I've seen brass fittings hold up surprisingly well, too. Did a bathroom remodel for a client about 8 years ago, and they insisted on brass fixtures because they loved the vintage look. I warned them about the extra upkeep, but honestly, they've kept it looking pretty sharp. They just wipe it down every month or two with a bit of vinegar and water mix—nothing fancy. On the flip side, I've also seen brass fittings turn into a green mess in less than a year when they're cheap or installed badly. Stainless steel is definitely easier if you're not into regular maintenance, but if brass matches your style better, don't let the upkeep scare you off. Just make sure you buy quality fittings and keep an eye on moisture levels in the bathroom. Good ventilation goes a long way in preventing corrosion issues.
Good points there. Quality brass fittings can indeed last decades if they're properly cared for. One thing I'd add is to avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on brass—they strip away the protective finish and speed up corrosion. Stick with mild solutions like you mentioned, vinegar-water mix works great. Also, consider applying a thin coat of wax occasionally; it helps maintain the finish longer and reduces how often you'll need to clean them. Proper installation matters too—make sure connections are tight and sealed properly to avoid moisture buildup behind fixtures.
Interesting about the wax idea, hadn't considered that before. But I'm curious—wouldn't applying wax potentially trap moisture underneath if the brass isn't completely dry? Wondering if anyone's had issues with wax coatings causing hidden corrosion over time...
"wouldn't applying wax potentially trap moisture underneath if the brass isn't completely dry?"
Good point—seen that happen once or twice myself. Usually it's because someone got impatient (guilty as charged...) and didn't let things dry fully. But honestly, brass is pretty forgiving. Bigger issue I've noticed is folks using the wrong type of wax. Anyone here tried beeswax vs synthetic? Curious if one holds up better long-term or causes fewer headaches down the road.
I've messed around with both beeswax and synthetic stuff quite a bit, and honestly, I'm still skeptical about beeswax for plumbing. Sure, it's natural and all, but it tends to soften up more easily in warmer conditions. Had a job once where the homeowner insisted on beeswax—ended up having to redo it after a couple summers. Synthetic wax rings seem to hold their shape better over time and temperature swings, at least from what I've seen. Just my two cents...
