Everyone needs access to clean, running water and a bathroom. So it’s no question that all buildings require plumbing. Most home and business owners tend to choose PVC over brass tubing and fittings because it is significantly cheaper. What they fail to take into consideration is the longevity of the material they are choosing. What seems like an affordable choice at first will become more expensive in the long run because of the frequent repairs and replacement that are expected after initial installation.
Before you go for the cheapest alternative, it helps to first check more reliable options. Here’s what you need to know about choosing brass plumbing pipes and fittings for your domestic or commercial plumbing needs:
Brass Pipes and Fittings Are the Top Choice for Builders
Ask the builder you are working with about their recommendations and the first thing they will say is “go for brass”. It’s not to get you to spend more, but it’s because they know you’ll get more merits from brass than from its cheaper counterparts. Aside from being easy to work with, brass is also very durable. When you are installing new pipes, you need your fittings, such as backflow preventers, valves, and pressure control devices to be tough enough to take on high water fluid pressure, and brass is your most trusted option.
Opting for the cheaper PVC fittings and stainless steel pipes will only make the installation process complicated for your builder and you may get billed more for the additional labor. Whereas brass fittings are readily available in many shops and the installation process is relatively easy. Although it may seem like the cost of brass tubes is rather expensive now, imagine how much you can save down the road by avoiding constant repair and replacement.
Durability, Reliability, and Conductivity
Brass fittings are known to last the longest compared to other materials. This is because the metal is very durable and flexible that it can take a lot of wearing and tearing before it finally gives up. Many old houses still have their original brass fittings in good shape today. There are even cases wherein brass pipes are recovered after a fire and they are still in excellent condition.
Brass pipes also have a very high heat tolerance and does not easily corrode or deform even when it’s used for channeling hot water. Plus, the material makes an excellent heat conductor to allow easy, efficient, and systematic distribution of hot water. This makes it the perfect choice for people who enjoy their daily hot showers and do not want to worry about replacing their pipes after a few short years.
Added Aesthetics
Brass is a type of alloy mostly composed of a combination of zinc and copper. The combination of these two elements gives brass a unique and beautiful reddish tint. Aside from its color, brass is soft and easily manipulated into intricate designs and patterns. Those who want to get creative with their tubing can actually add designs on the brass pipes, and it can easily be done.
This comes in handy especially if there are any indoor exposed tubing that needs a little décor to blend in with the interiors. Not all pipes and tubing have to look out of place indoors, with a few extra details brass fixtures can tie up the entire look of a home or building.
Conclusion
There is a certain appeal to residential and commercial buildings with brass fixtures. Whether you choose brass for its looks, its functionality, or both, it is an excellent choice. Therefore, if you can afford to make the investment, always go for brass pipes and fittings for your plumbing needs. It may seem expensive at first, but when you factor in the cost of installation, labor, and future repairs it is clear that every penny is worth it.
Sources:
Advantages of Brass Pipe Fittings For Domestic Plumbing Fixtures, LinkedIn.com
Specific Heat Capacity Table
