Dezincification of brass pipe occurs most often with which type of brass?

Dezincification of brass pipe is most commonly associated with yellow brass, which typically contains a higher percentage of zinc compared to other types of brass. Yellow brass is primarily composed of copper and zinc and is often used in plumbing fixtures and fittings due to its favorable mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion.

However, when yellow brass is exposed to certain environmental conditions, particularly in the presence of water and specific pH levels, the zinc can leach out from the alloy, leaving behind a porous, copper-rich structure. This process weakens the material and can lead to failure, making it a significant concern in plumbing applications.

In contrast, red brass, white brass, and Dutch brass contain different proportions of copper and zinc, with red brass possessing a lower zinc content and more copper, which makes it less susceptible to dezincification. Thus, yellow brass is recognized as the brass type most prone to this harmful process, highlighting the need for careful material selection in plumbing to avoid potential issues related to dezincification.