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Plumbing fixtures that are architecturally appropriate to their setting
are the most important fixtures to maintain and salvage. It is considerably
easier to restore an existing fixture than it is to replace it in kind.
One exception to this rule is broken china-ware, which is typically
replaced, rather than restored. However, there are instances in which what
appear to be fractures of consequence are in reality crazing of little
consequence, so it is always advisable to have a restorer look at your
china-ware before deciding to replace it. Unlike china-ware, there is
typically no limit to restoring brass-ware. Lead drain pipes are typically
replaced with modern drain pipe. Lead water pipes are always replaced with
safe potable water systems.
We can on many occasions work around missing parts, missing porcelain,
tool gouges, and corruption of tubular parts. Of course, however, the more
complete a fixture is, the more readily it can be restored. Dissasembly of
fixtures should be done by a restorer if at all possible. This will save
further damage and loss of parts.
For the aesthetics and value of your period home, the best thing you can
do is to restore your original fixtures, rather than replacing them with
in-appropriate fixtures. The availability of modern fixtures that bear the
flavor of original vintage fixtures has been a boon to the restoration
industry. However, certain original fixtures of high design are more than
worth restoring and in some cases, so married to the cast iron or porcelain
that they are mounted to that it renders restoration more neccesary.
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