Plastic fittings can be okay in certain low-pressure situations, but yeah, brass is usually the safer bet. Curious though, did you check if it was overtightened? That's a common reason plastic snaps—been there myself, soaked shirt and all...
Yeah, overtightening is sneaky like that... learned the hard way myself when I cracked a plastic fitting on a client's sink. Thought I was being careful, but turns out plastic doesn't give you much warning before it snaps. Brass fittings are definitely more forgiving—especially if you're prone to giving it that extra twist "just to be sure." Don't beat yourself up over it; plumbing mishaps are practically a rite of passage.
Good point on brass fittings being more forgiving—they're usually my go-to as well, especially in places where durability matters. Plastic can be tricky; even seasoned plumbers get caught off guard occasionally. One thing I've noticed is that manufacturers have started making plastic fittings thicker or reinforced, which helps a bit, but still doesn't match metal for reliability.
Speaking of fixtures, has anyone had experience with stainless steel versus brass fittings in areas with hard water? I've seen brass hold up pretty well, but lately, some stainless steel options seem promising. Curious if anyone's noticed a significant difference in longevity or ease of maintenance between the two.
I've had brass fittings in my place for years, and honestly, they've held up pretty well even with our crazy hard water. Tried stainless steel once in the kitchen sink area—looked great at first, but after a while, I noticed some stubborn water spots and buildup. Nothing major, just a bit more elbow grease needed to keep it shiny. Brass seems to age a little more gracefully, IMO. Stainless isn't bad, but if you're looking for low-maintenance, brass might still have the edge.
I've noticed the same thing. Brass fixtures in my rental units have lasted forever, even with tenants who aren't exactly gentle. Had stainless fixtures installed in a bathroom remodel once, and they did look sleek initially, but soon enough, water spots drove me nuts. Nothing horrible, just didn't have that hassle with brass. Plus, brass develops a nice patina over time that hides minor wear—kind of a bonus if you're not into constant polishing...
