New escutcheons improve the appearance of your kitchen or bath

It’s the middle of January in greater Cleveland, and more than one homeowner is looking at her bathroom or kitchen and wishing for something that will give it a lift. A new faucet can give new life to a kitchen or bath. But don’t overlook that little circular thing that sits around the base of the pipes coming up through the floor or in through the wall. We’re talking about the escutcheon. You may have heard them referred to as cover plates or flanges.

The escutcheon hides the hole in your floor or wall and makes it look neater. That’s it. Nothing more. It’s strictly decorative, which is why it’s so easy to overlook it when it gets all grungy and dull. Not surprisingly, replacing a couple of these pieces actually can make your room look fresher and more tidy. And as inexpensive as an escutcheon is, it would be a shame to leave an old one in place for longer than necessary.

If you go to your local hardware store or visit one of the blue or orange big-box stores, you’ll find escutcheons in a variety of styles, colors and finishes. Pick out one with a finish that matches your faucet or shower head.

Installing a new escutcheon is easy. For example, take off the shower head and slide the old one off of the shower arm. Then put the shower head back on, or install your brand new shower head! You can’t get easier than that!

A hinged escutcheon can be used where you have a shutoff valve. It can save you the bother of removing the valve. Instead, just cut off the old one and slide the hinged piece around the pipe and you’re done – instant upgrade for pennies on the dollar.

How big a difference will replacing a couple of escutcheons make? That depends on how rusted, pock-marked, and ugly your old ones were. Only you can be the judge of that. But it’s nice to know that anyone can make some small, incremental changes to their bath or kitchen with just a few simple tools and some very inexpensive thingamibobs, or what are properly called escutcheons.

By the way, if you’re interested in remodeling a kitchen or bath, call our very own remodeling department! You’ll save time and money because you’ll only be working with one supplier. Check us out at the Great Big Home and Garden Show, January 31 to February 9.

Remember, when you call The Plumbing Source, you made the RIGHT call!