Renovating old taps

[ilovevenice]

We are doing up a house that has a few nice old taps which it would be nice to reuse if possible (they all work). But it would be good to know if it is just a waste of money and cheaper to buy new ones (we'd want similar traditional style). Any thoughts?

Look at Bristan traditional range which are very good quality.

By re-washering old taps, and adding PTFE tape on the spindle to improve the gland seal, and on the screw threads to improve the screw seal, they can easily last a hundred years. You might have to re-grind the washer seat. Unless the washers have been damaged by being violently screwed shut, you do not need to violently screw them shut. Finger and thumb are enough. Violent force also wears out and loosens the threads.

Beware of strong acids to descale, which can damage chrome.

Brilliant thank you!