Tying New Coppper into Yellow Brass

[mcteague]

Our plumber recently explained that he was tying brand new copper
supply lines into the old yellow brass lines that exist in certain
parts of our bstone. The GC independently said that it would be
copper all the way down, otherwise he couldnt gurantee the work. Of
course, the yellow brass is in fact remaining in a significant portion
and has been tied into the copper. We brought it to GC's attention
and he confronted the plumber, who insists that the original lines are
in excellent condition and are, in fact, more durable than the new
copper he might replace them with. They are offering to replace them
anyway if we insist at no cost. We don't want to insist unless we
feel there is very good reason.

Should we be concerned?

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks,
Ari and Erin

 

[Gary Swart]

I hope HJ or some of the highly experienced professional plumbers will pick up on this because they will likely be familiar with the yellow brass pipes. I am not a pro and I have never heard of this kind of pipes. That said, I would go with the new copper because you would then know for absolute certain that the plumbing was good and the GC would then have to provide the guarantee. Moreover, why is the plumbing subcontractor trying to change the specs he has been hire to follow? He may be right about the condition of the old pipes, but he has no business changing the GC's contract with him.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

pipes

Brass pipes can deteriorate, but it might take longer than you or I live. Unless they show obvious signs of leaking, namely obvious corrosion stains, then I would not worry about them. I have worked on houses with brass pipes buried in the ground under the floor and the pipes were still in "perfect" condition. he only system I ever had to abandon was one with copper pipes and brass fittiings. In that case the brass fittings became brittle and would crack, but they were much thinner than the ones used with brass pipe.

 

[Plumguy]

You really don't have to be a plumber to make a visual inspection of you're pipes! Do they look like they are in excellent condition especially the joints? Is all this brass being left going to be exposed? If you are comfortable with how they look then live with them. If not, then have the plumber abide by the original contract.

 

[mcteague]

thanks.. very helpful.

thanks guys. very relieved. they look fine to my eye. i think it was just a communication error GC-plumber-us. the work has been great other than this snafu. but happy to hear we made the right decision. thanks again.

 

[Toolaholic]

brass

never seen it fail myself, but i,m only 62, just starting out!