Brass fittings connect pipes, taps and appliances all over the home. Understanding the basics makes small plumbing jobs far less intimidating.
Why brass?
Brass resists corrosion, handles heat and pressure, and seals reliably — which is why it is the standard for water connections that need to last.
Male vs female threads
- Male threads are on the outside of the fitting.
- Female threads are on the inside.
- A male end threads into a female end — match both the size and the thread type.
Getting a leak-free seal
- Wrap tapered threads with PTFE thread-seal tape in the direction of tightening.
- Hand-tighten, then snug with a wrench — do not over-tighten and crack the fitting.
- Hold the fixed side with a second wrench so you do not twist the pipe.
Common uses
Connectors, adapters and couplers let you join, extend, reduce or branch a line — handy for taps, garden connections, air lines and appliance hook-ups.
With the right fitting and a little tape, many connections are a five-minute job. Browse our Plumbing and Hardware range for the parts you need.