now I am looking at a bulk pack (quantity: 5) of their AB163SAE brass flare valves. This bulk pack is priced at just under $60 and can be used with aluminum, steel, or copper pipes -- even plastic tubing! These types of brass plumbing fittings can also be used on fuel oil lines, gas, LP gas and air lines -- and it is rated up to 30 psi.

If you are looking for some brass nipples, I know of some very good quality ones manufactured by the Jones Stevens Corporation. The dimensions of this brass nipple is 1.25" x 6". Priced at just under $30, these brass plumbing fittings are designed to be used in low to medium water pressure lines. This nipple can be used with brass, copper as well as iron pipes, and is of a sturdy one-piece construction.

Another set of brass plumbing fittings comes to us from Anderson Barrows Metals. A typical product is their 38104-24/B742 1-1/2IPT brass union fitting. Priced at just over $20, it is used to join lengths of copper, iron, or brass pipe together. These brass plumbing fittings can be used in any low and medium pressure water line and offers some vibration resistance as well.

Also from Anderson Fittings is a set of five ABN4-108 forged nuts. Very reasonably priced at $22.99, these brass plumbing fittings are available in most hardware stores. These are manufactured from yellow brass and can be used with a copper, brass, aluminum, or steel-type tubing. These brass plumbing fittings can be used on high, low, or medium pressure lines and can be used in a temperature range of -65°F to 250°F. Very versatile.

Finally, I want to mention this product from Watts Brass and Tubular -- their #EZC3412 3/4x1/2 Fitting Reducer. Priced at just under $1.50, these brass plumbing fittings incorporate an innovative pre-soldered fitting reducer which is 100% lead-free. With these inexpensive plumbing fittings you simply clean the pipe, flux it, do the heat fitting and then solder the ends -- easy-peasy!