How Long Will A Brass Stem Last?

[srawas89]

So I have been on these forums lately asking about where I can get a brass stem. I was wondering how long they would last and what I would have to do to maintain it. I already have a fairly large brass stem that came with the base that I showed in one of my previous threads. It has been sitting there for a very long time so I am weary about cleaning it and smoking it any suggestions? (The stem has not been used in about oh 8-10 yrs)

[vaypourus]

Brass will last a long, long time. Brass has been used on ships for hundreds of years, where it is exposed to salt water (which has a higher concentration of electrolytes to attack the metal than hookah water). Additionally, brass has been used on water fittings, statues, and instruments for a long time, all exposed to water/water vapor.

What you may begin to see is a bluish-green or white corrosion start to take place; this is usually some kind of copper compound (most often some kind if copper oxide). You can remove this if you want, but unlike iron rust, this patina actually helps prevent the metal from further degradation.

None the less, its still a good idea to wash out the hookah juices and give the stem a good cleaning with a brush every couple of uses.

[srawas89]

So I can probably still use my brass stem I will just have to give it a thorough cleaning? If that is the case then awesome. However what should I use to clean it?

[vaypourus]

Do a search for "cleaning" here. You'll find a million hits on what to use, and what not to use. Personally, I've used both lemon juice and baking soda/water (separate of course) and both have seemed to do the trick. You'll know because you'll see some dark colored water run out of the stem.

[NickReppinThe909]

i wouldnt use anything with too much acid int it just because it might change the patina of the brass and look really brown

[ilikemyusername]

scrup it with soap and water, sometimes if theyre smelly i use a very mild bleach solution, that eliminates all smells.
treat it well and it will last until it breaks. if you don't drop it and the welds are solid, you could pass it down to your great grandchildren. then they'll sell it on E-bay.

[Codename067]

A while..