A growing plumbing trend is the shift to PVC and PEX pipes. These have largely replaced galvanised iron or lead pipes in older homes, with faster installation times and significantly lower costs without sacrificing longevity or durability. While various PVC piping and fittings have expanded to accommodate different uses, brass fittings remain an old favourite. They can be used with copper, brass and plastic piping and outperform plastics for overall strength and high-temperature resistance. 

What’s more, brass fittings can be formed into dozens of shapes and look the part in any setting. Fittings are essential in any plumbing project. They connect the vast network of pipes, create a tight seal to ensure proper water pressure and prevent leaks. They also enable water to get to kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Fittings additionally change the direction of flow, connect pipes of different sizes, extend or reroute pipe runs, and control water volumes out of taps or showers. There are dozens of types, each with separate purposes. 

Types of Plumbing Fittings 

Various options of plumbing fittings are used. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the different types and what they do.

Bushes 

These are specialised fitting types used to join pipes of different sizes. They are designed to screw into a larger pipe while providing a threaded opening to connect smaller pipes. This simplifies installations and results in seamless connection. There are two common plumbing types: threaded bushes with internal and external threads, and brass reducer bushes designed specifically to reduce the shape of the pipe opening. 

For plumbing projects requiring a blend of high-pressure performance and clean looks, choose a durable brass bush. This will outlast cheaper PVC bushes, endure wear in temperature extremes, and blend in with ornate bathroom and kitchen fixtures and décor. Choose bushes depending on temperature, corrosion and pressure requirements, ensure they meet plumbing standards and most importantly, the size and type of threading to get a compact, clean, leak-free fit, especially in branching or angled connections. 

Elbows and Bends 

To change the direction of a piping run, use elbows or bends. Elbows reroute pipes at a 45, 60 or 90-degree angle, and are often the fitting used around corners or obstacles. Bends have a more gradual curvature and a smoother transition. But it may take up more space. The upside is that they provide more consistent pressure and flow. 

Tees and Crosses 

These are plumbing fittings used in branching to create multiple flow paths. Tees create 90-degree branches to distribute water in two directions from a main pipe. Crosses are essentially two tees in a single fitting, so they distribute water in four different directions. Both are used in complex plumbing installations. 

Couplers, Unions and Adapters 

To connect two pipes, extend pipe runs or join different segments, plumbers use couplers, unions and adapters. Couplers connect pipes of the same diameter. Unions do the same job, though they can also connect valves and meters that require frequent inspection or servicing. They consist of a male and female thread connected by a nut. Adapters connect pipes in varying diameters, while adapter reducers decrease pipe size. 

Other Fitting Types 

Caps are installed at the end of pipe runs to provide a secure termination point and also prevent leaks and debris. Valves control flow, shut off the water supply and prevent backflow. They’re also used to isolate different parts of the plumbing during maintenance. Common types include gate, ball, butterfly and check valves. Plugs are similar to caps in that they seal openings in fittings and close off unused connections or ports. 

Specialised types are nipples, with male threading at either end and used to extend connections between two different pipe sections or two valves. They’re used in shorter pipe runs, often in tight spots. Flanges are more common in commercial or industrial plumbing. They consist of two mating plates joined together with a gasket. The design ensures high water pressure, consistent flow and simplified maintenance. 

Why Choose Brass? 

Brass compares favourably to PVC and steel fittings. Choose a brass bush, coupler, elbow, adapter or tee if you need more durability for higher water pressures and temperatures. The parts easily withstand 60 degrees in applications like hot-water systems, and won’t crack or break under increased pressure, meaning there’s a lower possibility of leaks or flooding than with cheaper PVC fittings. 

Fittings sourced in this material are also resistant to corrosion, so they’ll outlast steel fittings, which are more prone to leakage or reduced water quality. Moreover, the material is softer and more malleable than steel, leading to easier forming, various shapes and more intricate designs. 

The brass plumbing fittings can also be produced to tighter tolerances, specifically the threading, resulting in lower maintenance needs than both plastic and steel varieties. Where they shine is the variety of finishes (unplated, chrome, nickel-plated) that additionally increase durability (with higher chemical resistance in outdoor settings) while also providing a timeless look. 

Lastly, choose brass fittings for their versatility. Unlike PVC or steel plumbing fittings, they can be used with all pipe materials in Australian homes and businesses (PVC, PEX, galvanised steel, copper, cast or ductile iron) with no extra work when sourced from trusted manufacturers that meet current quality and industry standards.