A piping component for controlling the flow of fluids that includes a piping body having an inlet end and an outlet end, including methods of operating such components within a piping system. The piping body may be sized for fluids operating at temperatures from approximately 350° F. up to approximately 500° F., and up to approximately 650° F. In addition, the piping body is made from a silicon-copper alloy consisting essentially of less than 16% zinc, less than trace amounts of lead, less than trace amounts of bismuth, 2 to 6% silicon and a balance of copper (by weight). In certain aspects, less than 0.09% of lead and/or less than 0.09% bismuth are contained in the silicon-copper alloy.