copper vs SS valves

[flyzone13]

I have noticed for the most part that the majority of the ball valves coming off the pans are of the Stainless Steel variety. Is there a specific reason for that or could a copper valve be used as well as long as its lead free?

[psparr]

Copper is fine, stainless just looks prettier.

[flyzone13]

Copper is fine, stainless just looks prettier.

Thats what i figured, just needed to make sure.

[mellondome]

Copper? Or do you mean brass.

[psparr]

Copper? Or do you mean brass.

Good catch.

[bees1st]

With the added cost to make lead free brass stainless is often a less expensive choice these days

[wiam]

D&G has really good prices on stainless valves. Other option is eBay, but those are usually 2-3 weeks.

[JoeJ]

If you need 1" lead free brass ball valves, you can purchase them from Supply House.com for $8.95 and SS 1" ball valves for $23.95. compared to $35.00 or more at a maple dealer. I have used Supply House. com for a while and their prices are 30-40% cheaper than the local wholesale plumbing supply store that I used while I was in business or maple dealers. Very fast shipping too. Order on Thursday, the material is on your door step on Tuesday.

[flyzone13]

The reason i asked is because its something I already have on hand. Besides the copper or brass still seems to be less expensive than SS.

[BreezyHill]

WE got away from copper due to the green oxide it gets. Stainless stays clean thru the off season and cleans up easier than copper. It took 20 years for sap to pit a sap preheater made of 2" heavy wall refrigeration piping. Not bad but the stainless piece it connected to toward the tank is over 60 years old and is still as good as day one.

Ben