Stainless fittings can be great, but honestly they're overkill for most residential plumbing. A few thoughts:
- Stainless is pricey and usually unnecessary unless your water is really harsh or corrosive.
- Brass fittings are plenty durable for typical home use and way easier on the wallet.
- Agree on the Teflon tape—just a couple wraps does the trick. Learned that one the hard way myself after creating a mini mummy disaster under my sink...
Bottom line: stainless looks cool, but brass usually gets the job done just fine.
"Stainless is pricey and usually unnecessary unless your water is really harsh or corrosive."
Fair point, but I'm wondering if stainless might still be worth considering in certain scenarios. Like, what about bathrooms with high humidity or condensation issues—could brass fittings corrode faster there? I've seen some greenish buildup on older brass connections in damp areas... maybe stainless could actually save headaches down the road? Curious if anyone has experience with that.
I've dealt with this exact issue a few times in some older properties. Brass fittings can indeed corrode or develop that greenish patina—especially in bathrooms with poor ventilation or persistent humidity. While brass is generally durable, it's not completely immune to corrosion over the long haul, particularly if moisture is constantly present.
A few years back, I renovated a bathroom in a rental unit that had chronic condensation problems. Initially, I went with brass fittings to save costs, but after about three years, I noticed significant corrosion and buildup. Ended up replacing them with stainless steel fittings, and they've held up remarkably well since then—no visible corrosion or maintenance headaches so far.
"maybe stainless could actually save headaches down the road?"
In my experience, that's exactly right. Stainless steel might cost a bit more upfront, but if you're dealing with persistent dampness or humidity issues, it can be worth the extra investment to avoid future replacements and repairs.
Definitely agree stainless steel's the better move here. Brass fittings look nice and all, but honestly, after seeing that green crusty stuff one too many times (reminds me way too much of science class...), I'd rather pay a bit extra upfront. Did a similar swap myself last year—no regrets yet, and bonus points for fewer awkward explanations when someone notices the funky green faucet.
Stainless steel is solid, no doubt, but brass isn't always a bad call. The green crusty stuff you're talking about—yeah, it's annoying—but that's usually from cheaper brass or fittings exposed to moisture and air for ages. Quality brass fittings can hold up pretty well if they're installed right and maintained occasionally. My uncle's place has brass fixtures going on 10+ years now, and they're still looking decent. He just wipes them down every now and then with vinegar or lemon juice to keep the corrosion away. Stainless steel is definitely lower maintenance, but if someone really likes the look of brass, it's not impossible to keep it nice...just takes a bit more effort.
