There are various types of pipe fittings made of different materials available today. Fittings are used in most of the domestic and industrial purposes to extend, join or terminate the connection in required places. These products are available in different sizes, shapes and measurements to suit different requirements. Plugs, caps, couplings, unions and adapters are some of the different types of fittings which can be bought from many of the online stores at affordable price rates.
Various types of materials are used for manufacturing these fittings which include steel, copper, plastic, brass, aluminum and cast iron. The prices of these products vary according to the type of materials used for its production.
Typical fittings can be used for extensions, enlarging or reducing, direction, branching, closing and union or makeup. These fittings are used in all types of repair projects and HVAC equipment. However, it is essential to understand the difference between all these fittings to undertake repair projects.
Steel fittings are known to be the most durable and tensile fittings. Brass products are also tensile but it is susceptible to damages and corrosion. Therefore most people prefer to use copper fittings due to its non-corrosive properties. Aluminum products are mainly used for most of the domestic plumbing purposes as it is affordable, durable and versatile. Plastic fittings are also used as it is less expensive and widely available in most of the online and offline stores.
All types of pipe fittings can be bought easily through online stores but it is essential to understand the pros and cons before buying a particular variety. Some of the most reputable brands of products are showcased in many of the online stores at reasonable price rates.
Disadvantages of Yellow Brass Pipe Fittings:
Brass fittings are widely available in many of the online stores but these fittings include many disadvantages which shall be discussed in the following sections.
Brass is basically an alloy which is made of copper and zinc. It is made available in two varieties which includes red and yellow. The yellow pipes have a large content of zinc in it and it causes various problems. These yellow brass products are known to dezincify which is basically a process of corrosion. The zinc is transformed into zinc oxide in due course of time. It clogs the pipes and fixtures in the form of a white powder.
Another disadvantage of the brass fittings is that it weakens the structure of the fixture and causes pin-hole leakages in it. It usually starts from the inside layers of the fixtures and therefore it is quite difficult to detect these defects from the beginning. Finally the pin-hole expands and the water leaks from the outer layers of the fixtures. It can cause serious damages to homes, offices and apartments.
The process and the speed of degradation depend on various other factors such as the pressure, acidity and the presence of chemicals in the water. An experienced plumber can identify the defects in brass fixtures easily.