Brass pipes are a popular choice for both residential and commercial premises. As an alloy of copper and zinc, brass has a number of unique attributes.
Brass Pipes: Advantages
Brass pipes are commonly used in plumbing systems and can deal well with hot water.
Brass Pipes: Disadvantages
Although they have many plus points, there are also some downsides. Brass pipes are more expensive than both PVC and copper options. They need to be installed almost perfectly and require ongoing maintenance, otherwise they can develop leaks.
The other significant downside is that they have the potential to cause lead contamination of water. This can occur when water stays in the pipe for a period of time and corrodes the brass. Lead contamination can be hazardous to health.
Alternatives to Brass Piping
The main alternatives to brass piping are copper and PVC. Copper pipes are highly resistant to corrosion and slightly cheaper than brass ones, whilst PVC pipes are the cheapest of all three and are easy to maintain.
Copper Pipe Connectors and Fittings
If you already have copper pipes in place and need to join or repair them, there are several ways to do this using copper pipe connectors. If you have questions, there are a number of copper pipe specialists, such as watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/, who have online resources that you may find helpful.
Maintaining Brass Pipes
Brass pipes need to be regularly cleaned and inspected. This ensures that they are kept free of mineral build-up and that any signs of corrosion are spotted early and dealt with promptly and effectively. Regular inspections will also help identify any cracks or leaks.
A Good Investment?
Brass pipes are the most expensive option when it comes to plumbing. But they are also reliable, durable and can last for several decades. This makes them an excellent longer-term investment.
