Brass Fittings

Q. "Will IPS-sized fittings work with NPT pipe thread?"
A. Yes. Many companies and individuals use the abbreviation IPS which normally refers to iron pipe size. When we use the term 'IPS-sized', or either Mips (male) or Fips (female), we are referring to pipes with NPT threads. NPT is the abbreviation for National Pipe Thread Tapered which is the thread standard used in the United States for galvanized, black, brass, stainless steel, PVC, ABS or other materials to connect pipes and fittings in plumbing. We offer more detailed information about NPT pipe threads here.

Q. "How do I know these IPS threads will work with my pipe since you don't show threads per inch (TPI) for each of the NPT thread sizes?"
A. We show threads per inch for all pipe sizes between 1/16" and 12" and much more information on our pipe thread sizing page.

Q. "I tightened my threaded nipple into my female threaded fitting, but it won't thread all the way in. Some of the threads are still showing. Shouldn't it thread all the way in?"
A. No, tapered threads should not thread all the way in. Tapered pipe threaded nipples are not designed to thread all the way into the female thread fittings. Tapered pipe threads are designed to get tighter as they are joined, until they are forced to stop because of the taper, or pressing the threads together to form the seal. Pipe threading compounds and PTFE tape are used to lubricate and fill in any imperfections in the threads to help prevent leaks. Once tightened by hand and then with a wrench there should usually still be 2-3 threads showing. If you try to force the threads beyond the normal tightening proceedure, then you could possibly split the female fitting. Generally and ideally speaking, you should be able to hand tighten tapered pipe threads 3 turns and then tighten them with a wrench 3 turns and then there should be 3 threads showing.

Q. "Is it OK to bury brass pipe and fittings?"
A. In general, yes, brass fittings can be buried and are often used in underground applications because of their excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Brass is less susceptible to corrosion than many other metals, making it a suitable choice for underground water supply lines, irrigation systems, and other buried pipe systems. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind: Material compatibility (are the materials you’re connecting compatible to be used together?); environment (what kind of soil are you burying your brass pipe and fittings in?); type of brass (are you using the appropriate type of brass pipe and fittings for your application?); regulatory compliance (make sure to check your local codes to confirm what is allowed in your area); and, installation practices (as with all plumbing connections, make sure all pipe and fittings are protected against leaks and are securely connected).

Q. "How does lead get into drinking water right now?"
A. Primarily, trace amounts of lead get into drinking water due to aging infrastructures, such as old pipes and plumbing systems parts. The Plumbing Manufacturer's Institute (PMI) states that over the past decade, lead levels in plumbing fixture fittings have been reduced to insignificant levels due to improvements in modern manufacturing processes.

Q. "How does lead content in brass faucets affect me?"
A. Water is a solvent, probably the best known solvent on earth. As such, water will absorb metals, minerals, and chemicals that it comes in contact with over a period of time. A faucet that has brass waterways can be susceptible to this process. Water sitting in your faucet can leach the lead out of the brass and enter your water system.

Q. "I'm hearing a lot about lead-free these days. What does that have to do with plumbing products and how does the new lead-free legislation affect me?"
A. Basically, the laws implemented Jan. 1st, 2014 require plumbing products that come in contact with drinking water to be "essentially lead free" (less than 0.25% weighted average). For further information about how the law determines what is "lead free", rules regarding which plumbing products must be "lead free", and who these laws will affect, please view our page.