Understanding the corrosion resistant properties of heat treated brass

Dezincification has been an ongoing topic of conversation when discussing open loop copper plumbing systems. A prevailing misconception is that bronze valves are the only reliable option for dezincification resistance. However, due to changes in lead-free requirements as a result of the Safe Drinking Water Act, additional options have presented themselves as new, viable alternatives to bronze. Heat treated, dezincification resistant brass valves are becoming a popular specified product within the engineering community. When subjected to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6509 testing, it is proven that heat treated dezincification resistant brass valves will perform as well as bronze in fighting against corrosion.

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Lauren Berenato has been with Jomar Valve since February of 2019. She is the national specifications manager for the commercial plumbing division of the company. She connects the 23 manufacturer’s representative agencies in the United States with Jomar to help advance the plumbing and hydronics industries to the most efficient methods of developing their systems. Prior to working with Jomar, Lauren served as the national business development manager with a valve manufacturer. She has been involved in the plumbing and hydronics industries since 2016. She is a member of ASPE, ASA, and AIM/R; within ASA she is involved in the emerging leaders division, plumbing division as well as women in industry division. Berenato also serves on the ASPE Region 1 Board as the affiliate liaison member.