Sanitary fittings: a variety of bronze and its characteristics
As you know, copper was one of the metals that were first widely used in various fields of human activity. The reason for this was the ease of production due to sufficiently low melting temperatures. One of the first alloys to increase the hardness of the metal was bronze.
Among the types of bronzes there are tin, manganese, aluminum and others. The names reflect the main alloying additives( zinc, beryllium, lead among the ligature components).On the other hand, not every component added to the melt leads to the appearance of a new species. So, alloys with zinc form different brass, and alloys with nickel are so called copper nickel.
As you know, bronze products have a yellowish-gold color of different shades, depending on the composition of the impurities. They are very well polished and look really nice. Despite this, the alloy has sufficient rigidity. All kinds of plums, taps with fittings and without, adapters for water supply and heating systems are made from it.
Moreover, bronze adapters are equally suitable for drinking water and for heating distribution using metal-plastic pipes. The fastening of the adapters to the pipes is ensured by a suitable pressing tool.
The use of bronze reinforcement does not require the use of any seals or gaskets, which, of course, has a beneficial effect on the total cost of installation work for the laying and routing of piping systems.
Decorative plumbing of bronze and its imitation
But, apart from utilitarian use, bronze products are also distinguished by their beauty. Became very popular shells of bronze, combined with the bathrooms and the appropriate finish of the walls, allow you to arrange in a city apartment corner of the true Roman baths in antique style. Of course, such elite bronze plumbing products will be quite expensive, but the feeling of presence in such a bath is almost complete, and the water flowing out of the faucet tap, which is a possible copy invented by the ancient Greek mechanic Geron, sets the philosophical harmony.
I must say that the armature and plumbing of bronze is rare. In most cases, the critical parts in the domestic hot water and heating systems are made of brass. A solution for wiring in the basement is often made with the use of cast iron fittings.
But plumbing products made of bronze and brass are not in vain used in the most critical areas. High reliability and durability of bronze remain recognized by all specialists. Therefore, its application is ultimately more profitable economically, becauseeliminates the need for expensive repairs.
Quite often less expensive plumbing, stop valves, has a coating that simulates bronze. Typically, this can be a varnish coating, characterized by high resistance. But nickel plating or chromium plating is not uncommon. Such a coating is very practical, especially under conditions of constant humidity and sufficiently low water quality( high abrasiveness, rigidity, etc.), even the presence of mechanical inclusions.
Bronze capricity is a headache for unknown hosts
Despite the fact that, as mentioned above, the bronze sanitary fittings and equipment have a high enough rigidity and resistance, it is impossible to use materials with a pronounced abrasive effect for cleaning them. Of course, cleaning techniques are excluded with metal brushes, sandpaper, etc. Nothing will happen except for a hopelessly damaged surface.
The desire to achieve gloss with solvents, descaling agents, acids, will also lead to a darkening of the surface, especially if it imitated bronze, and the applied forces have led to the removal of the protective layer. As for most sanitary equipment, you can recommend the use of a substance for the care of surfaces, apply a thick soap solution and a soft rag. Often this is quite enough with regular care and cleaning.
