Forum
« Recs for Property Managers Montrose Ave L Stop »
September 28, 2009
Worth Keeping Clawfoot?
I am buying a home with the original 1903 bathroom intact....including the clawfoot tub. I am curious to find any person (s) who have kept an original clawfoot tub and if they would do so again. I am not interested in reglazing....I know the pros/cons. Either I will live with it (better $$-wise) or get a new clawfoot.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Comments
PS I am sorry the pic came out so big...if I could edit the post I would.
Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 12:34 PM
I have my original 1899 claw-foot tub, but I guess I told you that in my answer to your previous post. I have no regrets. The shower I added works fine* and, on the rare occasions when I soak in the tub, it's deeper and more comfortable than most new models. I also like that the outside is meant to be painted, so the color can match whatever we have on the walls.
Your tub appears to be in excellent condition and not need re-glazing. Zud, or even regular scouring powder, should remove that stain from under the faucet. My tub, and perhaps yours, has a matte finish on the bottom, from scouring over 110 years. I like that because it isn't slippery and doesn't require an ugly rubber shower mat.
*Regarding the shower, IIRC having three curtains, mounted on a D-rind, takes some getting used to. We've had that arrangement since our first apartment, nearly 40 years ago, several years before buying our house, so I don't give it a second thought anymore.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 28, 2009 12:42 PM
In our 2-family we kept both circa-1900 clawfoots, and redid the bathrooms around them, and we (and our tenants) love them. Similarly, we painted the outside with enamel, and just cleaned the inside (pumice works wonderfully). It is bigger, warmer, and more charming (in our opinion) than anything we could get elsewhere. Plus it's great for bathtime for our 2-year old.
We also are using shower installs with them and they work well (we got ours from clawfootalley.com). It's not high tech or 'slick', but if you're considering a clawfoot I imagine that's not what you're looking for.
Yes, we'd do it again-
Posted by: AstralOil at September 28, 2009 12:56 PM
Wow, thank you both so much. I had no idea one could paint the outside -but now that you mention it I do remember seeing that in layouts before. I love how deep it is and actually have always sort of wistfully imagined having one. Would either of you recommend anything like changing out the faucets or drain?
I have been looking on Signature Hardware at the rings and such--I do remember that issue with the "sucking in" of a shower curtain as one showers so I guess the two rings is supposed to help to remedy that?
Thanks in advance
Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 1:29 PM
One more thing, to both of you or anyone else who might know--our contractor, when he saw the tub, mentioned running a shower head, independent placed pipes I assume, up the middle of the wall next to the tub. I have since seen the Add-A-Shower units available--do you feel one installation is more preferable than the other? Was that his idea in case we replaced the tub at some point?
Thanks once again.
Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 1:45 PM
No specific faucet recommendations--IF the old ones work OK you COULD keep them and save many hundreds of $$s by using a "telephone-type'" shower, with a wall mount; We had one of thos in our last apartment, before buying our house in the '70s. and it worked fine. We have a more permanent replacement now, but I've noticed that the fancier looking antique-repro shower sets for clawfoot tubs are obscenely expensive.
As far as the curtains "sucking in"; you get used to it. We use three plastic curtain liners and two cloth curtains on the inside. The use of heavier plastic liners minimizes the "sucking in" somewhat. Left to myself, I'd use a plastic liner on the inside and cotton duck curtains,like the ones sold by the Vermont Country Store, on the outside. These don't need a liner andx would virtually eliminate the curtains sticking to your body. Unfortunately, my wife dislikes the way they look.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 28, 2009 1:46 PM
Wow, crazy, it looks like that photo was taken in my bathroom! I have the same tub, wall tile, and floor tile, in a 1919 original bathroom. I love the bathroom and the fact that all the original parts are still there and intact and in reasonably good condition was one of the main reasons I bought the house. My clawfoot tub has less staining than yours, but the tub in my larger bathroom has a similar amount and I just left it as is, doesn't bother me. I love using the clawfoot tub for baths, it's perfect. I replaced the original tub filler with a shower conversion kit so I'd have a second shower for the house, though I currently only use the clawfoot for baths. I also intend to eventually paint the outside of the tub with eggshell latex. The outside is currently a way too authentic 1940s peachy-beige color. The only downside I've had is that the tub wall is fairly high so getting out could be tricky for an older or disabled person, but other than that can't think of any negatives. Looking at your photo I'm not seeing an overflow--so be careful.
Posted by: BHS at September 28, 2009 1:51 PM
If you can get rid of the stains, I'd keep it. Its charming, saves you time and money and belongs in your house.
If you can't get rid of the stains, I'd say chuck it for a new one.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at September 28, 2009 1:53 PM
Keep it.. Kaboom works great.. maybe that might help
Posted by: scarter at September 28, 2009 2:01 PM
I've seen shower heads run up the side of the wall, using exposed copper tubing--they're ugly, but are covered by the inner curtain anyway. One with the plumbing inside the wall would look better if you ever replaced your tub with a modern type, but would cost more and IMO would be superfluous if you're keeping the claw-foot one. I'm sure they work fine, however, it might be hard to get to the valves, since you'll need a curtain on the wall side.
I've had an "Add-A-Shower" unit for many years. That also works fine and only involves changing the faucet,so I'm sure the plumbers bill is lower (but the hardware cost is higher). The "Add-A-Shower" unit is probably closer to what someone wanting a shower 100 years ago would have used--they probably would have also used a small O-ring, using only one or two curtains, rather than a D-ring, using three, but those must REALLY suck in and stick to your body.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 28, 2009 2:05 PM
BTW, my claw-foot tub set-up doesn't have an overflow valve. If your's is the same, be careful. It only took one spill, years ago, for us to learn that--no problems since.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 28, 2009 2:11 PM
In our case we gave our clawfoot tub away, but honestly it was always a gut wrenching decision.
If you can find a way to keep it, do so! They are just so cool!
Posted by: sunspot19 at September 28, 2009 2:12 PM
my first apartment had a clawfoot (in the kitchen no less). i wouldnt recommend keeping it, they are dangerous. i cant tell you how many times i fell getting in and out of it, many times almost getting a concussion. if you do decide to keep it, definitely get those stick on flowers that will help with slips and falls. but they get really skanky and a harbinger of disgusting bacteria.
*rob*
Posted by: Butterfly at September 28, 2009 2:37 PM
I agree with the above (except for *rob*, but that's not a first). One addendum: You can get shower liners that have magnets sealed in them to prevent the sucking in.'
Posted by: altervoce at September 28, 2009 2:46 PM
poop?
Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 2:49 PM
I did hear about the magnets....excluding the last comments I am so grateful for the great advice.
Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 2:51 PM
One of the problems with keeping the old tub is that the surface has been abraded over the years and will therefore be difficult to keep clean. It will keep staining. If you don't mind scrubbing, keep it. If you prefer easier maintenance get a new one or have it reglazed. The re-glazing can last ten years or so.
Posted by: Minard Lafever at September 28, 2009 2:57 PM
Save yourself the hassle of finding a curtain you like w/ the magnets - you can buy your own & glue them on & cover them with little pieces of flexible plastic - I did that to get more grip - used many more magnets than usually come on a curtain.
Posted by: Arkady at September 28, 2009 3:40 PM
I have one. The iron stains are from your old galvanized pipes. The etched surface actually helps making the tub non slip. They work like big cast iron radiators in the winter
Tub looks pretty good. Spend the money on bubble bath and a nice bath caddy with reading rack.
Also I have seen shower curtains suspended from the ceiling by BB chains in those oval shaped hospital curtain tracks.
Posted by: IMBY at September 28, 2009 4:18 PM
Thank you Rob; it does me good to find someone(anyone) even klutzier than I am. I've been using claw-foot tubs for nearly 40 years starting, I guess, when I was about your present age. No falls yet :-)
"my first apartment had a clawfoot (in the kitchen no less). i wouldnt recommend keeping it, they are dangerous. i cant tell you how many times i fell getting in and out of it, many times almost getting a concussion".
Minard Lafever,
For me the abrasion is an advantage--the bottom isn't slippery.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 28, 2009 4:23 PM
I'm joining the clawfoot bandwagon. Mine looks pretty much like yours, with a bit of abrasion on the bottom, and I love it. There is nothing like a deep tub to soak in, and the worn away surface keeps it from being slippery. They hold the heat in for a long time, too. I used a rust remover to get out the hard water/pipe stains, and use a non abrasive cleaner to get out everyday dirt.
The outside of the tub had been painted over a million times, and the paint had chipped off all over. I did a base coat, and then a rusted faux finish that is really accented by the absence/presence of layering, sealed with poly. Not for everyone, but worked for me.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at September 28, 2009 4:32 PM
keep it, esp if you have more than one bathroom. I have a tub just like this and it's great for kids.
Posted by: Ringo at September 28, 2009 4:40 PM
keep it, esp if you have more than one bathroom. I have a tub just like this and it's great for kids.
Posted by: Ringo at September 28, 2009 4:40 PM
ah wow. An overflow valve. Didn't even know....where would that be? I guess I have to talk to plumber this week when he come w/contractor.
Re: plumbing on wall it seems superfluous if I am going to keep the tub to put up new piping rather than just new fixtures....
Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 4:50 PM
It looks like you have rust staining and some wearing away of the enamel in the center exposing the beige underlayer. I think this tub has had it. But you can't always tell from a photo.
(get a new one, you'll thank me)
Posted by: Minard Lafever at September 28, 2009 5:05 PM
In ignorance: what is the beige underlayer, meaning what is wrong with that being exposed?
Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 5:18 PM
"ah wow. An overflow valve. Didn't even know"
The tub probably has a hole below the faucets for the overflow; on mine, it's just capped; on some there's a grill and a second drainpipe attached to the main drain. The lack of an overflow isn't that big a deal--you just can't walk away for long while the tub is filling. We've had only one flood (early on) in 35 years--that experience trained us well.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 28, 2009 5:34 PM
the underlayer is the bisque layer. beneath that is cast iron. if you see bisque, the fixture is toast.
Posted by: Minard Lafever at September 28, 2009 7:35 PM
thanks to all for the primer on the tub...
Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 9:42 PM
M.F.,
If the tub is as worn as you think,couldn't it be refinished?
In any case, it looks in at least as good shape as mine, which hasn't gotten any worse after 35 years of my family's use.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 28, 2009 10:40 PM
It looks to be in good shape to me.
A word to the wise: If in the future, the taps should leak, you have to shut off the water, remove the whole tap assembly, and take it into an old plumbing store that's been in business many years and specializes in old parts. They will give you the right replacement part. It's not expensive.
They are all over, the one I happen to know is in Jackson Heights, Queens, around 90th and Roosevelt Ave. If you let the tap drip too much, you will get the staining and then after that you will wear the enamel away and get rust and then you will be in a sorry pickle.
But this tub right now looks to be in fine condition.
Posted by: mopar at September 28, 2009 11:17 PM
I think your bathroom looks great. Try bleaching the floor. (Don't mix bleach and ammonia, obviously.)
Posted by: mopar at September 28, 2009 11:17 PM
Bob, I am assured by many that refinishing is simply a heavy-duty paint and 1) wears off in
time and 2) has toxicity issues (for younger kids). My kids are teens but I would still be somewhat concerned. More importantly, the refinishing ballparks I got were so high it seems more prudent to get a new tub. Someone on here quoted me a site where new tubs are fairly reasonable (that is relative of course) and have free delivery.
Posted by: sogo at September 29, 2009 7:08 AM
The floor tile is likely unglazed (that was the typical hex floor tile used) and could be damaged by chlorine bleach because it gets into the body of the tile. I've been using 40% peroxide solution (sold at hair salon supply stores) to remove stains from heavily crazed subway wall tiles, which supposedly doesn't damage the tiles. You might try this on your floor tiles if comet etc doesnt remove stains (but dont use abrasive cleansers on glazed tiles). I havent tried the peroxide treatment on the tub yet because I discovered that with a pretty shower curtain up I dont actually see the stains except when showering, ha ha. Keep the peroxide off your hands, it will burn and bleach your skin! Antique unglazed floor tiles will never be bright white.
Posted by: BHS at September 29, 2009 1:38 PM
In fact, they weren't bright white when they were new.
Posted by: mopar at September 29, 2009 11:23 PM
I had a thread on here the other day regarding this....I believe it headed "30's mosaic tile"; did you see that? One set of instructions suggested was diluted muriatic acid/regrout. Any experience with that?
The work--that kind--would be done by tile person whom I assume would be constructing new bath upstairs. Any maintenance/restore would be my me....i.e. the peroxide (which is a fixture in our house for stains).
Thanks!
Posted by: sogo at September 30, 2009 7:31 AM
I havent tried muriatic acid--just be aware that anything that would need to be neutralized (and I'm not sure if that would apply to MA) is not a good idea for unglazed tiles or old tiles with crazing in the glaze. Regarding regrouting, old floor and wall tiles were typically set in a bed of concrete ("thick set" or "mud job") and the grout is of the same color (medium gray). However, the grout lines are very thin so my approach was just to clean the whole wall and not worry about trying to "clean" the grout. In places where grout was cracked or missing I asked the contractors to fill in the gaps with gray grout, and that looks good. Thin grout lines and gray color (vs. white) are a subtle combination that makes tile look original, other than the choice of tile and crazing, etc.
Posted by: BHS at September 30, 2009 3:03 PM
Just remembered the name of the plumbing store in Queens: It's Alfano Plumbing. They are delightful. Very helpful, have every old thing in stock, will offer a workaround if they don't, and will remachine the part you have inexpensively and quickly if you want.
Posted by: mopar at September 30, 2009 3:57 PM
Update on this tub (and bathroom)-I examined it well yesterday armed with all the great information gleaned here. The tub is in really almost perfect shape once it is scrubbed out; kind of amazing. I realized all the brown and beige was just years of use. As of course I should have realized the house was built in the late 1890s (I believed it was built in 1930 as that was what I read on ACRIS but that must of just been it's first recorded date) and it is the original bathroom.
Our contractor says do very little to the bathroom, or tear it out (we never intended that); meaning it's a solid old house of cards and try to keep it intact, which I am. The "Add-a-Shower" will work great.
Posted by: sogo at October 2, 2009 6:55 AM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.