I'm replacing part of my hot water radiator system that was connected with black pipe. It hung down 8" or so from the basement ceiling and I'd like to run PEX through the joists to get more headroom. I removed the black pipe and left 1" male threaded pipe connected to the radiators. I picked up some brass PEX to female threaded adapters ([URL="http://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Valves-PEX-Pipe-Fittings/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbuty/R-202300058/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053"]these[/URL]). They fit but as I was putting them on I realized I had dissimilar metals connecting. Should I use a 1" to 1" dielectric union or is there another way to separate these metals? Edit: Or is brass to black pipe not a problem at all?

Hopefully some advice can help me out. I have a old house where the washing machine is located in the basement which has no floor drain, sump pump, etc located in the basement and therefore the washing machine must drain by pumping the water to the main level and then into the pipes and out. The issue is that the washing machine does not have enough power to pump the water to this location by itself. Is it possible to install a simple laundry basin with a pump located in or under the basin to pump the water to the main level and thus helping the washing machine out? the basin and pump would be used solely for the washing machine. what would you recommend in this case? thanks!