Galvanized fitting failures

[GL77]

I have Zurn PEX with the old brass fittings, put in about 15 years ago. So far, no problems with it. But I have had some problems with galvanized fittings that are attached to it. For instance, galvanized threaded nipples threaded into the brass PEX fittings under sinks for the water supply. They have been corroding and I've had some leaks. My water is good, not hard or extreme in pH. I am trying to figure out these galvanized failures. The parts were originally bought at big box stores, do they carry a substandard quality of galvanized? or is it to do with the connection to the brass PEX fittings? I have several of these threaded nipples that I need to replace, what should I use and where should I get it? This has me on pins and needles because these leaks can cause a lot of damage before you even notice them.

 

[Jeff H Young]

Use brass nipples, I think Galvanized isn't as good as it was perhaps there is a higher quality but I'd just get rid of it all. go red brass higher quality

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

Galvanized to brass, the galvanized loses the battle. It's why on a repipe I like to remove every bit of it.
I don't carry galvanized nipples on the trucks, only brass.

 

[John Gayewski]

Any failure would start as a drip.

 

[Fitter30]

Galvanized to brass fittings leaks are caused by dissimilar metals causing galvanic corrosion. Causing corrosion to the galvanize fitting. Thats why dielectric unions used between water heaters and copper fitting.

 

[GL77]

Where do you find these red brass fittings? I have several 3" threaded nipples I want to replace but I'm having trouble finding them.

Also, when you replace a fitting that threads in behind the wall, how can you know for sure you've got it done with no leaks back there?

 

[Fitter30]

Plumbing supply companies carry brass. Hercules Megaloc or a anaerobic pipe dope are my go to.

 

[Reach4]

What are you connecting to? I am trying to picture how you would replace a nipple. I wonder if using a plastic PEX fittings and extending with PEX would be simpler.

 

[Jeff H Young]

Screwing a nipple in a wall for a stubout is how I picture the job ? I think brass nipples are a good choice , I was assuming GL77 wasn't opening up the wall

 

[GL77]

This is the situation behind the wall. I don't want to open it up if I don't have to! I have read that these brass Zurn PEX fittings from 15 years ago have had problems with corrosion and were recalled. Zurn uses plastic fittings now. I haven't had any problems with them... yet.

(I took photos before closing the walls up which has worked out really well to have sometimes!)

 

[Reach4]

Screwing a nipple in a wall for a stubout is how I picture the job ? I think brass nipples are a good choice , I was assuming GL77 wasn't opening up the wall

You nailed it.

 

[Jeff H Young]

if nipples come out of wall ok then I'd feel safe screwing new brass in

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

If the only galvanized nipples you have are the stub outs.. then all you need to do is remove and replace them with any brass nipple. Just don't over tighten them which might break the screws (not likely, just a precaution.)

 

[Reach4]

Too-long galvanized nipples are often put in temporarily and the wall gets built. Then the nipples are pulled out, measured after the wall is in place, and brass nipples are put in for to stay.

 

[Jeff H Young]

Too-long galvanized nipples are often put in temporarily and the wall gets built. Then the nipples are pulled out, measured after the wall is in place, and brass nipples are put in for to stay.

That's how we do tubs and showers but in my area no one plumbs this way A big mix of either copper stubs or PEX stubbed out