Vintage Kitchen Sink Plumbing Connections -- HELP!

[teejk]

On every job that I've been on with something like this, I've always been able to chip or sand it away until it finally gave up and came off. I might go through quite a few sanding disks on my dremel, or air cutting spinning tool that I cannot think of the real name for. I've never heard of Vitreous china either. Given it's age and delicate nature, using chemicals makes a lot of sense. Muriatic acid or Goo Gone or Turpintine, Carberator Cleaner or Break Cleaner or Acetone or maybe even WD40 might work. Just gonna have to soak it and let the chemicals break it down over time.

Good luck.

Agreed...but read my last part! Get it all cleaned up and then hear that "crack" when installing the new baskets! Never heard of vitreous china on a kitchen sink that needs to withstand a lot (cast iron skillets, whatever). Bathrooms yes (toothpaste and shaving cream) but never kitchens. Might be ok for a "prep sink" but the main kitchen sink?

 

[Infinite Wisdom]

Again, many thanks for the helpful comments.

This sink came from a large kitchen in an historic Philadelphia mansion. The sink "sits" on a stand. It is believed that the sink dates to about 1920.

Some additional photos attached.

- Robin

 

[EddieWalker]

It sure is unique. Please keep us updated on your results, and also what it looks like installed in your kitchen. I'm very interested in the final results.

 

[Infinite Wisdom]

Hello all.

The old drain removal problem has been resolved! We just slowly picked away at the old plumbers putty from underneath and the fitting "popped-out". I guess we were a little too worried about this but we didn't want to break the sink.

On Monday we will remove the existing sink and its support system and layout the installation of the "new" sink. After that we'll re-route the supply plumbing, order a new vintage faucet and start to put everything in place.

I'll keep you updated on the progress with photos.

A million thanks to everyone for your suggestions, encouragement and support.

- Robin

 

[teejk]

Hello all.

The old drain removal problem has been resolved! We just slowly picked away at the old plumbers putty from underneath and the fitting "popped-out". I guess we were a little too worried about this but we didn't want to break the sink.

On Monday we will remove the existing sink and its support system and layout the installation of the "new" sink. After that we'll re-route the supply plumbing, order a new vintage faucet and start to put everything in place.

I'll keep you updated on the progress with photos.

A million thanks to everyone for your suggestions, encouragement and support.

- Robin

Thanks for the update! Looks like a truly unique piece. Best I can figure is that sinks have not changed much so a standard strainer basket should work (don't over-crank it and get some good ones). I personally would question your decision to go with a vintage faucet...I think the functionality (and serviceability) of newer faucets will make you much happier (and all the "majors" will be happy to give you the "retro" look for a price). I prefer Moen (bought from a supply house and not a big-box store because they are not the same). Kohler makes some nice stuff but I think they are a bit pricey. A lot of people like Delta. I think it's important to pick a brand and use it throughout the house...you can keep one or two spare cartridges on hand that can be used when the need arises (and it will).

 

[JRobyn]

Good result! It was apparent from your later photos that there was nothing left except hardened putty (or SOMETHING!?). Glad it wasn't epoxy or something that a previous owner used!

You should be OK to use almost ANY chemical to clean any remaining residue. Vitreous china is essentially the same thing as your toilet. Intended to be impervious to most anything, but can be a bit fragile where mechanical force is involved.

As noted above, please go back with a high quality replacement basket, use a liberal bead of good plumber's putty and snug the new basket down gently. I find it works well to snug a new one down, then wait for and hour or so for the putty to slowly "flow" out of the joint/gaps, and then re-snug. Maybe repeat two or three times.

 

[Infinite Wisdom]

Good Morning,

Any recommendations on a good online plumbing supply vendor?

The sink's drain openings measure about 2"+.

Thanks.

- Robin

 

[teejk]

Good Morning,

Any recommendations on a good online plumbing supply vendor?

The sink's drain openings measure about 2"+.

Thanks.

- Robin

Most of the on-line vendors are pretty good. With that opening you are in the "bar-sink" category.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Are you sure it's not an old farm sink made out of fire clay?

 

[Infinite Wisdom]

That is a great question.

I only know what I was told by the seller.

How could I determine if it is fire clay? What does one look for? I can take more photos if that would help.

How is a fire clay sink made? Is fire clay durable in a kitchen sink application?

I love solving mysteries. I'm open to all comments on this.

Thanks.

- Robin