Brass fitting split causing leak-can I avoid this?

[Jefrf]

I'm a part time general remodeler. I had a call back from a kitchen remodel from about 2.5 years ago. A brass reducing fitting under the island was partly split in its thinnest part (center of face of the hexagon) and water sprayed. Still waiting to hear what insurance company says. Luckily hes' a good friend and is taking it well, and it was on a slab so damage was limited to near the island. Hopefully insurance comes through and I can go replace tile and wood floor in that area.

I only tighten fittings as far as needed until no drips come out, so I don't just crank the crap out of them. I use slip-joint pliers to turn, and usually locking pliers to counter-rotate the other fitting I'm going on to. Should I be using better fittings, not from the big box home center (plumbing supply fittings any better quality and thickness??). Or should I use box wrenches for a better purchase on the fitting body so I don't put too much pressure on the thin walls? Or both? Any help much appreciated.

 

[hj]

Impossible to tell because the failure could be any of several reasons, and impossible to predict when, or if, it would happen. Why were you using the bushing?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jefrf]

Impossible to tell because the failure could be any of several reasons, and impossible to predict when, or if, it would happen. Why were you using the bushing?

I was going from 1/2 inch PEX to a bar sink faucet which had 1/4 -inch steel braided hoses already integrated. So this was reducing 1/2-inch down to 1/4" compression.

 

[Kreemoweet]

Chinese brass is always suspect. Better quality, USA-made stuff is and always has been available, but it can really be tough
for individual users to find a supplier.
It's always a good sign when manufacturers are willing to put their logo on their product.
Like these guys: https://www.midamericafittings.com/index.html

 

[Mliu]

You've given us a lot of information. Except you left out one critical detail: what thread sealant did you use?

I'm guessing PTFE tape (AKA Teflon tape).

 

[hj]

Why would you have used a bushing, rather than a standard compression adapter?