"Plastic fittings can definitely get brittle over time, especially with temperature swings under the sink."
Good point about temperature swings—I hadn't considered that as a factor before. I've mostly stuck with plastic fittings myself since they're cheaper and easier to handle, but now I'm wondering if metal fittings are really the way to go for long-term reliability. Did you notice any issues with corrosion or rust after switching to metal? Curious if that's something I'd need to watch out for down the road...
I've switched to metal fittings under my sink a couple years back, and honestly, corrosion hasn't been much of an issue for me yet. But I do think it depends on the type of metal you choose. Brass fittings seem pretty solid—haven't noticed any rust or corrosion there—but I've heard mixed things about cheaper steel fittings. A buddy of mine went with some budget steel connectors, and within a year or two he had noticeable rust spots forming.
"Plastic fittings can definitely get brittle over time, especially with temperature swings under the sink."
That's definitely true, but metal isn't foolproof either. If your water is particularly hard or acidic, corrosion could become a bigger concern down the line. Have you checked your water quality lately? Might be worth looking into before making the switch...
Had a similar experience with cheap steel fittings myself. Thought I was saving a few bucks, but within a year, rust spots started popping up. Ended up swapping them out for brass, and they've held up great since then. You're right about water quality though—mine's pretty hard, and I noticed corrosion issues way faster than my neighbor who has softer water. Definitely worth checking your water conditions before you commit to metal fittings long-term...
Had a similar issue a while back—swapped steel fittings for brass too, but still noticed some buildup. Ended up installing a simple water softener system, and it's been smooth sailing since. Might be worth looking into if corrosion keeps popping up...
Installing a water softener definitely helps in many cases, especially if your water supply is naturally hard. But sometimes buildup isn't just about hardness—I've seen situations where the issue was actually related to the water heater or even the type of pipes used elsewhere in the plumbing system. Brass fittings are usually a solid choice, but if there's still corrosion or buildup, it might be worth checking if there's galvanic corrosion happening somewhere else in the line. Have you noticed if the buildup is mostly around hot water fixtures, or is it equally bad on cold water lines too? Knowing that could help narrow down whether it's a temperature-related issue or something else entirely.
