PB fittings, Plastic Copper or Brass? - InspectionNews

Vern Heiler · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 03:49 PM

I have been reporting these fittings as being plastic (see picture), but I am not sure they are the plastic fittings ref. by the statement required by the NCHILB? I have seen this type of fitting many times and have never seen them leak. I have never seen the copper crimp type fitting leak (like the ones pictured in the 5-14-08 post). The big clunkey all plastic fittings that I have seen were leaking like a rain forest.

Question is, is there a problem with this type of fitting or has anyone seen them leak.

I am not endorsing PB plumbing but I don't want to cause undue alarm.

All thoughts are welcome. I already know PB is not the answer to the future of plumbing. I report is as "it is what it is" to the customer. Biggest problem being with the fittings.

Joshua Hardesty · #2 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 05:00 PM

I've never seen those before -- they look like plastic compression fittings with copper compression nuts?

In any event, the vast majority of plastic PB fittings I've had experience with have become very brittle and tend to snap pretty easily.

Vern Heiler · #3 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 05:19 PM

I think they are made of a nylon type material but don't know for sure. I also think they are still on the market, or some that look much the same.

The first time I saw the all PB plastic fittings I could not believe anyone would think they would work, and they didn't!

Question is, do I report as plastic fitting? As you said they do have brass nuts. And are they reliable? So far I have not seen any fail. How about anyone else?

Dom D'Agostino · #4 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 05:21 PM

It's a Brass Craft fitting, I believe they're specifically not included in the lawsuits and claims, however, I don't know if the fitting itself is a problem.

Look here:

CPRC, Inc. (photographs)

Dom.

Vern Heiler · #5 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 05:42 PM

Thanks Dom. I didn't know there were that many types. The #13 on the web page is the one I have seen leak.