Brass fittings are metal plumbing fixtures that connect two plumbing pieces. You may be familiar with them but not understand their purpose. If you’re a homeowner, you should educate yourself about the different plumbing fittings. This blog will take a closer look at brass fittings and what you should know about them.
What Are They Used For?
The purpose of brass fittings is to combine two pieces of plumbing. Most of them are available in various shapes, such as elbows, nipples, and tees. Elbow brass fittings help change the direction of the pipes. Nipples are shorter pipes with threaded ends to screw fittings into both sides. Tees create a three-way junction.
Each of these types serves a specific function in the plumbing system. These functions include:
- Water supply lines
- Water pump connections
- Drain pipes
- On/off valves
- Relief valves for pressure reduction
Brass fittings are a vital piece of the complete plumbing system. They have many uses, such as connecting pipes and fixtures together, regulating water flow, and relieving pressure within the system.
Different Fitting Types
Brass is a popular material used to make plumbing parts because of its durability and strength. It’s also naturally corrosion-resistant. Let’s look at some of the more popular brass fitting types so that you can choose the correct type for your needs.
- Tee fittings: These connect three pieces of plumbing. They’re available in multiple sizes and come in welded and threaded varieties.
- Compression fittings: These are the most popular form of brass fittings. They consist of two components: the nut and the ring. Nuts thread onto the end of the pipe, and rings go over the end of the tube, screwed on tightly.
- Cross fittings: These are comparable to tee fittings, except they contain four openings instead of three.
- Cap fittings: These seal off the ends of plumbing pieces.
- Valve fittings: These control the flow of water through the plumbing. You can find different types, including gate valves, check valves, and ball valves.
Choose a reliable plumbing contractor to help you pick and install your new brass plumbing fittings.
Brass Fitting Benefits
Brass fittings are a safe option for water systems due to their resistance to bacteria and other impurities. They’re easy to install and adapt to fit almost any plumbing application. Brass fittings are an economical choice and relatively affordable material.
They’re reliable and high-quality plumbing parts that will last for years. If you live in an older home, educate yourself on the signs your brass fittings need replacing.
There’s a reason why brass fittings are the go-to for many plumbers. When you require new plumbing fixtures, remember these things you should know about brass fittings. They’ll keep your plumbing flowing for many years to come.