"One thing I did notice though: the threading on recycled brass fittings can sometimes feel a bit rougher initially."
Interesting point about the threading—I haven't tried recycled brass specifically, but I've noticed similar issues with other sustainable fittings. Since I'm on a tight budget, I'm curious: does the slightly rougher threading affect the lifespan of your fittings at all, or is it just an initial installation quirk? Wondering if it's worth investing in pricier recycled brass fixtures, or if there are other affordable sustainable alternatives...
I haven't noticed any lifespan issues with recycled brass fittings myself, but I did have a similar experience installing them in my bathroom reno. Threads felt gritty at first, but nothing a bit of plumber's tape and patience couldn't handle. Two years later, they're still holding strong. Honestly, I'd say it's more of an initial annoyance than a long-term problem...and definitely worth the small hassle if you're trying to go green without emptying your wallet.
Had a slightly different experience here. Installed recycled brass fittings in our kitchen about three years ago, and while they're holding up fine overall, I've noticed some minor corrosion spots lately. Nothing major yet, but it's made me wonder if water quality or humidity might play a bigger role than we think. Still happy with the eco-friendly choice though—just something to watch out for down the line.
I've run into similar corrosion issues before, and you're definitely onto something with water quality and humidity. Brass, even recycled brass, is generally pretty resistant to corrosion, but it's not bulletproof. If your water is particularly acidic or has high mineral content (especially chlorides), it can accelerate corrosion—even on quality fittings.
One thing I'd recommend is checking your water's pH and mineral levels. A simple home test kit or a quick call to your local water supplier can give you a good idea of what you're dealing with. If it turns out your water is aggressive, installing a whole-house filter or even just a point-of-use filter under the sink could make a noticeable difference in slowing down corrosion.
Humidity can also play a role, especially if your kitchen doesn't have great ventilation. I've seen fittings corrode faster in kitchens that get steamy often—like from frequent boiling or dishwashing—and don't have proper exhaust fans or airflow. If that's the case for you, improving ventilation or even just occasionally wiping down fittings to remove moisture might help.
Personally, I'm still a big fan of sustainable plumbing upgrades despite these minor hiccups. I've had good luck with recycled copper pipes and fittings in several properties I manage—they hold up well if you keep an eye on the environment they're in. Stainless steel fittings are another eco-friendly option worth considering if corrosion becomes more of an issue down the road.
Bottom line: You're right to keep an eye on it, but I wouldn't worry too much yet. A bit of proactive maintenance and monitoring usually goes a long way toward keeping sustainable plumbing materials performing well for years.
