Antique Brass a elegant timeless finish makes it come back!

Antique Brass A long forgotten finish from Americas early years is making a comeback, proof once more that the style and sophistication of this finish will never be out of style. Antique brass evokes memories of early Americana, it has been a historically popular finish amongst interior designers and decorators because of its adaptable nature to many types of décors over time and currently as opposed to other in finishes, the possibilities are endless.

Finish Details:
The Antique Brass finish is raw brass or brass plating which has been chemically darkened to simulate aged brass. Antique Brass finish is typically a medium brown with golden undertones, and can vary significantly from one product to another however we do offer a universal made to match Antique Brass finish items that will compliment other Antique finish items you may have such as hardware, lighting  and other plumbing fixtures. 

We offer Elegant yet durable and affordable Anitque Brass Kitchen Faucets and Bathroom Faucets and Accessories.  Looking for a different finish like Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel, Polished Brass or Chrome? Most of our faucet and accessories come in all finish….We invite you to visit our FaucetSuite Website Catalog and have a look around!

Oh my….. What a beautiful Stainless Steel sink you have!

A Stainless Steel sink can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen!  The most often asked question and concern is “how do I care for my new Stainless Steel sink?”

Although, Stainless Steel sinks come in different guages, size and shapes the care and cleaning methods apply for all.

These are the things you will want to do:

Rinse, Rinse and Rinse…. your sink well after each use. Not only spray, but rub with a clean cloth or paper towel as the clean water is flowing. Simply spraying will not remove all residue or harmful deposits.

Perform Weekly Cleaning With Approved Cleaner

It is very helpful to clean the sink with an approved mild or ultra mild abrasive cleaner on a weekly basis. This will help keep the sink look shiny and new. Remember to follow grain marks that are already present. Convenient to buy as most groceries  stores now sell stainless steel cleaners. Some are : Soft Scrub, Shiny Sinks, Bar Keepers Friend, Inox Cream, Cameo Stainless Steel Cleaner.

**Note:: many manufacturers approve the above cleaners best to check your product literature to see what they recommend. If you do not know the manufacturer, experiment on a small section of the sink to see what happens. I always recommend the wall of the sink which is closest to your body because you don’t readily see that surface unless you bend over and look down at it.

Always dry the sink after using and rinsing Unless pure distilled water flows from your faucet (which is not the case for most people), there will be dissolved minerals and salts in your rinse water. When the rinse water evaporates, the minerals/salts are left behind. These are the same water spots you see on your car finish. If you dry your sink after rinsing, these spots will not form. If you have hard water deposits, try to use a little white vinegar to remove them. After removal, rinse and dry the sink.

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These are the things you do NOT want to do:

Rubber mats are a big no,no!

Do not  use rubber mats cause big problems with stainless steel. They can trap harmful cleaning chemicals which will not be rinsed away. The water and cleaners is trapped between the rubber and the steel and never dries.

Please no scrubbing Across the Grain Certain new sinks come with a factory grain or fine polish lines. Always scrub parallel to these marks.

Do not allow cleaners or detergents to dry on surface

Cleaners and detergents can and do contain harmful chemicals which can corrode stainless steel. You can use them, but they must not be allowed to sit on the sink surface. In addition, do NOT fill the sink and allow a strong solution of chlorine bleach and water to sit in the sink. This chemical brew can cause problems. If you want to sanitize an object in a solution of chlorine bleach, use a bucket or other non stainless steel sink.

Stainless Steel and Steel wool pads are Not compatible Never use steel wool to clean a stainless steel sink. Small steel fibers will be left behind which will rust. Always use a nylon or some other synthetic cleaning pad to scour the sink. These pads used in conjunction with approved abrasive cleaners will do anything that you might have attempted with steel wool.

So there you have it! and hope helpful and answered your question on the care of maintenance of sinks made of this material.

If you are in the market for a new Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink you may want to check out our high quality and affordable selection.  We offer single bowl, double bowl, triple bowl, farm house, over mount and undermount sinks. Then cross reference the sink of your choice to see if we our currently offering for a greater discount on our Faucet Suite eBay Store.

Psst…we are offering some GREAT deals currently on the very popular farm house sinks on our ebay store!

www.faucetsuite.com

Better to be safe than sorry….Tips on home Bathroom Safety

Did you know that 35% of most serious home accidents are in the bathroom? Most recently reported bathroom accident was a very famous persons beloved son, Jett Travolta. Although, seizures are not the norm and can not be predicted or sometimes prevented bathroom safety precausions can reduce  or prevent the seriousness of most bathroom slips, falls, injury or accident.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

* First check your electrical outlets and make sure they have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFI) to prevent shock. * Most electrical codes in the USA require that all outlets near sinks be GFI. * Store all bathroom electrical items away from water and unplug them with not in use.

* Place non-slip bathmats and decals in tubs and showers.

* Install a safety grab bar in your tub area Here are a few tips to do it properly: * Mount the bar diagonally, 36 inches above the tub, and anchor it into the studs.

* *For do it yourself grab bar installation: * If installing a grab bar, and your wall is 5/8-inch wallboard or tile over plaster, cement board, or 1/2-inch wallboard — anchor the grab bar with blind fasteners; otherwise, anchor the bar into studs.  Standard tubs are usually on 16-inch centers. A simple way to pinpoint interior studs is to start at the corner and measure in 16-inches. * To prevent cracking when drilling through tile, start with a 1/8-inch masonry bit, enlarge with a 1/4-inch bit, then use a 5/32-inch wood bit to drill into the stud. * Caulk the flange before screwing the bar to the studs with 2-inch wood screws.

Grab Bars

* Place childproof latches on toilets and trash cans to protect young children.  And added safety measure is to ad short grab on the wall next to your toilet as well.

* All bathroom cleaning supplies and medicines should be stored out of the reach of children.

* Set your hot water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less to prevent scalding.

These simple precautions implemented today will help keep your bathroom safer family and visitors for years to come.

Have a look around….

http://www.faucetsuite.com

www.stores.ebay.com/faucetsuite

In- Home Spa with a little creativity and low cost Plumbing Fixtures

In today’s economy where money is tight luxuries are the first thing we think we have to give up….maybe not. When the going gets tough it is time to get creative! The time of excess may be over but we still need to find ways to keep some simple pleasures going in our life for personal balance and wellness.

Whatever type of home you live in there a ways to modify your bathroom.   These little changes can give you that same sense of relaxation and of  feeling of pampered that normally you would pay to get by going to a day spa.  With a little imagination and creativity you can have this in your own home bathroom to use as often as you like. By  creating a “mood” and installing affordable tub and shower fixtures. The only other thing you need to do is make sure you take the time for your self to use it and enjoy it!

Yes, we need functional bathrooms however, a lost cost way to create a relaxing mood and luxury atmosphere is to paint the walls a soothing color, place a small radio or CD player in the bathroom to play some cool jazz or other relaxing music of your choice and you may want to convert you regular light switch to a dimmer type. Install a few new tub and/or shower faucets or sprayers and you will be ready to shut out the world, close the door, dim the lights and light some scented candles

For those that enjoy a soak in the tub treat your self to either a hot bubble or mineral bath and just lay there and relax listening to some soft music as the business and sounds of every day life fade away. By now you must be curious about what I mean by affordabe plumbing fixtures that you will need for your bathroom conversion. Well, some very low cost luxury fixtures that can enhance you bathing experience for those with a Clawfoot Bath Tub is to install a Clawfoot Tub faucet with a hand held shower piece.  Some of our very affordable Clawfoot Tub Faucets can be install on the wall of the tub or the bathroom wall over a jacuzzi or regular tub for those who want an all in one  tub filler and a hand held shower. If you have a Roman Tub we offer Roman Tub Fillers with matching Hand held showers handles or a waterfall faucet as seen on our eBay store for our best price. However the  handle held features are so nice for rinsing your self off after a salts, mineral or bubble bath.

An alternative to the tub experience is to create a Spa Shower. You will want to get some shower gels, oils and to install a large Rain Drop, Sun Flower or a Hand Held 5 setting pulsating massage spray . It is very soothing and relaxing standing under and showering with one of these types of fixtures.  For those that prefer a shower to a bath nothing like a hot shower to wash away the cares of the day, warm your soul and relax you.

The art of resting the mind, and relaxing the body and the power of dismissing from it all care and worry is one of the secrets of re-gaining strength, energy and vitality.
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Let’s Keep the American Dream going…if you can not move improve!

Dear Customer,

It is that time of year again for our Bi- Annual News Letter and Blog post.  Also, it is the time of year when most of you are getting ready for the up coming Holiday Season and Holiday Guests or just trying to finish up this years home improvement or construction projects.

We all keep hearing that no one is buying consumer merchandise and everyone is losing their homes…Not True! We are continuing to sell Kitchen and Bathroom Fashion Plumbing items daily to many people who continue to own their home or houses they are building or renting out. What does seem to be happening is the current real estate market is causing more people to stay in there existing homes so the new motto for this year seems to be “If you can’t move then improve!”

History has proven that real estate has highs and lows, however it has also shown us that what goes down will come up again! So the current strategy is to stay put and hold on for now and continue to invest in the value of your property so when the market returns you will be able to realize and benefit the investments that you have made.

So, regardless of the news reports let’s keep the American Dream going by continuing to invest in and maintain our own personal “American dream”… Our homes, vacation home/s or rental properties.

Here at Faucet Suite we are continuing to stay committed to helping you do that by selling High Quality Fashion and Conventional Plumbing Fixtures at affordable prices. We still specialize in Vintage and Restoration Styles as well as continue to expand our product line with new items, expand our websites and eBay store inventory which offers even more exceptional pricing on posted fixtures and accessories.

If you have a current need or are planning for an upcoming Kitchen or Bathroom project please browse our stores:

www.faucetsuite.com

www.stores.ebay.com/faucetsuite

Best Regards and have a wonderful Holiday Season!

The Staff at Faucet Suite

Clawfoot Tub Care and Cleaning quide

 Now that you have got your beautiful new clawfoot tub installed you will want to know how to take good care of it.  We are often asked “what products should I use to clean and maintain the type of tub I have?”  The following is your guide for the care and cleaning of both Acrylic and Cast Iron tubs.  

 

TUB CARE

 

Acrylic tubs:
1. Use no abrasives
2. Acrylic is very difficult to penetrate …. As a result mild soap is all that is needed to clean and maintain unless a damaging chemical comes in contact with your tub.
3. AVOID!!!! Any chemical like “finger nail polish remover “or other solvents or stains.
4. If damage to your tub does occur…. We highly suggest contacting a local tub refinisher to make any necessary repairs. 

 

 

Cast iron tubs:
1. Use no abrasives
2. Cast Iron which has porcelain finish on the interior….is very difficult to penetrate …. As a result mild soap is all that is needed to clean and maintain.
3. Tub exterior is normally a painted finish…. Either with a conversion coat or enamel; Care of conversion coat …. If not painted to match color décor … we suggest you use mild soap to clean first…..but… if there are scuffs or other construction effects…. We suggest the use of pure white tooth paste … or Bar Keepers Friend available at most local markets. Since conversion coat is on this tub…. You can always have painter trim it out to match décor and then easy to touch up.
4. Care of Enameled exterior… If not painted to match color décor … we suggest you use of mild soap to clean first…..but… if there are scuffs or other construction effects…. We suggest the use of pure white tooth paste … or Bar Keepers Friend available at most local markets. Be Gentle on enameled finish…. Damage to it is expensive to repair and aggressive scrubbing can dull finish.
5. If damage to your tub does occur…. We highly suggest contacting a local tub refinisher to make any necessary repairs.

 

 

 

Many of our blogs are published as an aide to our customers and are based on most often asked questions about our plumbing fixtures, sinks and clawfoot tubs. We exclusively sell Kingston Brass products which are the highest quality items…and we can sell them at 45%-50% below the manufacturer’s retail prices.  If you do not see the clawfoot tub you are looking for currently listed on our website please browse our eBay store for exceptional discounts: www.stores.ebay.com/faucetsuite  

 

Faucet Suite have a look around…….www.faucetsuite.com

 

Clawfoot tub installation quide for those brave do-it-yourselfer’s

How hard can it be right? I will let you decide after reading this information whether you want to venture on or call you local plumber. I will start with this disclaimer:

EACH TUB … DEPENDING ON SLANT OF TUB BACK & SIDE WILL CREATE VARIATIONS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO ADAPT TO WE SUGGEST THE USE OF A QUALIFIED PLUMBING CONTRACTOR

This is what you will need:

Sealant, Tools & People

• Pipe Wrench …. Smooth & Cushioned to avoid finish damage… Attempts to return product damaged by improper tools … is not acceptable!
• Channel locks or Similar for use on nuts/bolts for attaching feet.
• Trim tools for drain… Tubing cutter or hacksaw
• Our drains are 1 ½ diameter… if not using our quality … you will need an adapter
• Teflon paste or other sealant that is SAFE FOR ALL FINISHES (BEWARE OF PLUMBERS PUTTY)
• 15” or Larger level
• Two People
• Tub or cut sheet that has been reviewed and any questions asked …WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND HAVING THE ACTUAL TUB DRAIN, SUPPLIES AND FAUCET… ON SITE.

DRAIN ….Usually … your rough in will consist of ½ to 5/8 “of threads projecting above floor level ( INCLUDING TILE/WOOD OR OTHER MATERIAL) of 1 ½” pipe.
The waste and overflow assembly should be assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The drain and overflow tubing should be cut to fit. As mentioned above…. Hand tightens … or…use a smooth-jawed wrench to prevent damage to the finish. Threaded connections should be secured with a thread sealant. We only sell a higher quality ( Code acceptable )1 ½” tub drain… use of lower quality 1 3/8 inch drain will require an adapter from the manufacturer … or oversized O ring.
Placement…. Tub drain placement is determined by Tub … slant of back & Center or end drain. We highly suggest having tub at jobsite BEFORE… Roughing for drains & supplies.
SUPPLY LINES …
Placement… Depending on slant of back of tub and type of faucet and supplies used… a wide assortment of Supply configurations will be used.

1. Mickey Mouse type tub configuration where tub overflow and faucet hole resemble Americas favorite rodent. We highly suggest the use of our double offset supply lines. Depending on slant of tub back …. General rule is floor rough should be centered 8” apart with centerline running at back of drain. (See illustration). Your rough can be either ½ “IPS projecting no more than 5/8” above finished floor… ( you should have an escutcheon deep enough to cover this including a ½ IPS to ½ OD connector)> OR> ½ “Copper rough which will be trimmed as needed… ( when rough is done …leave at least 6” above finished floor line) When trimming copper…. Allow for depth of escutcheon….with room for connector… if not using a shutoff.
Our supply lines come with a ½” OD bell escutcheon that will work if proper planning is made. It is NOT designed for ½ IPS or ½ “Copper to pass through.
WE HIGHLY SUGGEST THE USE OF SHUTOFF/STOP VALVES… If stop valve are used… it looks better, is easier to install (Shutoffs become your connector) You will need additional escutcheons for ½ “IPS or ½” copper (11/16 OD ) depending on floor connection & Shutoff used. Very important>>>>>Please see illustrations… > Tub drain & Supply configurations.

2. Deck Mount….type tub configuration is where faucet mounting holes…..are on the Deck of tub and straight supplies are used. <<<We highly suggest the use of our 491 series supply covers… this allows the use of an adjustable cover to hide your plumbing from Tub rim to floor. Simplifies installation and looks GREAT. If using our straight supplies (481 Series). Depending on slant of tub back …. General rule is floor rough should be centered 8” apart with centerline running at back of drain. (See illustration). Your rough can be either ½ “IPS projecting no more than 5/8” above finished floor… (You should have an escutcheon deep enough to cover this including a ½ IPS to ½ OD connector) or ½ “Copper rough which will be trimmed as needed… ( when rough is done …leave at least 6” above finished floor line) When trimming copper…. Allow for depth of escutcheon if not using a shutoff. Our supply lines come with a ½” OD bell escutcheon that will work if proper planning is made. It is NOT designed for ½ IPS or ½ “Copper to pass through.
WE HIGHLY SUGGEST THE USE OF SHUTOFF/STOP VALVES!!! … If stop valve are used… it looks better, is easier to install ( Shutoffs become your connector) You will need additional escutcheons for ½ “ IPS or ½” copper ( 11/16 OD )…See our XXXX series escutcheons

3. Setting the tub …… Check floor to make sure it is level. Be prepared to shim if floor is not level! Set your tub in place, and then double check to make sure it is level. Depending on your floor type…. You should consider the use of coasters to spread the weight of tub over a larger area… these come in many types… and can usually be acquired at your local furniture or piano showroom.

4. Connecting Drain and supplies ….. Once the tub has been positioned, Leveled and shimmed … It is time to connect your drain and supplies.
Your supply lines connect directly to the tub faucet by a compression fitting. There are usually 2 pair of cone washers and 2 sets of nuts … Both have large & small. If your faucet has ½ NPT threaded fitting…. You will use the smaller set of nuts & cone washers….AND …. If your faucet has ¾ NPT fittings… you will use the larger set of cone washers & nuts. Cut the lines on the BOTTOM to adjust length… The top has a stop … to compress on cone washers & Create a seal. To fit.
If this is cut off…. Supplies become useless! PLEASE… Review drawings. ! …to determine trim needs and determine needed trim. 

Lastly, make sure you or your plumber turns on the water and tests the tub and hardware for proper operation and drainage assuming all is connected correctly or before your plumber leaves your home. 

Now you can admire and enjoy your beautiful new Clawfoot tub!  We offer the highest quality and best prices on the Internet for Clawfoot tubs and fixtures…here is an example of one our package deals you will love!

http://www.faucetsuite.com/prodview.asp?PN=9361