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Older faucet fixtures may have some corrosion, leaving them stuck. Try a few techniques to loosen the fixtures.

• Wrap the fixture with a towel and tap the base with a hammer.

• Use a putty knife to gently remove any caulk that may be holding the handle or fixture in place.

• Apply a few drops of penetrating oil around the base of the fixture or around the nuts.

• Purchase a faucet pulling tool to pop the fixture loose.

There are several types of sink drain stoppers, including pull-out, twist-and-pull, and pop-up. Pull-out sink stoppers can be removed by pulling on the stopper until it comes out of the drain. A twist-and-pull design requires lifting then turning the stopper to lock it in an open position and the opposite action (turning, then pressing down) to close it. A pop-up sink stopper works by pushing down the drain cover to open or close the passageway. 

The best material to use will depend on your budget and style goals. Fireclay is a great choice but is expensive and heavy. Stainless steel is less expensive and more durable, but lacks the wow factor a clay sink might. Copper is very expensive but lasts a long time and has a striking appearance. Those looking for an industrial look can go with concrete, or those looking for a classic design might choose porcelain.

The biggest sign that your flange leaks is if you notice water at the base of the toilet. The cause is likely due to a poor flange installation, so you might have issues with loose bolts, an uneven flange, or a cracked plastic flange. Add a deteriorating wax seal to this, and you have a recipe for disaster. The best solution is to shut off the water valve, replace the toilet flange, and seal it with a new wax ring.