Take photos of the valve or fixture, preferrably both before and after it is removed. Photos serve several puposes: They allow us to give a very general estimate of rebuilding costs before the fixtures are actually shipped; Photos are helpful during the restoration and reassembly processes, and can answer questions about orientation and application much easier than written descriptions; Also, in the unlikely event that your fixture is damaged in shipping, they provide credible evidence for a freight insurance claim.

You may wish to hire a plumber to remove the fixture. Extra care taken during the removal process will only save you money: the fewer wrench marks and broken parts, the less we have to repair! Patience and the generous use of penetrating oil may be needed to free parts that haven’t moved in decades. Use a strap wrench or pliers with the jaws wrapped  with tape on finished surfaces. Avoid the use of pipe wrenches or vice grips. (The “No pipe wrenches” graphic at the right has been included at the behest of Rob, our plating and polishing shop manager who has to buff out all those nasty wrench marks!.)

Step 3: More Photos

A picture is worth 1000 words! Take a picture of the fixture after it is removed. All of the parts you plan on shipping to us should be shown. If you are keeping parts that do not need to be restored, please note this on the photo.  The parts may be assembled or disassembled as shown in this picture. When your valve or fixture is received, we can compare what is in the box with your photo.

You may wish to hire the services of a professional packing and shipping company. All parts should be individually wrapped in paper, foam, or bubble wrap. Small parts should be placed in an envelope or plastic bag. If you are sending more than one fixture, wrap or box them separately and label them “west bathroom” or such. Be sure to fill out our restoration worksheet and include it in an envelope inside the box, or include a detailed note. Please: do not assume that we will remember the details from a previous phone conversation! We receive several fixtures per day and cannot possibly recall all the details for each one. Fixtures that arrive without proper documentation (photos, worksheet, detailed note, etc.) will be given lower priority than those that do.
   Be sure to purchase ample package insurance, keep in mind that if your fixture were easily replaceable, you wouldn’t be sending to us! Click HERE for convenient printable shipping labels.