Brass Pipe Fittings

Brass pipe fittings are used to join pipes and tubes in plumbing, heating, gas and hydraulics systems. They are typically made of brass, a copper-zinc alloy. High-quality brass tube fittings carry a DRZ or DR symbol, indicating that it is made from Dezincification Resistant brass. DRZ fittings are specially formulated and heat-treated to prevent corrosion when exposed to certain water conditions, resulting in plumbing that is more resistant to failures, leaks and system ruptures.

At RS Australia, we carry a wide variety of brass fittings, including elbow, tee, and coupler fittings for all your secure connection needs.

How Brass Pipe Fittings Work

Brass pipe fittings are essential for creating water or airtight seals across domestic and industrial applications. When the screw-like ridges of two brass tube components meet, a hermetically sealed environment is created. This facilitates the creation of leak-free and secure connections for gas lines, as well as the efficient flow of plumbing and water systems.

Benefits of Brass Fittings

• Durability: Brass is a strong and tough alloy that resists cracking and wear, ensuring a long service life even under high pressure. This is especially true for DRZ or DR-certified brass tube fittings, which are specially formulated to protect against dezincification and corrosion.
• Corrosion Resistance: Brass is also resistant to rust, and contains naturally antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for deployment in water and plumbing systems. To meet Australian WaterMark certification, brass pipe fittings must be AS/NZS 4020 rated, a standard that certifies that it does not leach harmful substances.
• High-Temperature Tolerance: Brass can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for hot water distribution systems and other high-heat applications, such as in hot gas lines in HVAC systems.

Applications of Brass Plumbing Fittings

Brass fittings are widely used in both industrial and domestic settings for their corrosion resistance and durability in water, gas, and fluid handling systems.

• Plumbing Systems: Brass water fittings are essential for connecting pipes and fixtures in residential and commercial water supply lines, offering secure and watertight protection that allows for the free flow of water and waste.
• Automotive Industry: Brass pipe fittings are used extensively in braking systems and fuel lines. Their pressure resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures and contact with corrosive fluids like gasoline and brake fluid are widely valued in automotive applications.
• Gas Lines: Preferred for connecting natural gas and propane lines, especially in household and commercial appliances, as they provide a reliable, non-sparking, and secure seal to prevent hazardous leaks.
• Marine Industry: DRZ-certified brass water fittings are highly valued in shipbuilding and boat maintenance applications due to their ability to resist saltwater corrosion. From deck drains to onboard water systems, these components keep the marine industry running smoothly.
• HVAC Systems: Employed in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment to connect refrigerant lines, condensate drains, and water circulation systems, brass tube fittings promote efficient fluid transfer and long-term reliability.

Types of Brass Water Fittings

Brass water fittings come in various shapes to allow for new connections, changes in direction, and regulation of flow in plumbing and fluid-handling systems.

By Shape

• Elbow: This L-shaped fitting changes the direction of a pipe run, typically at a 90 or 45 degree angle, to navigate corners or obstacles in plumbing systems.
• Tee: T-shaped brass fittings have three ports and are used to combine the flow from two lines, or divert a single line into two separate paths.
• Coupling: A small, straight connector with openings at both ends. These brass fittings are primarily used to join two sections of the same pipe in a straight line for extension or repair.
• Reducer: A brass fitting that connects two pipes of different diameters. While it is similar in appearance to a coupling, one port is smaller than the other to decrease the fluid flow size.
• Adapter: These threaded brass fittings are used to connect fittings that have mismatched end types. This allows for the joining of a plain pipe end to a threaded fixture, or the conversion of pipe sizes.

By Connection Method

• Compression: A nut and ferrule system that creates a watertight seal without the need for soldering. The nut compresses the ferrule onto the pipe, creating a leak-free connection.
• Push Fit: These fittings offer a quick, tool-free connection by simply pushing the pipe into the fitting. An internal locking mechanism creates a tight seal. These brass fittings are also valued for their reusability.
• Threaded: These brass fittings are used to create secure, easily assembled, or disassembled connections by fastening them together.

How to Choose the Right Brass Fitting

Consider factors like corrosion resistance, compatibility, and function for the intended application.

• Application: Ensure that your brass fitting is compatible with the water, gas or fuel it will be exposed to, in order to prevent corrosion or degradation.
• Size: Verify the brass fitting's diameter and thread type matches the pipe or tube it will connect to.
• Function: Consider the function of the brass fitting. Elbow brass pipe fittings are best for directional tweaks, whereas tee brass fittings are used to split lines or merge two lines into one.
• Connection Type: Threaded brass fittings are easy to assemble and disassemble. Meanwhile, push-fit fittings are speedier to install and compression fittings are ideal for leak-free water lines.
• Pressure Rating: Ensure the fitting's pressure and temperature tolerance meets or exceeds the system's operating conditions. Specialised brass fittings are often required in high-pressure industrial processes.

Shop Brass Fittings Online at RS Australia

We are a proud supplier and distributor of high-quality brass fittings for copper tubing and threaded brass pipe fittings in Australia. We stock products from trusted industry leaders such as Pegler Yorkshire, Legris and Norgren. We also carry other reliable plumbing peripherals such as valve coils and check valves. Order your brass fittings online from us, or give us a call at +61 1300 656 636 to set up a blanket or large order. For more information on our delivery services, visit our Delivery page.