Q: Ed, you're my last hope! I have two old, but classic sinks that I desperately want to keep. The problem is that both the faucets leak constantly and are corroded. It seems that every plumber I call tells me that they don't want to touch the faucets because if the faucets break while attempting the repairs, there are no other faucets that would work on these sinks. They suggest that the entire sink and faucet be replaced! Can this be true? Help, Ed, I love these sinks! -- Chris, MassachusettsA: First of all, Chris, I totally understand your love for vintage plumbing fixtures. But there comes a time with some things we love that we must set them free! I have had a lot of experience with those old classic sinks. Usually these designer sinks were made in the 1930s and '40s and only accepted a faucet made just for the sink. When the special faucets were still available it was no big deal to change out the faucet and update the sink. But now it's just about impossible to locate custom faucets for these sinks, since the companies have changed their lines of fixtures or are out of business.
Your plumbers are right, and I know because it happened to me once when I tried to repair one of these old faucets. The customer was not pleased when I told them that the sink had to be changed as well! It only needs to happen to a plumber once and from then on we warn all our customers about the consequences that they may face with older fixtures.
My suggestion is to look around for new sinks and faucets that match your taste. The good news to all this is that plumbing fixture manufacturers do make sinks that look like the classic old-style sinks but will accept new faucets. When you buy the sinks and faucets that you like, a good licensed plumber may be able to change out the old for the new, usually without opening up the walls or floor.
If possible, try to do one sink at a time to spread out the costs. But from the information in your letter it sounds to me like you have a classic case of double trouble!
Q: Ed, I really enjoy your column and your TV show. But I never thought I could be so interested in plumbing! Anyway, I have a question on water heater maintenance. Some plumbers say you should drain your tank yearly, and others say it's not necessary. Who's right? My water heater is connected to my forced hot-water boiler, and a label on the tank says it's stainless steel. How does this tank work, and how can I make it last a long time? -- Donald, Colorado
A: Thanks, Don. One thing for sure is that once you start to learn about plumbing you do realize what a fascinating system and great invention it really is! Speaking of great things, your water heater is top of the line if it has a stainless-steel tank. It can last you a long time! I know because I have the same style water heater in my own home. A water heater that is "zoned" off a forced hot-water boiler is usually called an "indirect fired" water heater. The tank is basically a storage tank with a tankless water-heating coil inside that is heated by the boiler. So, the water tank itself does not directly heat the water in the tank, hence the name "indirect fired" water heater.
This type of tank is very efficient, and because it's stainless steel, it can last a long time, I've used mine for nearly 20 years. However, as you know, it is expensive to install this type of system. (Lucky I'm a plumber and I did it myself!) As far as draining the tank and maintenance, whenever you deal with any type of heating equipment, it is best to call in a licensed professional and follow their advice. Equipment like boilers, furnaces and water heaters are actually mini-systems, and a technician knows what to look for and can spot potential problems. Regular inspections of your water heater is the safest bet you can make to keep your equipment running for years to come.
(Ed Del Grande is a certified master plumber and hosts DIY's Ed the Plumber. Send plumbing questions to him at edtheplumber@diynetwork.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. For building-code concerns, always contact your local government office or a local licensed plumber.)
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