Have you decided to replace your old plumbing fixtures or are you renovating a new bathroom? What do you need to consider when choosing plumbing fixtures? With such a huge choice it is difficult not to be confused. Therefore, we prepared a review with expert advice. The time has come in your life to buy new plumbing? To make the right choice, you should first understand what to look for when choosing such necessary household items. It is better to make a purchase prepared.
That is why we decided to collect for you a series of recommendations and tell you what types of plumbing and what you should pay special attention to.
A harmonious combination
Going shopping, remember that the bathtub, toilet and bidet (in the combined version), shower stall, and sink must be combined with each other. The materials, style, and quality of all plumbing are important. Moreover, it is extremely important to take care of and preventive care of the plumbing. Many people need a plumber now, simply because they forget about prevention.
The main requirements when choosing sanitary ware – are convenience, comfort, hygiene. And here the style, shape, and size are chosen to depend on personal preferences and the peculiarities of space.
Do not forget about the quality of products. After all, you will not install them for one year. For each type of sanitary ware, there are their own requirements. Read more about Tips To avoid Your Water Pipes Freezing This Winter.
What kind of sanitary ware is better to choose
The most popular washbasins and toilets are made of porcelain or faience (porcelain, sanitary ware). What is the main difference between them? Externally, they are very similar. But there is a difference between them.
Faience sanitary ware has a beautiful appearance, is lightweight, and is relatively inexpensive. Its surface is characterized by porosity.
Porcelain products look very smooth because the way the material is fired is different. It is more resistant to temperature changes and takes care of porcelain more conveniently since sludge and dirt do not remain on it. If the room is unheated, it is better to give preference to porcelain sanitary ware. It is more expensive than faience products, but also heavier.
Let us also highlight a number of other materials that are used in the manufacture of sanitary ware.
Composite products. They are characterized by increased strength compared to other materials. They are not afraid of mechanical impacts and chemical substances. Externally, they are similar to the granite surface. Have excellent smoothness and shine. They require minimal care because they do not pick up dirt. The disadvantages include their high cost.
Marble. It is considered an expensive, luxurious, and durable material. But due to its porosity, additional care is required, as marble surfaces get dirty quickly.
Glass. A trendy material because it creates an attractive ambiance in the bathroom. In terms of durability, it can compete with faience and porcelain. In the manufacture of such sanitary ware, there are higher requirements for hardening and strength. Requires constant care, since the glass shows any stains, drips. Washbasins will have to be wiped dry daily.
Sinks: how to choose
Since sinks come in different shapes and mounting methods (tulip, shaped, wall-mounted, and cascade), then first of all pay attention to the holes for the mixer. Different types of sinks have different sets of faucet holes, and there are quite a few to choose from.
Pay attention to the fact that the sinks with a safety hole against overflow (overflow) of water are equipped with special fasteners and their own trap. Your choice of sink also depends on the size of the room. On small spaces, corner models or recessed options are appropriate.
Toilets: what to look out for
If you have a water meter at home, give preference to a model with a half-flush in order to save money. To ensure that the water flows all around the edge of the toilet, it is better to buy a product with a circular drain. Another very important nuance: Consider when buying a toilet at what angle is the sewer pipe. There are options at an angle and straight. So, choose the toilet bowl under the parameters that you have at home. Otherwise, there will be time-consuming work on the fitting of pipes.
How to choose a bathtub or shower tray
Cast iron, steel, or acrylic? What is better to choose sanitary ware?
Cast iron. An old, proven material, but very heavy. Its advantage over others is that it keeps heat for a long time. Therefore, you can wash in such a bath for a long time and leisurely. If it is hit by heavy objects, chipping can occur.
Steel. It is considered a lighter and cheaper material. If too thin steel was used when making the product, the walls may sag. It heats up quickly and cools down just as quickly. So for a long time, you can not soak in such a bath.
Acrylic. A wonderful modern material. It is distinguished by its lightness and excellent characteristics. Long retains heat but is not resistant to scratches. Therefore, special cleaning agents are required for care.
Conclusion
Usually on quality sanitary ware manufacturers give a quality guarantee. When buying any products, find out whether they have a warranty, and most importantly, do not forget to make it in the store. An important factor when choosing to plumb – its manufacturer, so often asked the question, what company plumbing is better to choose. If you find it difficult to decide, focus on the world leaders in the industry.
How to Pick a Faucet
Check the faucet holes in your sink before you buy a faucet. Sinks have one, two, or three holes, and the faucet must match. Check the spout height and reach. A tall spout is good for a vessel sink. A short spout fits a shallow sink. Look for a WaterSense label. A WaterSense faucet uses 1.5 gallons per minute or less. Pick a finish that matches the rest of the bathroom. Chrome is easy to clean. Brushed nickel hides water spots. Matte black looks modern but shows soap marks. A single-handle faucet is easy to use with one hand. A two-handle faucet lets you set hot and cold separately.
Save Water with the Right Toilet
A dual-flush toilet has two buttons. One flush uses less water for liquid waste. The other uses more for solid waste. A WaterSense toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less. Older toilets can use 1.6 gallons or more per flush. Measure the rough-in before you buy. The rough-in is the distance from the wall to the center of the drain pipe. In most US homes it is 12 inches. If your rough-in is different, a standard toilet will not fit. Check the angle of the sewer pipe too. Some toilets connect at an angle and some connect straight. Buy the type that matches your home.
Before You Buy: Measure and Check
Measure the space before you buy anything. A bathtub, a sink, and a toilet all need room around them. Leave room to open doors and drawers. Check the water supply lines and the drain position. If the new fixture does not match the old pipes, you may need new pipes. Check the warranty. A good maker gives a warranty on the fixture and on the finish. Ask if spare parts are easy to get. A cheap fixture can cost more later if parts are hard to find. Buy from a known maker when you can.
When to Call a Plumber
You can change a faucet or a shower head yourself if the pipes already fit. Call a licensed plumber when the job moves pipes or drain lines. Call a plumber if there is no shut-off valve, or if the fixture leaks after you install it. A plumber also knows the local code. Some jobs need a permit. A plumber can tell you which ones. Do not force a pipe to fit. A forced pipe can crack and leak inside the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What material is best for a sink and toilet?
Faience is porous and costs less. Porcelain, also called vitreous china, is fired at a higher heat, so it is denser, smoother, and more resistant to stains. Composite and marble are strong and look rich, but they cost more and need more care.
How do I pick a faucet?
Match the faucet to the holes in your sink. Check the spout height and reach. Look for a WaterSense label, which means the faucet uses 1.5 gallons per minute or less.
How can I save water with my toilet?
Pick a dual-flush model or a WaterSense toilet, which uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less. A half-flush for liquid waste saves water every day.
What should I check before I buy a bathtub?
Check the material. Cast iron keeps heat but is very heavy. Steel is lighter and cheaper but cools fast. Acrylic is light and keeps heat, but it scratches easily. Measure the space first.
Do I need a plumber to install fixtures?
You can change a faucet or a shower head yourself if the pipes fit. Call a licensed plumber when the job moves pipes or drain lines, when there is no shut-off valve, or when a fixture leaks after you install it.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Sizes, water use, and rules vary by location. Check with a licensed plumber and your local building office before you start work.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026