What is a common characteristic of soft brass in plumbing?

Soft brass is distinguished primarily by its malleability and ductility, which makes it suitable for a range of plumbing applications, including fittings and connectors. The correct answer reflects that soft brass is not easily breakable due to these properties. Instead, it can be easily shaped and formed without fracturing, which is advantageous during installation and maintenance.

In the context of plumbing, soft brass is often preferred because it can withstand the stress of being worked with tools and may accommodate slight movements or expansions without cracking. This characteristic is essential in plumbing systems, where durability and flexibility are important for maintaining integrity over time.

The other characteristics highlighted in the options provide a contrast to the properties of soft brass. For example, high tensile strength is typically associated with harder metals, which soft brass does not possess to the same extent. Similarly, low resistance to corrosion is more commonly attributed to copper or certain other metals, whereas brass can have good corrosion resistance, especially when alloyed correctly. Lastly, while soft brass components can be inexpensive, the characteristic of being easily breakable is misleading compared to the actual properties of this material.