Ethan Clarke
Plastic PEX fittings are made from high-density polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer with a variable crystalline structure and a wide range of applications. They are a popular alternative to brass fittings due to their economic benefits, comparable warranties, and professional trust. While brass fittings have traditionally been the standard in plumbing, the rising preference for plastic indicates a growing confidence in its durability and performance. This shift is driven by factors such as cost, longevity, and dependability. Plastic PEX fittings are also favoured for their resistance to corrosion and heat loss, making them suitable for certain applications, such as poor water quality. However, they have limitations, such as reduced flow rates and susceptibility to UV degradation, making them unsuitable for outdoor use. The choice between plastic and brass PEX fittings ultimately depends on specific application requirements, with some scenarios still favouring the use of metal fittings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Plastic PEX fittings are considerably cheaper than brass fittings. |
| Durability | Plastic PEX fittings are less durable than brass fittings, especially in UV light and near heating devices. |
| Corrosion | Plastic PEX fittings are more resistant to corrosion than brass fittings, especially in poor water quality. |
| Flow rate | Plastic PEX fittings have a smaller ID than brass fittings, which can reduce flow rate and cause flow restriction. |
| Weight | Plastic PEX fittings are lighter than brass fittings, reducing the need to secure the line as frequently. |
| Temperature | Brass fittings can withstand higher temperatures than plastic PEX fittings. |
| Flexibility | Plastic PEX fittings are more flexible than brass fittings, making them easier to install. |
| Mechanical stress | Brass fittings can hold up better to mechanical stress than plastic PEX fittings. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic PEX fittings are cheaper than brass
Plastic PEX fittings are significantly cheaper than brass fittings, costing approximately five times less. This price difference can be a decisive factor for many, especially professionals who bear the cost of materials in their projects.
The cost-effectiveness of plastic PEX fittings is further enhanced by their resistance to corrosion. Brass fittings, being an alloy of copper and zinc, are highly susceptible to corrosion, especially in the presence of poor water quality or other corrosive materials. Over time, corrosion can lead to leaks and the need for costly repairs or replacements. Plastic PEX fittings, on the other hand, are not affected by dezincification and, therefore, offer a more durable and cost-efficient solution in corrosive environments.
Additionally, the lightweight nature of plastic PEX fittings reduces the need for frequent securing of the line, further contributing to cost savings. Brass fittings, being denser and heavier, may require more frequent support, adding to the overall cost of installation and maintenance.
While brass fittings have traditionally been the staple in plumbing, the growing preference for plastic PEX fittings indicates a shift in professional trust and confidence in the quality and reliability of plastic alternatives. This shift is driven not only by economic factors but also by the recognised durability and performance of plastic PEX fittings.
However, it is important to note that plastic PEX fittings are not universally applicable. Brass fittings are still the preferred choice in scenarios where the fittings may be exposed to UV light or proximity to heating devices, as plastic can degrade under prolonged UV exposure and may have limitations in withstanding higher temperatures.
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Plastic PEX fittings are more durable than brass
Plastic PEX fittings are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for plumbers, with sales of plastic fittings outpacing those of brass fittings. This shift is driven by a growing trust in the quality and reliability of plastic PEX fittings, as well as economic factors. Brass fittings tend to be significantly more expensive than plastic ones, costing approximately five times as much. This price difference is a crucial consideration for professionals who bear the cost of materials for their projects.
The durability and performance of plastic PEX fittings are key factors in their rising popularity. Plastic fittings are less susceptible to corrosion than brass fittings, especially in systems with poor water quality or other corrosive materials in the line. Brass, being an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc, is more prone to corrosion and leaks. The high zinc levels in brass PEX fittings, combined with their thin wall structure, can exacerbate corrosion issues due to dezincification. On the other hand, plastic PEX fittings are more resistant to corrosion and are less likely to leak, making them a more durable option in certain applications.
Another advantage of plastic PEX fittings is their weight. They are much lighter than brass fittings, reducing the need to secure the line at as many intervals. This makes installation easier and faster, saving time and labour costs. Plastic PEX fittings are also commonly used in various applications, including water conveyance, hydronic radiant heating, and fire sprinkler systems, demonstrating their versatility and durability in different environments.
While plastic PEX fittings offer enhanced durability in certain aspects, they do have some limitations. Plastic PEX fittings are not suitable for outdoor use or applications with UV exposure, as plastic can degrade upon prolonged exposure to UV light. Similarly, plastic PEX fittings should not be used within 18 inches of water heating devices due to concerns about their ability to withstand higher temperatures. In such cases, brass or metal fittings are still the preferred choice.
Overall, while brass fittings have traditionally dominated the plumbing industry, the increasing adoption of plastic PEX fittings indicates a changing landscape. Plastic PEX fittings offer enhanced durability through their resistance to corrosion and leaks, making them a cost-effective and reliable option for professionals and homeowners alike.
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Brass fittings are stronger than plastic
Brass and plastic PEX fittings have been compared for years, with some plumbers swearing by one or the other, and others choosing based on the specific application. While plastic PEX fittings have many advantages, brass fittings are typically stronger and have larger flow passages. Brass fittings are manufactured to ASTM F1807, which allows for a larger flow passage, while plastic PEX fittings have a thicker wall requirement under ASTM2159 Standard, resulting in a reduced ID that restricts flow. This can cause significant flow restriction if used throughout an entire plumbing system.
Brass fittings are also more durable than plastic. Plastic fittings have been considered less durable and may have a smaller diameter, making them less effective. Brass is more expensive, with plastic fittings costing approximately one-fifth of the price. However, this increased cost can be justified by the longer lifespan of brass fittings. Brass fittings are also heavier, which can be advantageous in certain situations.
There are, however, applications where plastic is the best choice. For example, when there is poor water quality or other corrosive materials in the line, plastic is superior as brass is more prone to corrosion. Brass has high zinc levels, which, combined with a thin wall structure, can exacerbate corrosion issues due to dezincification. Brass is also particularly susceptible to heat loss. Plastic PEX fittings are also much lighter, reducing the need to secure the line as often as with brass.
In conclusion, while plastic PEX fittings have their advantages, brass fittings are indeed stronger. Brass fittings offer superior durability, larger flow passages, and increased resistance to corrosion and heat loss. However, plastic fittings are more cost-effective and lightweight, making them a popular choice for plumbers.
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Plastic PEX fittings are more susceptible to UV damage
Plastic PEX fittings are increasingly favoured by plumbers and contractors due to their economic benefits, comparable warranties, and professional trust in their durability and performance. However, one notable drawback of plastic PEX fittings is their susceptibility to UV damage.
UV exposure is a critical factor to consider when choosing between plastic and metal PEX fittings. Plastic PEX fittings are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) waves in natural sunlight, and excessive UV exposure can lead to long-term degradation and potentially reduced service life. This susceptibility to UV damage limits the outdoor applications of plastic PEX fittings, as they can deteriorate if exposed to high levels of UV light.
The degradation caused by UV exposure is not always visible to the naked eye, and even indoor installations of plastic PEX tubing should be stored in their original packaging before installation to protect against UV exposure. Distributors and installers should be aware of the potential for UV damage and take steps to mitigate it.
To address the issue of UV susceptibility, manufacturers have developed methods to enhance the UV resistance of plastic PEX tubing. This includes adding UV stabilizers or carbon black to the HDPE compound used in PEX manufacturing. Additionally, standardised test methods, such as ASTM F2657, have been established to evaluate the UV resistance of PEX tubing and provide manufacturers with recognised testing procedures.
While plastic PEX fittings offer advantages in terms of cost and corrosion resistance, their vulnerability to UV damage is a significant consideration. Installers and homeowners should be aware of this limitation and ensure that plastic PEX fittings are adequately protected from prolonged UV exposure to maintain their durability and performance.
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Brass fittings are more susceptible to corrosion
Brass fittings have long been a staple in plumbing. However, the rise of plastic PEX fittings suggests a changing landscape. One of the reasons for this shift is that brass fittings are more susceptible to corrosion. Brass is an alloy made up of mainly copper and zinc, with small percentages of other elements such as tin, lead or arsenic. In brass, zinc is more reactive than copper, and so zinc is lost preferentially through a process called dezincification. This leaves behind a relatively porous and weak layer of copper and copper oxide, which can eventually penetrate the brass, weakening it structurally and allowing liquids or gases to leak through the porous mass.
The high zinc levels in brass PEX fittings, combined with a thinner wall structure, can exacerbate corrosion issues due to the dezincification associated with high zinc alloys. Brass is also particularly prone to heat loss, which can further contribute to corrosion. This is especially true in steam environments, where brass fittings can fail due to corrosion. In addition, when brass fittings are exposed to ammonia or amine, they can become discoloured and corroded.
The use of plastic PEX fittings can help to mitigate the issue of corrosion in plumbing systems. Plastic is a superior choice in situations with poor water quality or other corrosive materials in the line, as brass is more apt to corrode and leak in these conditions. The increased adoption of plastic fittings is not solely due to cost; plumbers also prioritise the longevity and dependability of their work to avoid return visits for repairs. The rising preference for plastic indicates a broad professional trust in its durability and performance.
While plastic PEX fittings offer advantages in terms of corrosion resistance, they are not without their limitations. Plastic PEX fittings have a thicker wall requirement, resulting in a reduced inner diameter which restricts flow. This can cause significant flow restriction if used throughout an entire plumbing system. Brass fittings, on the other hand, are manufactured with a larger flow passage, allowing for smoother flow.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic PEX fittings are just as good as brass ones, if not better, due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and resistance to corrosion. Brass fittings, however, are generally stronger and have larger flow passages.
Plastic PEX fittings are unsuitable for outdoor use as they can degrade when exposed to UV light. They also have a thicker wall requirement, resulting in reduced flow rates.
Plastic PEX fittings are more cost-effective, easier to install due to their flexibility, and are not susceptible to corrosion or dezincification.
No, plastic PEX fittings are not suitable for outdoor use as they can degrade when exposed to UV light.
Yes, plastic PEX fittings are significantly more cost-effective than brass fittings, often costing only a fraction of the price.
