Which Fixture Should I Buy & Where Should I Buy It?

(Blog by Next Level Plumbing’s Owner & Master Plumber: Byron Thomson)

A lot of people ask me if they can just buy their fixtures at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
The short answer is that yes, you can, we can install what you purchase provided it fits with the plumbing is there.

But the real answer is a little more complicated.

What is the difference?

You can go to a local plumbing supply store and find a faucet you like, then go to Home Depot and find the exact same faucet for cheaper. So why would you choose the supply house faucet?

Here’s the Catch!

In many cases, the manufacturers make models specifically for Lowe’s and Home Depot. They may be the same model name, but the serial number is different because they are not made exactly the same. The amount of difference can vary, but the general idea is that one model is made to be cheaper and has one or more plastic parts instead of brass, or a lighter grade of brass. They look the same, have the same model name, but are not the same faucet unless the serial numbers line up exactly.

What does that mean for you?

It depends on what you want with your purchase. Do you want to buy the fixture to last longer? Is a cheaper upfront option the better fit for you? There are no guarantees as to exactly how long each will last, but the idea is that the higher quality ones will last longer and be worth it in the long run.

So for the next project you come across, either way, you chose, now you can make a more informed decision for your household upgrade!

Interested? Curious to know more? Let us know! You can continue to read more of Byron’s blogs by clicking the links below.

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