Plumbers/clever people - is it stupid to use reclaimed taps, basins etc?

[mistressploppy]

I like the traditional vintage look and keep finding lovely old brass taps, cast iron sinks etc on ebay.

Realistically, am I just being daft? and setting myself up for a world of problems? And will my plumber hate me? (he's doing it all, inc. decorative stuff like panelling)

An old British Bib tap can easily last a hundred years, but it will need rewashering, and the spindle and gland will be worn and will weep, but you can dismantle it and wrap PTFE tape round to seal it. You might need to re-surface the bed that the washer seats down onto, you can buy a tool for this or ask the plumber to do it.

Old taps are very simple, and if you are practical and have some spanners you can dismantle, descale, polish, re-washer, lubricate with Silicone Grease, put PTFE tape on the spindle and assembly threads, and it will probably be as good as new after an hour's work.

You may need a vice to hold it steady as the parts may be seized together. Modern PTFE tape and sillicone grease will mean it comes apart much easier next time.

Don't try to calculate the value of your time as it will be uneconomic. Look on it as a practical and educational hobby. It is more efficient to do several taps at the same time in a batch.