We have a Crane Kitchen sink and faucet from the late 1940’s. The faucet sets on a 45 degree angle at the top part of the back splash. Our problem is the guts of the faucet are about gone and we need a new faucet. We have been unable to find a new faucet that will fit in the angle of the sink. (My husband really likes the sink and does not want to replace it unless there is no other option.
I looking for any ideas on how to retrofit a normal faucet to fit in the back splash?
Thanks for any help
Replies
most of those old faucets were designed to last forever.
You can look at the good hardware stores (NOT a big box place like Lowes or Home Depot, but one that specializes in parts and fasteners for repairing nice, old hardware - hopefully you've got one of those around you).
The washers, packing pieces, even valve stems are often still avialable from the manufacurer or similar kind of source.
You should even try the big commercial plumbing houses around you before you give up on your faucet. Some of them take real pride in figuring out where to get the good, old stuff (or have in sitting on their shelves).
If, on the other hand, you've got corrosion problems, and big parts of your faucet are eroded away, you might be stuck with finding a replacement.
When it comes to plumbing, the new stuff is less heavy, less solid and less well made than the old stuff. When you can restore an old one you are way ahead, in my book.
The one big exception to that is washers. The new faucets designed to use fancy ceramic washers, and o-rings, making them (usually) able to last longer between basic maintainence and adjustment than the classic rubber washers and jute packing rings. But that's the price to pay when cast, solid brass + heavy chrome is preferred over stamped sheet metal with whisker thin chrome plating!
Oh, and if you've got mineral build-up, try boiling your fauced parts in white vineger for about 10 minutes. It disolves the lime/mineral away from the metal, leaving you with clean, "ready to go another 50 years" parts. Or just soak them overnight. Remove all the rubber parts and packing first.
Hope this helps,
Norm
try http://www.hodesco.com they have lots of faucet parts or may be able to direct you to someone who can
Thanks Norm for the information. When you say a good hardware store do you have any names. We live in a small rural community and the closest large city is Pittsburg.
Thanks again Dixie
It seems to depend a lot on the personality of the owner.
I recommend calling around (you might get lucky) and then going in person to each one. The best ones are run by people who really enjoy the business and those types are often more effective in person, than over a phone. Of course, take your faucet parts with you.
At each one, if they can not help you out, ask them who they recommend before you leave - you never know. Around me the hardware stores know who's each specialty is and don't hesitate to recommend one of the other ones to help solve a tough problem.
I was dismayed to find all young people working at my nearest hardware store, when I first moved into the area, but learned that they were well trained and knew all the right tricks for replacing axe handles and could answer all kinds of tough questions that I thought only an 'old timer' would know!
There is a place in Murphy's, CA, East of Sacramento, called Bathroom Machinerys that specializes in historic plumbing (try a google on the name for their website). They might have some good resources if your local supply doesn't pan out.
Norm
for the plumbing pieces try an ace hardware store if there are any in your area.
Dixie Don't forget to replace the valve seat most you can remove with a larger allen wrench or a square drive seat wrench. Some you can not remove and need to be ground down with a renewal tool.