Brass fittings are a type of implement that connects two pipes together for transporting different kinds of liquids or gasses. They are available in many different sizes, types, and shapes, including:
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Couplings
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Elbows
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Tees
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Nipples
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Caps
As the name suggests, they are mostly made from metal, though they can include rubber or plastic components.
Though pipe fittings can be made from a number of different materials, brass is a common choice given its unique properties that make it highly versatile and durable.
For these reasons, brass fittings can be on the higher end of the price range compared to other types of fittings, though many professionals see them as a worthwhile investment.
What are Brass Fittings Used For?
As we mentioned above, fittings are used to join or adapt two pieces of plumbing or pipe. Specifically, fittings made from brass are highly durable, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, so they can be used to transport and regulate the flow of a variety of contents. Typically, this includes water, gas, air, chemicals, and fuel.
Since brass is resistant to corrosion and rust, it does not break down when transporting water. This distinct property makes brass fittings a preferred choice among plumbers and other construction professionals, as they can prevent harmful leaks in plumbing systems that can occur when other materials or metals are used instead.
Here are some of the common uses of brass fittings in plumbing and water systems:
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Water Supply: A variety of brass fittings can be used in water supply lines to transport water from the main water source to various fixtures throughout the home like sinks, showers, or toilets; this can include brass fittings such as couplings, adapters, unions, and others
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On/Off Valves: Brass fittings can be used to turn the flow of water on or off, depending on its positioning; these are commonly found near water meters or where the water line enters a home for easy shut-off if needed
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Relief Valves: In certain use cases, brass fittings can be used to relieve pressure in a plumbing system, typically found on hot water tanks and boilers
Aside from their wide range of plumbing applications, brass fittings are also used in automotive manufacturing, refrigeration cooler fittings, and more.
The Difference Between Forged and Bar Stock Brass
It’s important to point out there are many types of brass alloys that can be used in brass fittings. Two of the most common are forged and bar stock brass, which we’ll now discuss in more detail so you can see how the two differ.
Bar stock brass is a raw metal alloy that is used to make finished products. It typically comes in solid bars or rods with a round, hex, or square shape. From there, the brass can be cut or shaped into various components and implements–like brass fittings. Overall, bar stock brass is known for its corrosion resistance, durability, and malleability.
On the other hand, forged brass refers to brass alloys that are heated at high temperatures to become soft, then stamped or formed into a desired shape. This type of brass has a high level of hot deformability performance, so the metal can become softened at high temperatures for easier forming with a hot forging press, without turning molten or becoming brittle.
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Alternatives to Brass Fittings
Brass fittings are highly versatile and ideal in many situations. However, it’s important to note that there are certain use cases where you may consider using an alternative.
The following are some of the alternatives to brass fittings, and when they’re most appropriate.
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Steel fittings: Used to transport both cold and hot water; durable and heat resistant, though these fittings are more likely to rust
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Black Iron fittings: Mostly used in drain and waste pipes; more corrosion resistant than cast iron
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Copper fittings: Commonly found in residential water/HVAC applications; appropriate for hot and cold water transport
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) fittings: The most widely used type of plastic fitting; for cold water applications specifically
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Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) fittings: Good for both hot and cold water in residential plumbing applications
The Different Types of Brass Fittings
The following are some of the most common types of brass fittings. Though they can all be used to join two or more pipes together, they each have their own unique qualities and features that make them better suited for certain situations.
Compression Fittings
Compression fittings are one of the most common types of brass fittings. They consist of two main components: the compression nut and the compression ring. First, the compression nut gets threaded to the end of a pipe, then the compression ring is placed on the connection and fastened, creating a tight seal. In addition to being easy to use and install, they are also compatible with a wide range of materials like PVC and copper.
Coupling Fittings
Brass couplings are used to create a straight connection between two pipes. They can either be threaded or welded on to form a connection. Couplings come in many different sizes, so the two pipes you’re trying to join can be of the same size or two different sizes.
Tee Fittings
As you might be able to gather from the name, a tee fitting is shaped like the letter “T”, and can connect three different pipes together. Similar to couplings, they can be either threaded or welded and are available in a range of sizes, including the Fixed Male Branch Tee â…œ x â…› from Midland Metal.
Elbow Fittings
Elbow fittings are used to change the direction of plumbing at a 90-degree or 45-degree angle, depending on the exact fitting you’re using. There are many different types of elbow fittings to choose from that are compatible with the two pipes you’re joining, including female threads, male threads like the Swivel Male Elbow ¼ x â…› from Midland Metal, different sizes, and angles.
Cross Fittings
Cross fittings are similar to tee fittings, though they are used to join four different pipes instead of just three, including this Push-in Cross from Midland Metal. Like the other types of brass fittings we’ve discussed thus far, they come in many different sizes to fit the size of pipe you’re using.
Cap Fittings
Cap fittings seal off the end of a pipe, which can either be female threaded or welded on. They also come in a range of sizes to fit your specific needs.
Plug Fittings
Plug fittings are similar to cap fittings as they can seal off the end of a pipe, and come in different sizes and shapes. However, the main difference between the two types of fittings is that plugs feature male threading.
Nipple Fittings
Nipple fittings are a widely used brass fitting. As you’ll notice, nipple fittings are unique for having male threads on both sides, used to connect two pipes with ends that are both female threaded. The shape and sizing of either side can vary, so you can join two pipes of the same or different sizes.
Union Fittings
A union fitting connects two pipes and has one end with a female thread and the other end with a male thread, like the Union Connector 5/32 from Midland Metal, featured in the photo above. The standout feature of union fittings is that they are designed to be easily removed for replacement or repair purposes without damaging the pipe it’s connected to.
Valve Fittings
Valve fittings are a bit more advanced than the other types of brass fittings we’ve discussed so far. Specifically, they are used to control the flow of liquids through the pipe the valve is connected to with the attached handle. There are a few different types of valves available, and they come in different sizes.
Pipe Adapters
If you need a different connection type at the end of a pipe, a pipe adapter will help you change a pipe ending with a male thread to a female thread, or vice versa. These are highly versatile and come in different sizes to fit your unique needs.
Pipe wyes
Pipe wyes are built in the shape of the letter “Y”, and help you join three pipes together at a 45-degree angle rather than the 90-degree angle joint that a tee fitting gives you. Wyes are available in different sizes and thread types.
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How To Choose the Right Brass Fittings?
After gaining a better understanding of what brass fittings are and what they can be used for, you may have some questions about how to choose the right one for your needs.
Brass fittings are highly versatile, so they can be used in a wide range of projects–from residential plumbing to industrial projects. However, choosing the right brass fittings for your unique use case is highly important–and can be a little confusing if you’re new to the process.
Selecting the Right Size Fitting for Pipes
You need to select the proper size fitting for the pipes you are trying to join, which is based on the nominal diameter.
However, how you find the nominal diameter depends on whether the pipe or fitting has a female or male thread.
Male Threads
Male thread is threading that sits on the outside of the pipe or fitting, as shown in the photo above.
If a pipe or fitting has a male thread, follow these steps to find the nominal diameter:
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Find the outside diameter of the pipe/fitting with the following steps:
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Wrap a string around the pipe
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Mark the string where the ends join
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Measure the length between the end of the string and the mark you made to find the circumference
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Divide the circumference by 3.14159
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Use the below conversion chart to find the nominal diameter
Female Threads
On the other hand, if your pipe or fitting has a female thread, you can use a much more straightforward process. Female thread, as shown in the fitting above, has the threads on the inside of the fitting.
Use the following steps and conversion chart to find the nominal diameter:
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Measure the inside diameter of the pipe/fitting with a measuring tape or ruler
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Use the below conversion chart to find the nominal diameter
Nominal Diameter Conversion Chart
(All Measurements in Inches)
Selecting the Right Size Fitting for Tubing
The above steps are helpful to find the nominal size of pipes. But, if you’re trying to join tubing, the measuring process is much more straightforward.
When you need to measure tubing to find the proper fitting, you can simply find the actual outside diameter of the tube using a measuring tape or ruler.
Some exceptions to this rule include PEX, or Cross-Linked Polyethylene Tubing, which is measured by the inside diameter of the tube.
Selecting the Right Thread Type
After you’ve measured the pipe or tubing properly, you need to also select the right type of thread.
National Pipe Thread (NPT) is one of the more common options you’ll find. It’s characterized by a tapered build that is used to join and seal pipes. In this category, a male thread may be referred to as NPT, MPT, or MNPT, and the female thread is often shown as FPT or FNPT.
National Standard Free-Fitting Straight Mechanical Pipe Thread (NPSM) is another common option, and straight threads are used for creating mechanical joints.
Lastly, you may also see British Standard Pipe (BSP) as an option. This differs from the other types of threads because instead of using actual diameter, it uses trade size.
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Getting Started with Brass Fittings
Brass fittings are a staple of any plumbing system, and their versatility means they have plenty of other relevant use cases throughout the construction industry. With over a dozen different brass fittings to choose from, each in a wide range of sizes, there are countless options available to fit your specific needs.
Pay special attention to whether your pipe or fitting has a female or male thread, which determines how you should measure the nominal diameter so you can find the right-sized fitting for your pipe.
Get started today with IMS Bolt for all of your brass fitting needs. We carry leading brands like Midland Metal, a widely recognizable and highly dependable brand to equip you for success on your next project.