Stainless steel is a typical material for many products because of its strength, corrosive-resistant properties, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Found in many items, the demand for this material is always high, especially in construction-related products. It is not a surprise that the plumbing industry has a particular liking for this material. 

Due to the rising expense of alternative materials, stainless steel fittings, nipples, clamps, and other goods are becoming more popular in traditional plumbing applications. Stainless steel's qualities are becoming more valuable to contractors. It is the reason why it has become a necessity to possess knowledge about various plumbing products. Let's explore three common myths about stainless steel plumbing products.

Myth #1: Stainless Steel Fittings Are All the Same

Stainless fittings are not all created equal. There are numerous configurations to consider, and it is critical to be aware of them. Knowing this information is essential for performing a proper comparison.

The word "stainless steel" is now a household term. It's critical to recognize that there are many different stainless steel varieties since the type of stainless steel utilized will play a role in deciding the best use of the material for a particular application. The most typical grades of stainless steel used in the plumbing industry are 304 and 316. These numbers represent the chemical make-up of each.

Corrosion resistance is the fundamental difference between these two grades. The 316 stainless fittings are substantially more corrosive resistant than 304 stainless fittings, making them ideal for industrial, commercial, and other applications. 304 is a more traditional stainless steel which one could see in "every day" plumbing. 304 is still far more corrosion resistant than other metals like brass or galvanized steel.

The variable that needs consideration is the thickness or design of the fitting. There are around five different patterns that you may encounter. These will deliver different pressure ratings, and the larger the pattern's pressure rating, the thicker it will be. There may be a 15% price variation between two fittings, mainly because of pattern differences or stainless-type differences.

Just a quick tip, if you find it difficult to access your plumbing area or you want to hide them because it ruins the aesthetics of your design, consider installing stainless steel access doors and panels. It will provide you with a safe and convenient way to gain entry to your plumbing areas and protect them from potential damages.

Myth #2: Stainless Steel Nipples and Fittings Are Sealed the Same

The most common criticism about stainless steel is that it is difficult to work with and does not seal well. The main reason for this is that individuals don't realize that sealing stainless steel requires a different approach than brass. Because of the hardness of the material, the sealing needed is distinct.

The use of standard PTFE tape does not function well since the stainless threads cut the tape. It can effectively fuse the fitting and pipe, making it difficult to separate and preventing a good seal. The seal in Stainless steel should be using nickel-based tape. This material will strengthen and prevent it from being cut when tightened.

The use of the tape should also be with stainless pipe dope. It will ensure a tight seal while also allowing you to separate the threads if necessary. Working with Stainless Steel Fittings and Nipples is relatively simple once you understand how to secure them properly. It may lead you to become an expert in no time if you have the appropriate guidelines and products.

Myth #3: High-Quality Stainless Steel Is More Magnetic

There are many misunderstandings about this idea because pre-worked Austenitic Stainless Steels are non-magnetic. Even though the quality and alloy specification have not changed, once the stainless undergoes being cold handled in the manufacturing processes, it will become magnetic. To be clear, the degree of magnetism does not indicate the corrosion resistance of a material.

This "magnet" test will not provide a definitive answer to the grade or quality of stainless steel used in plumbing items. It's important to understand that lesser-grade stainless steels, such as the 200 series, have a lower magnetic attraction than the 300 series, which is significantly more corrosion resistant. The 301 stainless steel, for example, is far more corrosion resistant, although it becomes magnetic when cold worked.

It doesn't matter how intense the magnetic attraction is. The alloy composition of stainless steel is critical, especially the proportion of chromium, which creates an oxide layer on the steel's surface known as the passive layer. The addition of molybdenum to 316 stainless gives superior overall corrosion resistance than Grade 304, with augmented resistance to crevice and pitting corrosion in chloride conditions.

In high-chromium stainless steel, the nickel content is also crucial. Nickel improves oxidation and corrosion resistance while also increasing impact strength and toughness. An alloy analyzer is the only way to be sure of the quality. It will reveal the alloy's specific chemical composition and the quality and corrosion resistance of the material.

Conclusion

No one can control someone's opinion about a particular material. But it's always helpful to share verified facts that can help with decision-making for an upcoming project. The best course of action is to consult a professional who can advise and direct them to a better option to succeed in their endeavors.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson