A short interview with the owner of Portland Vintage Plumbing, Brenda Wasco on what products she has to offer and why she opened her business.

Why did you start Portland Vintage Plumbing?

I have worked in the plumbing industry for 10 years, and can’t imagine anything I would rather do. I feel it’s an honor to work with customers that trust you with their home projects and joy to see the finished result. I love the whole process of the job, from picking out fixtures to keeping track of it tell the day it’s installed.

What types of plumbing products do you offer and are any considered green?

I offer all types of plumbing, decorative sinks, faucets, toilets, shower systems and baths; door hardware; and cabinet knobs and pulls. [I have] specialty parts for high tank toilets and European toilets, and sometimes we can repair original fixtures to be used again rather than be tossed out. I have access to a large selection of green shower heads, toilets, faucets, and fans.

Why did you choose this location?

I think Bret’s beautiful selection of reclaimed architecture and my decorative plumbing reproductions complement each other and make it a friendly one stop shopping place for the neighborhood.

Are your customers limited to the products available on the floor of your showroom?

No, I work with over 80 different manufacturers of kitchen, bath, laundry, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and green products.

Do you offer advice on what type of fixtures customers should buy for the style and age of their home?

Yes, I love restoring old homes to their period look, and there are endless choices of sleek modern fixtures for the newer homes and the modern design. I also like to work on projects that need to be handy cap accessible. There are so many beautiful fixtures now that are ADA compliant, your kitchen and bath don’t have to be generic. I like to call it ADA with style. I think homes should be functional, so my best advice for my customers is let’s plan it so you can use it.

Do you have any advice for your customers before they shop for bath and kitchen fixtures and accessories?

Don’t tear it out and then go shop for bath and kitchen fixtures, you can leave yourself in quite a lurch. Measure twice, cut once; you don’t want to buy it twice. Don’t purchase accessories until the job is finished, your bathroom is never as big as it looks once you put the walls back in. This will keep you from having leftover towel bars and robe hooks that don’t fit in the space. Best advice of all, come see me, you’ll be glad you did.

Portland Vintage Plumbing

4035 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97202

971-404-8149

www.portlandvintageplumbing.com