Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures

Now I always check for leaks twice, even if it feels like overkill.

That’s smart—water finds the tiniest gaps. I’d add that even with good gaskets, overtightening can actually cause leaks over time. Ever notice how some fixtures just never seem to seal right, no matter what? Sometimes it’s the threads or the finish, not just the gasket. I always look for brass or stainless threads if possible—plastic ones just don’t hold up under stress.

- I get what you mean about plastic threads. Had a shower head with those and it started leaking after a year, even though I barely tightened it.
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“Sometimes it’s the threads or the finish, not just the gasket.”

I’m not convinced all brass is created equal, though. Some of the “brass” stuff at big box stores feels super light—almost cheap.

Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. Some of it’s just brass-plated zinc, not solid brass. Makes a difference for durability, especially if you’re trying to avoid replacements every few years. About push-to-connect fittings—I’ve used them for a couple quick fixes, but I always wonder about long-term reliability, especially behind walls. Has anyone tried them with PEX for greywater setups? Curious if they hold up in those applications.

Title: Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures

That “brass” at the big box stores can be a real gamble. I’ve had folks bring me fittings that looked solid, but once you scratch the surface (literally), it’s clear they’re just brass-plated pot metal. It’s wild how light some of them are—like, is this thing gonna hold up or is it just for show? I get why people go for the cheaper stuff, but if you’re putting it behind a wall, I’d rather not roll the dice.

On push-to-connect fittings, I’ve used them in a pinch too. They’re super handy when you need to get water back on fast or you’re working in a tight spot. But behind drywall? That’s where I start to sweat a little. The manufacturers say they’re rated for permanent installs, but I’ve seen a couple that started weeping after a few years—especially if there was any movement or vibration in the line. Maybe I’m just old school, but if I can sweat a joint or use a crimp ring with PEX, I’ll sleep better at night.

For greywater setups with PEX, I haven’t personally run into issues with push-to-connect fittings failing outright, but most of my experience has been with exposed runs where you can keep an eye on things. Greywater can be a bit more unpredictable depending on what’s running through it—soaps, debris, etc.—and I sometimes wonder if that affects the seals over time. Anyone else ever cut open an old fitting and found gunk built up inside? Makes you think twice about what’s going on in those hidden spots.

Maybe I’m being overly cautious, but when it comes to anything that’s going to be buried in a wall or ceiling, I’d rather take the extra time for something tried-and-true than risk having to tear things open later. That said, push-to-connect has definitely saved my bacon more than once under a sink or in an emergency repair. Just not sure I trust them for the long haul where nobody’s watching...

Maybe I’m being overly cautious, but when it comes to anything that’s going to be buried in a wall or ceiling, I’d rather take the extra time for something tried-and-true than risk having to tear things open later.

I’m right there with you. I just bought my first place last year and the idea of a hidden leak keeps me up at night. I know push-to-connect is supposed to be “permanent,” but I just can’t shake the feeling that it’s more of a temporary fix. Maybe that’s just paranoia, but if something’s going behind drywall, I want it to be as bulletproof as possible.

I actually had a plumber friend show me the difference between a real brass fitting and one of those cheap knockoffs—he scratched it and you could literally see the plating flake off. Wild. I get tempted by the price tags, but thinking about the cost of fixing water damage later... not worth it.

For anything exposed or where I can check on it, sure, I’ll use push-to-connect in a pinch. But for the stuff that’s hidden? I’d rather pay a little more and do it right, even if it takes longer. Peace of mind is worth a lot when you’re the one who has to deal with the fallout if something goes wrong.