Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Chrome flange and pop-up pitted and faded

Hi. I don't like the look of my chrome flanges and pop-ups in the bathroom sinks anymore. They are faded and pitted. I am not sure if the cleaner service I contract used too abrasive of a cleaner or the occasional drain cleaner did the chrome damage. I took apart one of the pop-up assemblies and have found references to the stopper part being for sale, but not the flange. Do I have to replace the entire pop-up assembly to get a new flange? The current assemblies are in good shape and are about 8 years old (age of house). Is there a way to repair the chrome instead even? Also, when I put the sink trap back on, should I use some type of plumber tape or something on the threads to get a water tight seal? I read that I need to use plumbers putty on the flange, but anything else I should be aware of when I reassemble everything? Thanks!

I have not seen just the flange sold. They usually come with the drain kit. Damage may have been caused by the cleaning crew or it was just a bad chrome application from the factory. You should not need any pipe compound on the threads for the drain. These are usually slip-joint and the seal is made with a rubber or plastic gasket that fits inside the nut when tightened. I use teflon tape on the tailpiece when replacing. These are fine threads so it doesn't take more than two wraps of tape. Good luck.

Thanks so much for the extremely fast response! I guess I'll buy the assembly and replace the whole thing. And I'll make sure the cleaning crew uses something non-abrasive!