I've had mixed experiences with plastic fittings indoors. They're definitely easier on the wallet and quick to install, but I've run into some issues after a few years. Had a bathroom sink setup with plastic connectors that seemed fine at first, but after about three years, one fitting cracked slightly and started leaking slowly. Didn't notice until there was water damage under the cabinet...not fun.
Since then, I've switched to brass fittings for anything indoors that's hidden or hard to access. Yeah, they're pricier upfront, but step-by-step it's pretty straightforward: measure carefully, pick up quality brass fittings (avoid the cheapest ones), use plumber's tape generously, and tighten firmly but don't overtighten. Haven't had any leaks or cracks since making the switch.
Plastic is still my go-to for outdoor irrigation or temporary setups, but for indoor plumbing—especially behind walls or cabinets—I prefer metal fittings for peace of mind.
I've had similar experiences with plastic fittings indoors, but I wouldn't write them off completely. A few years back, I redid our guest bathroom and used plastic connectors for the sink because, like you said, they're quick and budget-friendly. Everything seemed fine until about two years later when one of the fittings developed a hairline crack. Luckily, I caught it early—just a small drip—but it made me rethink things.
After that, I started researching a bit more and found that not all plastic fittings are created equal. Some higher-quality brands actually hold up pretty well indoors, especially if they're not under constant stress or temperature fluctuations. Still, for anything tucked away or hard to access, brass or copper fittings do offer more peace of mind long-term.
One thing I'd add is to be careful with plumber's tape—too much can sometimes cause its own set of issues. Just a couple wraps around the threads usually does the trick. And yeah, overtightening is definitely something to avoid; learned that lesson the hard way... cracked a brass fitting once by going too far.
Anyway, interesting to hear others' experiences on this.
"Still, for anything tucked away or hard to access, brass or copper fittings do offer more peace of mind long-term."
Yeah, totally agree with this. I've mostly switched to brass for anything hidden behind walls or cabinets—just not worth the hassle if something goes wrong later. Curious though, has anyone tried those newer eco-friendly fittings made from recycled materials? Wondering if they're durable enough yet or still more of a novelty...
"Curious though, has anyone tried those newer eco-friendly fittings made from recycled materials? Wondering if they're durable enough yet or still more of a novelty..."
I've looked into those recycled fittings myself, and honestly, I'm still on the fence. On paper, they're appealing—eco-friendly and all—but durability is crucial, especially for hidden plumbing. I'd probably wait until they've been around a bit longer and have more user feedback. Brass might cost a bit more upfront, but peace of mind is priceless when you're sealing stuff behind walls...
I agree, recycled fittings sound great in theory, but I've seen a couple cases where they cracked under pressure after just a year or two. Maybe fine for exposed areas you can easily check, but I'd stick with proven materials behind walls...
