Where to Find Replacement Parts for Old Faucets

If you enjoy the unique qualities of your old faucet, but need to replace parts to keep it functioning correctly, you can look for parts from a couple of different sources.

Homes from yesteryear carry with them the character left there by the occupants of the past. Along with that character, you might find a few malfunctioning items, one of these may be the faucet. While you might think the only option is to run out and pick up a new faucet, there are other options. Antique plumbing dealers may be few in number but their stock is not.

Prior to 1940, many manufacturers made parts that were different in size, threading and even materials than their competitor’s products. Meyer-Sniffen, for example, made their products out of pure nickel rather than plated in nickel, creating a much heavier faucet. Crane made their hardware so distinct in design it would only fit Crane’s faucets. Still other manufacturers double or even triple threaded their hardware, making it impossible to replace with other makers hardware.

Rather than discarding that antique faucet, you can find replacement parts locally by looking in your phone book for an antique plumbing dealer or throughout the US by running an online search for “antique faucet replacement part dealer”, or take a look at the dealers listed at the bottom of this article.

If you cannot find the part you need, you may be able to have one custom created. For this, you will need a machine shop’s assistance. You can either look for a machine shop in your area or look online for “machine shop faucet” to find machinists with faucet part experience.

Whichever road you take to find your replacement part, keep in mind that faucets do occasionally need replacing. If you find the parts will cost more than replacing the faucet with a new period-style one, you should consider purchasing a new one.

If your handles are antique porcelain they pose a danger if not maintained properly. This is because the firing of decades ago was hotter and turned them almost glasslike. They have been known to shatter after years of wear and use, so make sure you replace them at the first sign of cracking.



 

Do it yourself ideas :: Residential hardware :: Home & bath design ::
Outdoor residential repairs :: Outdoor landscaping

©, BC Bathroom Faucets.com
All rights reserved worldwide. Always consult a professional before installing any new appliance. The content on this site is the authors opinion only.

Disclaimers

All about faucets for the bathroom

Where to buy