It is worth taking time to find the perfect plumbing fixtures. All the knobs, nozzles, spouts and showerheads need to look right, move easily, and create the right amount of water pressure. There are two broad choices: to buy new or to buy antique. New In Box If your d cor calls for modern and bold, new plumbing fixtures are definitely the way to go.

A redone bathroom or kitchen will not look exactly right with the same old 1970s fixtures. New, sleek chrome or nickel faucets and knobs are easy to find and guaranteed to work. Also, if you have accessories like an on-tap water filter in the kitchen, they are designed to easily attach to new fixtures. Also, some new plumbing fixtures are designed with arthritic hands in mind - easier to turn on, turn off, and adjust. Prices on new fixtures range from the inexpensive to the outrageous. The simplest kitchen faucets, for example, at big-box retailers or on the internet can cost as little as $50. You can also go to design centers for luxury items that carry big price tags. But remember, if you really want a gold-plated faucet, you need to be ready to part with your money. Old Without Box Yet for many decorators, professional and amateur, there is little more pleasurable than a nice hunt for a perfect antique piece. And the market is full of places to find antique plumbing fixtures.

First, get an idea of the range of styles and prices out there by cruising an internet auction site such as eBay. Just about the oldest plumbing fixtures we can use in modern houses date from the 1890s. Check out local flea markets. Get friendly with a vendor that specializes in old hardware. Even if he or she does not have what you like that day, it is good to have a professional contact helping you search. Leave your email address and name with a brief description of what kind of plumbing fixture you are looking for. Try your local salvage yard. These companies clean out houses that are to be demolished and sell what they have gathered. A salvage yard is probably the only place to buy a matching pink sink, bathtub and toilet from the 1950s, if that is what you are really looking for. Buying used may be more fun to some shoppers, but it is also more difficult than buying something at a store. Antique plumbing fixtures are not necessarily made to today's specifications and dimensions. Take careful measurements of what you need and only buy what you know will fit. Older items may also require extensive cleaning and rust removal.

Remodel Plumbing (For Pros by Pros)

Remodel Plumbing (For Pros by Pros) Remodel Plumbing focuses on the challenges of working in tight spaces like bathrooms and utility rooms, selecting the right fittings, fixtures, and materials and completing expert alterations to a home's existing water supply, drain, and vent systems. With a special section on emergency plumbing repairs, the book enables readers to stop leaks, shut down water lines, and avoid major damage associated with plumbing malfunctions. Remodel Plumbing also covers common plumbing upgrades and alterations in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, basements, and additions.