Recycled bathroom fittings are a cheap and environmentally conscious choice

With so many quality secondhand bathroom fittings available – from original clawfoot baths to near-new contemporary basins and vanities – it makes sense to scour the salvage yards. And while buying secondhand does require you to take your time and shop around, its advantages are many.

Firstly, it's good for the environment – it reduces demand for new materials and saves on landfill. Secondly, provided you buy items that are in good working order, shopping for recycled bathroom fittings is guaranteed to save you money.

"Buying recycled bathroom fittings can save you between 30 and 50 per cent of the cost of buying brand new," says Angela Hutchins from Caylamax Demolition and Recycling. "We sell anything from your period and 60s-style fittings through to modern fittings."

According to Angela, most bathroom fittings, from vanity units and basins to toilets, baths and plumbing supplies, can be bought secondhand, either through salvage yards like Caylamax or from private sellers. Secondhand tiles are harder to find because of the cost and time involved in their salvage, but if it's cheap tiles you're after, look out for factory seconds, liquidated stock or stock that's left over from large-scale residential projects.

Another advantage of buying secondhand bathroom fittings is that it enables you to cheaply mix and match items to create a look that won't be found on any showroom floor.

"When buying secondhand there's always something that can be done to an older style that brings it up to a modern condition," Angela explains. "For instance, there are all sorts of things you can do to dress up a simple chipboard vanity. You can change the handles to give it a whole new contemporary look, or it might just be a matter of dressing up an old bench with a new tile surround."

Remember that most recyclers of bathroom fititngs won't guarantee the quality of their product (although many are happy to refund your money if something doesn't work after it's installed), so choose carefully. The main thing to watch out for is water damage – check for swelling and discolouration on timber vanities.

Also be cautious when buying used bathroom fittings. Older, brass taps may have pits and grooves worn into their brass seats, which causes leaking. These will need to be ground back with a reseating tool – a tricky job best left to a plumber. And bear in mind that, unlike new stock, there is no requirement for secondhand stock to have water-efficiency ratings, so if you are concerned with water conservation, stick to newer models. 

When visiting a salvage yard, make sure you have a firm idea of what you want and don't forget to bring a tape measure. Remember that most deals are done in cash, so the more bathroom fittings you buy, the better your chances of negotiating a good deal. For the best prices, try dealing directly with the demolisher and regularly check newspaper classifieds for freebies – some private renovators are happy to give stuff away if you're willing to come and pick it up yourself.