Brass vs stainless steel which is suitable for plumbing?

Plumbing is a vital part of every household and industry. The water supplies reach us with the help of the plumbing system only. It is essential to ensure that we are setting up our plumbing systems with the right quality of tubes. Brass and stainless steel pipes for plumbing are the metals that are considered for the same. This blog will clear your thoughts on which one to opt for. 

Brass

It is a copper-zinc alloy. It possesses great corrosion and thermal properties which makes it well suited for high heat temperature work. The zinc’s quantity in brass provides it with great durability and ductility. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steels are iron alloys with low carbon content and a minimum of 10%chromium, including or not including other alloying elements. Its strength and corrosion resistance often make it best suitable for ss plumbing services.  

The Major Difference

• Aesthetic maintenance- Brass is one of those materials that erode and lose its aesthetic over time when exposed to humidity. It triggers corrosion and begins the aging process. This is why brass turns into a gunk-growing, greenish shade. The polishing companies say that polishing brass helps, but this is only a temporary fix since it returns to its original state. ss press fittings however does not corrode or erode under humidity and other extreme weather conditions, thereby reducing maintenance, replacement, and other upkeep costs. Its visual appearance stays fresh.
• Alloying Materials- Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc hence it is more prone to heat while stainless steel being an iron alloy resists heat and protects the efficiency of the product throughout usage.  Brass has much better corrosion resistance than plastics. But, stainless steel remains the best material, especially in coastal environments due to the chromium content present in it. 
• Strength- The strength and corrosion resistance of stainless steel make it the material of choice for manufacturing plumbing equipment and other press-fitting products. Chemical and power engineering industries use stainless steel most frequently, which accounts for more than a third of the stainless steel market. Brass on the other hand is bound to only a few pieces of equipment. 
• Clean- Brass being copper alloy gets easily corroded and once gets stained it is not easy to clean it afterward. Stainless steel is the cleanest composition of the steel. plumbing stainless steel pipe Hence, preferred by most people as it keeps the hygiene intact. Brass is hassle-free to install so is stainless steel, but the long-term hygienic conditions of stainless steel make it more preferable. 
•  FDA certified- Brass valves cannot be put to use in the food industry where lead is present, which makes them an unsuitable choice. This type of material is commonly used in the industry due to stainless steel FDA approval.
• Cost-Effective- Brass is much cost-effective but the durability, strength, efficiency, corrosion, and heat resistance provided by stainless steel is unmatched and perfect to invest in.

 

These points may help you in distinguishing which one to go for according to your need and preference. It’s a one-time investment and hence should be chosen wisely.