Cast-iron fixtures a solid choice
Dear Ed: We’re building a new house and I want to use cast iron for our sinks, shower base and bathtub. My husband says it sounds old-fashioned to use cast iron for so many plumbing fixtures and I should look at other material choices as well. Is there anything out of the ordinary with my preference to use as many cast-iron fixtures as possible?
Ann, Wisconsin Today’s plumbing fixtures are available in a variety of materials. In most cases, it comes down to personal taste and using a good material for the needed fixture application.
From what I’ve seen, cast iron can be a great all-around fixture choice for three basic reasons: 1. Strength: Hey, it’s called enamelled cast iron. It’s a strong, heavy-duty material that is very resistant to scratches, chips, cracks and burns. 2. Style: Because cast-iron plumbing fixtures are available in constantly changing shapes and colours, cast-iron fixtures always seem to be in style. For kitchen-sink use, you can easily match just about any type of countertop. 3. Green factor: Cast-iron fixtures contain a good portion of recycled materials, and that’s good news all around.
So, when you add everything up, nothing should cast a doubt on your cast-iron fixture choice.
Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of Ed Del Grande’s House Call, the host of TV and Internet shows and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.