Ragnar gives hands-on service and promptly refunded the cost of the sink that would not work in my bathroom. Quick and easy. He knew which pop up sink stopper to sell me, too He has some beautiful antique sinks that if I were still in the remodeling business, I would love to buy. read more

Don't be deterred by the somewhat ramshackle appearance of this sink and fixture store on San Pablo. The owner has been at this for decades and is incredibly knowledgable about sinks and fixtures. My wife and I were looking for a traditional bathroom sink to better fit the decor (i.e. original small black & white tiled floor) of one of the bathrooms in our almost hundred year old Berkeley home. We went to a few of the more popular plumbing and hardware places in town and everything was very contemporary (and help was hard to find). At first my wife was reluctant to check out the Sink Factor due to its somewhat rundown condition, but we went in and the owner knew immediately what we were looking for, took 15-20 minutes to show us lots of examples on the computer from several online catalogs of companies he works with until we found one that looked right. Ditto with the fixture. He actually makes customizes fixtures there in his workshop in the back. We walked 45 minutes later having ordered the sink and fixture. It was ready ten days later, and is now installed. All in all a Five Star experience! read more

I don't typically write reviews, but this place is so great that I want others to know about it. We live in an old house in North Berkeley with old plumbing and fixtures. I have been coming to the Sink Factory for 13 years for various odd plumbing problems, and Ragnar has always provided expert service. He has built parts for us and given me lots of patient advice on how to fix various leaks, often sending me away with the perfect washer or part (which can't be found at Ace or Home Depot). It is such a pleasure to work with someone who really knows their trade. On top of that, he is just about the nicest guy you could hope to meet. The Sink Factory is the best! read more

All around great experience. It's great when you come across somebody who really knows their trade. Very accommodating easy to work with

I needed help fixing a leaky faucet. I took it apart and went to a couple of different places for help. Even the big plumbing store in Santa Rosa was at a loss. Guy at Moran's in Oakland told me it would be cheaper to buy a new one. I paid $1000 for this one! I put it back together and lived with the drip for a year. Took photos and went back to Moran's ( where I had bought it). Different gentlemen helped but couldn't figure it out. He sent me to The Sink Factory. The lovely gentleman there was so helpful and was sure he could help if I brought it in. I live 2 hours away so on my next trip I brought in the neck and cartridge that was in the neck. There were 3 rubber washers, he replaced them. No more leaks!!!! Plus he is just a delight to work with. read more

We were looking for some old school bathroom hardware in renovating our craftsman bungalow. Ragnar runs an amazing shop. You can get cheaper stuff that will break sooner. If you wanna go to the big box store, but Ragnar goes out of his way to find what's going to be just right For your house. Assuming that's the kind of thing you care about. read more

I needed a faucet right away, and was very pleased to buy from a local business. They explained all the options and were nice when I went to the low end. One word of warning: the photos on the website look black, but the faucets are the usual colors, shiny steel by default but they also do brass. read more

Highly recommend !!!! They had the hard to find (support piece) we needed for our clawfoot shower. A true unique Berkeley gem!!! The gentleman that we dealt with was very helpful and patient and the owner was SO very kind and knowledgeable... Such a great guy!!! A WONDERFUL place with so much Berkeley charm!!! THANK YOU AGAIN SO VERY VERY MUCH FOR BEING THERE WHEN WE NEEDED YOU :) read more

The two men who helped me at The Sink Factory were so capable and kind and their kindness made a very bad day considerably better. I am so grateful. read more

I was looking for a pop-up sink stopper for an 80-year-old Eljer bathroom vanity. The pipe style is obsolete, operated by a short pivot rod that lifts the stopper at the edge of the cylinder, unlike the Home Depot standard with a rod that passes through a loop at the bottom of the stopper. Ragnar, the proprietor, pulled out a boxed collection of dozens of such vintage models, all probably ranging from early to mid 20th century. I had scoured the internet for weeks to find something even close, and had considered manufacturing a part. But within 5 minutes I had the right size and Ragnar gave it a refresh at the wire brush wheel to look, oh, only 30 years old. Whether you're a designer looking for a mid-century motif, a plumber determined to rescue an old Berkeley appliance, or just someone fascinated with the history of craftsmanship and the dedication of a seasoned mechanic/maker (Ragnar) to keep an era alive, you have to a make a visit. read more

The screw that holds the gasket seared off from my 100 year old brass Victorian faucet. I went to six different places to find a replacement or fix. Ragnar at The Sink Factory was the only one that could help. He drilled out the old screw, rethreaded, provided a new screw and washer. He only charged me $20! I tried to tip him and he refused. This level of craftsmanship and service is a lost art. read more

We bought this bathroom sink, made by hand by the artisans of The Sink Factory, almost 20 years ago when we bought our house. It was about $350 and took weeks and weeks to receive. Well, we were patient because after all they are artisans and are hand making these carefully from scratch. My pictures should say everything I need to say about the quality of this sink. The cracks started about 10 years ago and have gradually been getting worse. Now there are also tiny chunks missing. The satin nickel metal is also pitted, chipped and worn. The screw down stopper never ever worked to hold the water in. Now that I've taken these close up pics I see that even the polished ceramic finish is dulling and wearing off. The sink is pretty much just used for brushing teeth. It has only been cleaned with soft sponges and Bon Ami powder. We have a cheap Kohler sink in another bathroom that came with our house that looks just about as good as it did 20 years ago. Hell, I've seen 70 year old sinks that don't look anywhere near this bad. I think this Sink Factory sink was made by an AMATEUR--not an artisan. read more

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I was looking to make my 1920s bathroom more period appropriate and got most of what I needed from Sink Factory. Among what I'd purchased was a pedestal sink and compatible faucet, but when the faucet was just a little too tight for the sink, Phil was able to adjust the sink for me in a jiffy. Businesses who are committed to expertise in their arena, integrity, and service are a dying breed. Thank you Phil and Ragnar. read more

I cannot recommend The Sink Factory more highly! During a remodel, we refurbished a clawfoot tub. We were looking for curtain rods as well as a new faucet. We looked online but also went to look at the Sink Factory. I'm so glad we did. Ragnar is so knowledgeable and gave me a sense of the different options. He was willing to have a conversation about the pros and cons. Even better, he's a straightforward, honest businessman. I recently realized I was missing a part and wasn't sure if I never received it or if it went missing during installation. When I called back with the receipt number (as Ragnar suggested), he was generous with me in getting it sorted. I wish there were more stores still around like The Sink Factory! read more

This place is wonderful! My house was built in 1926 and I wanted to remodel my bathrooms in the style of the era. Ragnar was helpful in every way with the remodel. He helped me pick out the perfect pedestal sink to fit in each bathroom. I was unable to find towel bars the correct size and style for my bathroom. So Ragnar suggested refurbishing the old rusty ones. They now look beautiful and fit perfectly. read more

The Sink Factory - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Sink Factory is always friendly and helpful, I have shopped there for years. I went there yesterday to special order an adapter, but they had it in stock, and were able to check and make sure it would fit before I bought it! So much more convenient than ordering online. They can refinish plumbing fixtures, so if you are like me and want everything in matching polished nickel, this is a great resource. We bought an antique bathroom sink, antique faucet for our bathtub, and modern Chicago faucet for our kitchen sink here. We also had them restore an antique bathtub faucet so it works perfectly. They have a lovely showroom of all the kitchen faucet styles and when I changed my mind about the kitchen sink handle style, I was able to quickly exchange it. Also wanted to note that they do wear masks here and follow COVID safety protocols. read more

I needed a part for an old toilet in my very old house. I found it online where it could be delivered tomorrow but I needed it today. I visited one hardware store, called another and then called 3 plumbing supply stores. No one stocked it. Then I called The Sink Factory. They had it! I went right over. Really nice guys. And to my surprise, their price was less than the online marketplace. read more

We wandered into the SInk Factory Saturday and left with the perfect pedestal sink and Chicago faucets. Like our vaguely art-deco California ranch-style abode, these objects are the *real* thing and will last (at least) into the next generation. (And considering that my house has contained five generations under its roof...that's no sniveling matter!) Ragnar was truly magnificent, as a prior reviewer said. Educated us in the intricacies of plumbing without once causing our eyes to glaze over. Told us about the SInk Factory's origins as an off-shoot of "Sunrise Salvage" Which of course, was in my old stomping grounds circa 1965 or so. So...if you like your veggies from a can, if you like your ground beef from a cello-wrapped plastic tub...The SInk Factory may not be for you. I loved it. And I intend to go back again and again. Maybe I'll see you there! Unless, of course...you are heading out to a big box store, in which case, I send you a hearty TAH, TAH...don't forget to shut the door gently. read more

The Sink Factory - From the Sink Factory's website - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have a Victorian house and a Victorian tub. Unless I want to make my environment look tacky as hell, I have to find items that fit the space and compliment the decor. I avoided this store, imagining a huge mark-up and condescending hard-selling. Holy cow, I was so very wrong. First, the guys there are nice, helpful, and I did not see awful mark-ups. They gave me excellent advice, spoke about the pros and cons (including whether the price was worth what one gets), and suggested what I could find used (I'm a bit strapped) and what I cannot or should not get used. Knowing what I know about things for Victorians, they were spot-on. I am saving up for new sinks and you can bet that I'll be buying from them. read more

Fun place to look around. A better place to buy. Great prices and great service! Working with Kathy was a blessing. Sometimes shes even willing to break up sets to give you the single part you want. Who does that?! She's just one of those cool people. I walked out of here getting the shower I wanted for a third of what I would have spent elsewhere. Went to four places before I stopped by here, including others allegedly known for "price and selection." So when she showed me she had the piece I was looking for and she told me the price, I knew I needed to look no further. Thanks, Sink Factory. Did I mention that it's a fun place to look around? They have so much cool stuff. read more

I needed to repair a leaky bathroom faucet in my old house. I went to several plumbing supply stores and they recommended that I head over to The Sink Factory. I spoke with Phil and Ragnar about my situation, followed their instructions on how to remove the faucet stem and cartridge from the wall and replaced the hot and cold faucets with new components. The leak has stopped! I am quite happy. I even helped make a sale while bantering with a customer in the store. Unfortunately, Ragnar did not give me any commission. ; ) read more

Sink Factory has helped me out quite a bit over the years.. Once they restored an Art Deco bathroom sink for my apartment in SF. Then years later when I had a clawfoot tub that was missing a foot, they cast a new one for me in no time flat. I also picked up some really beautiful reproduction bath hardware there that I still love. Now I kinda want an old sink! read more

Needed to upgrade an old faucet and ring for an old claw foot tub. Of course, the sink factory is the place. I had a handyman install it all and it looked great but the shower head continued to leak. After a number of other WaterPik shower head tries, I went to Sink Factory and they loaned me a different shower head to try and yes, that one leaked too. I contacted them today and sent a photo of the set up and they suggested the bushing that connects to shower lifter needed teflon tape. Sure enough, that did the trick! No need to disassemble the whole shabang. Great expert customer service. Thanks Sink Factory! read more

LOVE the Sink Factory! First found it years ago when we bought our first home and wanted to replace the funky tub/shower and sink with something with character. Ragnar got us set up with a great vintage claw foot tub, the cool external-plumbed shower head, and a beautiful pedestal sink. We've been back several times over the years for replacement parts and other projects. One time they even helped us figure out the reason our kitchen sink sprayer wasn't working was because I had reinstalled a part upside down! Great service, great stuff, and always interesting conversation. read more

When you need the sink factory... You REALLY need the SINK FACTORY! My first experience with an overwhelming need for the SF was when I tried to remove the faucets on an old Kohler pedestal sink. Four hours later, I had destroyed everything except the sink, which had square valve holes. Being a young whippersnapper, I wandered around all the salvage places until someone said, 'go to the sink factory.' I took the whole mess down there where I was greeted by a wizardly fellow who uttered these words, "I am here to amaze and amuse you, and if not, to confound and confuse you." The wizard drilled out the square holes, patched a bit of damage, and sold me replacement valves that looked identical, but were new. Sure, he charged money, but he saved my ass because the house was going on the market! I got that sink back in and we sold the house that weekend, just before the market collapsed in 1990. Now I live in a 1922 house with original plumbing. Today, I paid the SF $6 for two washers, about twice as much as Ace charged me for the wrong ones. These washers now prevent the water from leaking down inside of the shower wall, so $6 was a bargain. SF knew all about my old stems and the owner clarified which were the correct parts and what was missing. Plus, I got to pet the nice black kitty. With regard to the owner speaking harshly to employees. This is incorrect. The owner offers work to homeless people, cleaning up, taking apart old plumbing etc. He holds them responsible to do the work he assigns them. He has done this over the years trying to teach them to take responsibility for themselves and their lives. read more

What?!?! How can there be no reviews yet for The Sink Factory? That's crazy! That's nuts!! The Sink Factory is such a Bezerkeley institution. If you are looking for hard-to-find bathroom parts, this is the place to go. If Ragnar the Magnificent doesn't have it, he can probably find it for you. We had an obsolete toilet seat not made in decades and needed an exact match. Yep Yelpers, he found one. Even if you don't need anything, stop in and browse all the cool sink, tub and toilet rarities. And, make sure to pet the friendly cat. read more

Dear Sink Factory, I'm sorry, but our relationship is over. We've bought many a faucet set from you over the years and had you advise on our old plumbing and refinishing our cast iron fixtures. Ragnar used to come out and walk you through the nuances of your half-rusted stopper valve as if nothing could make him happier than to impart his wisdom. You still have a great selection of old parts. But, the last few times we've been by, you've quickly foisted us off on a plumber, handed us a phone number, or brushed by to talk with a contractor. I know your reasons for giving contractors discounts (it's posted on the wall) but it seems like you'd rather work with them than talk to me or the other regular folks who were milling around, waiting for help. Today, we just wanted an old fashioned cap for our tub drain and were told that would be impossible without knowing the make and model of the tub and the original parts (which we had with us - they're just unlabeled). Lucky for us, there's Ohmega and they sell those caps at Home Depot, where the folks were happy to help. The only reason to go here is for Ragnar's experience. If you don't get that, you're better off wandering through Urban Ore. read more

New location, same STUNNING service. The owner has saved me more times than I care to count. It's not just about selling you something, it's about explaining how it works, how it's installed and having you leave with the confidence necessary to do the job. TSF is a gem. read more

Simply the best. They not only know their stuff, they know YOUR (plumbing) stuff as well. This place is a tourist spot for antique plumbing enthusiasts and it is always a delight to stop by and see what's old in the collection. From posh Victorian bidets to Edwardian sitz baths they've got it all. Even plain-old utilitarian claw foot tubs and more pedestal sinks than you can shake a goose-neck faucet at. And, most days of the week (they're closed on Sundays and Mondays), The Sink Factory has plenty of goose-neck faucets to shake. This virtual museum of all plumbed things even has a variety of toilets from way back when they were called by the name of a noted English plumbing manufacturer. That would have been Thomas Crapper. Ragnar can regale you with plumbing history stories like that while dealing with your current plumbing needs. read more

Super helpful and very kind. Thank you for solving all my problems! They literally had EVERYTHING I needed.

If you have a vintage tub and need parts, don't mess around online, make this your first stop (and bring pictures of what you're looking to replace!). The owner's knowledge is amazing. If he doesn't have it, he'll know how to direct you. Plus his inventory is really interesting to look at while he helps other customers. One-of-a-kind shop. read more

Love this place, the owner was quite knowledgeable and got me exactly what I needed. I bought a new shower head my first time there and then went back and got another one for my tennant..fantastic price, great purchase..I will go back read more

Very helpful and knowledgeable. Help me solve my problem with my Rohl faucet. This is the place to go for great service and unique sinks and bathroom stuff. read more

This place is the best for any sink and toilet need. Vintage product, hard to find product, repairs and expert advice are readily available and excellent staff too. Ragnar and Philip have always been super helpful and responsive for all my indoor plumbing needs. Thank you for all your help! read more

I was looking for little caps that fit over the floor bolts on a 1927 toilet. The absence of those little item has been bothering me for years. Omega didn't have them, but they referred me to the Sink Factory. The store seems to do everything whilst I was there I heard salesperson advising a woman on how to replace the legs on her pink 1930's sink. The make sinks, sell sinks and know their merchandise. AND Cathy found the little caps for the toilet . She apologized for their 18$ expense as they are reproductions, but how lucrative can making porcelain bolt caps for toilets be? They have every type of sink available. I tried to find the store before and couldn't, but since they have painted the outside it is much more visible. I'm sorry I didn't find it as they have very good prices. read more

I'm real picky with whom I do business, that's why I use the Sink Factory for all of my plumbing needs. Ragnar, Scott, and Joe have whatever you need and if they don't have it, they'll get it. I recently had a difficult plumbing job (for me) to do and they fixed me up fast, and because it was an easy fix (for them), they gave me the parts gratis! They are patient and really listen to you so that they can fulfill your wildest kitchen or bath needs. Darlings, leave the home depot behind and get some real plumbing service at The Sink Factory. 2140 San Pblo Av. Berkeley 510.540.8193 read more

Ugh, I went in here looking for replacement valves for a shower built in 1912. The guy told me no one makes those valves anymore but he could refurbish them at a cost of $75 each. He also showed me a valve body that cost $300 and when I told them they were both too expensive he got frustrated and told me his rent is $4000 a month. I was able to find the valve brand new at pagano's ace hardware in alameda for $32. If this guy says they don't make it, get a second opinion. read more

When I walked in to The Sink Factory I was taken aback by their incredible selection of vintage bathtubs. The man who helped me was friendly and helpful, but then began berating one of the employees over what seemed to be something fairly insignificant. i was then alarmed as a shouting match started between two of the other employees and decided it wasn't worth it. I'd say if you really want want a restored bathtub or sink you should swing by, but otherwise I'd try your luck elsewhere. read more

This is my very first time to yelp and I never thought about yelping. I had to yelp today because of my experience with The Sink Factory. The interaction with them was so amazing that I must let them know how much I appreciate them. I took a sink faucet valve to Rubenstein Plumbing hoping to have it replaced. I read rave reviews about Rubenstein. The nice staff there told me that they didn't have the part and referred me to The Sink Factory. The moment I walked into The Sink Factory, I was greeted by a very friendly and funny man, who happened to be the owner. His name was Ragnar. He told me that it was the washer needed to be replaced, not the valve. He took the valve to the back and came back with a new washer all replaced for me. He charged me $2.80. I really appreciated his kindness, honesty (not trying to sell me some expensive replacement), and just very pleasant! I walked out of the store feeling really good about the experience and I needed to give this store a 5 stars yelp review. I put the valve back in the sink, and it stopped leaking! It worked!!! Thank you, Ragnar. You made my day!!! read more

About 10 years ago I made my first trip to the Sink Factory, and ever since then I look for excuses to go there. Why? Because Ragnar, its owner, is so entertaining and knowledgeable. Because the inventory is a treat for anyone who likes vintage stuff. Because the shop where they fix and fabricate things is fun. Because I always get affordable solutions; sometimes cheap versions of the real thing, sometimes the best they've got, and often repairs to what I've got. I acquired a 100 y/o house last year and have made numerous trips since. Moments ago Ragnar resolved a nagging concern. I called and asked if he'd heard of RECO. He had. I asked if there was a means to make my 2 tap basin faucets RECO compliant. There is. I learned that the solution restricts the flow in the feed to the tap. They have them in stock as they sell them all the time. Once again The Sink Factory has come through. I don't need to buy a new sink or new faucets; instead I've got an economical means to make my bathroom sinks meet the standards of Berkeley's Residential Energy Compliance Ordinance (RECO). read more