Hey everyone! I'm currently remodeling my bathroom and can't decide on what type of faucets and showerheads I should buy. There are so many options at different prices—from budget ones that look nice to high-end ones that can be 5 to 10 times more expensive. I want to invest in something that will last long-term because I really don't want to deal with issues like corrosion or finishes peeling off, not to mention having to replace fixtures in just a few years. So, does shelling out more cash actually give me better quality and durability? What materials should I be looking at, like solid brass or stainless steel, and which ones should I steer clear of? I'd appreciate any real-world advice or recommendations. Thanks a lot!
11 Answers
My best tip: go to a showroom and handle the products. If you’re working with a plumber, they likely have connections for sourcing too. Feel the weight—if it’s heavy, it’s probably metal and durable. Just avoid big box stores and Amazon where you’ll typically find more plastic parts.
I once bought some cheap $16.99 showerheads from Amazon to match my fixtures. They’re all plastic but perform surprisingly well. The metal Moen faucets I chose are definitely worth the extra money, especially since I don’t have to worry too much about hard water issues in my area!
Make sure the shower cartridge can be accessed from the front. I bought a cheap one, and when it failed, I ended up damaging my wall. It’s frustrating when you expect something to last longer. Stick to reputable brands and spend accordingly for quality—"buy once, cry once" really rings true here!
I recommend visiting a plumbing showroom. The staff there know their stuff and can help you consider options you might overlook. I replaced my kitchen sink and faucets after getting great advice from an associate. You’ll also get to physically compare different brands and styles. Good luck with your remodel!
I usually take a balanced approach for bathroom hardware. For hard-to-reach parts like shower diverters, I go with brands like Delta or Moen. But for things that are easy to access, I’ll buy budget-friendly options from places like Amazon. So far, I’ve done three renovations this way without issues!
Buying from a plumbing distributor instead of a big box store is a game changer. The items at big box stores often contain more plastic parts, whereas those at plumbing distributors are usually built with more metal for solid construction. When I redid my kitchen, I chose a $600 faucet from a distributor, and it’s way better than the $300 versions sold at big box stores.
Definitely avoid cheap brands that aren’t well-known. They tend to break often and you won’t find replacement parts easily. I’ve had good luck with Moen and Delta for budget options. For higher-end, I love Grohe; their products are really reliable and the finishes last much longer. Just steer clear of brands like Glacier Bay if you can!
Look for solid brass construction with no plastic parts. From my experience, the price often relates to style more than functionality, but paying for good construction is worth it.
I just wrapped up my bathroom remodel with California Faucets. They’re a bit pricey, but the quality is worth it—everything is metal rather than plastic, and they offer a lifetime warranty. My plumber said they’re top-notch, and they look stunning!
We went for higher-end hardware in our bathroom remodel and it looks fantastic. The quality is definitely built to last, which I really appreciate.
Honestly, my $150 Delta shower head isn’t any better than my $30 Amazon one in terms of performance.
Just wait until you need replacement parts or customer support, though!
Delta has a great lifetime warranty and their customer service was easy to deal with!