A Plumber Reveals How to Buy the Right Bathroom Fixtures
Fixtures are the standout features in your bathroom. A plumber shares how to get your selections right from the start
You know the style of bathroom you want and you’ve got your plans all sorted. It’s now time to choose your bathroom taps and fixtures so the plumber can rough in the services to suit the new layout. Before you set your heart on a specific fixture, however, here is what you need to know to ensure you choose well and avoid any plumbing headaches in the future.
Help your future self
To drive home the importance of choosing quality brands in the bathroom, I say it’s all about thinking about your future self. There will come a time when your toilet cistern will need to be serviced, and if your plumber can’t source the parts because you’ve bought an unknown brand of toilet suite, you will be up for the purchase price, installation (and labour) costs of getting a new toilet. These are costs you want to avoid, and you can if you get your selections right from the start.
Choosing a known brand is helping your future self from receiving expensive plumbing bills down the line. There have been many times as a plumber that I’ve come across an unusual toilet suite, and it has taken more time than usual to get the parts back into the cistern. The labour time has had to be included in the invoice.
Well-known brands are familiar to plumbers, and this prevents them from having to spend more time on a job than necessary. It could have been a fairly straightforward fix if a better quality of fixture had been chosen.
Tip: If on a tight budget, focus the bulk of your money on a quality brand of tap and toilet suite rather than other elements in the bathroom, as these are the items that will require servicing in the future.
To drive home the importance of choosing quality brands in the bathroom, I say it’s all about thinking about your future self. There will come a time when your toilet cistern will need to be serviced, and if your plumber can’t source the parts because you’ve bought an unknown brand of toilet suite, you will be up for the purchase price, installation (and labour) costs of getting a new toilet. These are costs you want to avoid, and you can if you get your selections right from the start.
Choosing a known brand is helping your future self from receiving expensive plumbing bills down the line. There have been many times as a plumber that I’ve come across an unusual toilet suite, and it has taken more time than usual to get the parts back into the cistern. The labour time has had to be included in the invoice.
Well-known brands are familiar to plumbers, and this prevents them from having to spend more time on a job than necessary. It could have been a fairly straightforward fix if a better quality of fixture had been chosen.
Tip: If on a tight budget, focus the bulk of your money on a quality brand of tap and toilet suite rather than other elements in the bathroom, as these are the items that will require servicing in the future.
Buy from a reputable plumbing supplier
One of the best things you can do for your bathroom and for your future self is purchasing your fixtures from a reputable supplier. Reece Plumbing and Tradelink are the two main plumbing suppliers in Australia. A plumber will source most of their plumbing fixtures from these reputable suppliers because they keep records of their purchases, which is very useful when it comes to warranty issues. Our plumbing business always uses Reece Plumbing, but we have been looked after by other suppliers previously.
Some fixtures or taps don’t live up to their warranties, and it can be a stressful issue to deal with if a client has lost their warranty paperwork. Reece’s paperwork system saved many headaches as they could find when the item was purchased and advise if the item was under warranty or not. Once the paperwork was found, the supplier could organise a replacement or a warranty service, as they deal direct with the suppliers of that brand.
Browse blissful bathrooms for inspiration
One of the best things you can do for your bathroom and for your future self is purchasing your fixtures from a reputable supplier. Reece Plumbing and Tradelink are the two main plumbing suppliers in Australia. A plumber will source most of their plumbing fixtures from these reputable suppliers because they keep records of their purchases, which is very useful when it comes to warranty issues. Our plumbing business always uses Reece Plumbing, but we have been looked after by other suppliers previously.
Some fixtures or taps don’t live up to their warranties, and it can be a stressful issue to deal with if a client has lost their warranty paperwork. Reece’s paperwork system saved many headaches as they could find when the item was purchased and advise if the item was under warranty or not. Once the paperwork was found, the supplier could organise a replacement or a warranty service, as they deal direct with the suppliers of that brand.
Browse blissful bathrooms for inspiration
Look for the WaterMark certification
Another benefit of buying taps and fixtures from a reputable plumbing supplier is they will supply products that have the WaterMark certification. It’s important that all plumbing and drainage products in Australia – that includes taps and fixtures – have the WaterMark approval. If your chosen products don’t have that stamp of approval, you should not be buying them as your plumber cannot install them.
Another benefit of buying taps and fixtures from a reputable plumbing supplier is they will supply products that have the WaterMark certification. It’s important that all plumbing and drainage products in Australia – that includes taps and fixtures – have the WaterMark approval. If your chosen products don’t have that stamp of approval, you should not be buying them as your plumber cannot install them.
Consider future maintenance
White fixtures are classic, but over the years, there has been an increase in the use of natural or cast fixtures in the bathroom. While the white ceramic basin is a popular choice for many, there are those that love the look of concrete or stone. Before you get your heart set on one of these alternative materials, ensure you know the care that is required to maintain them.
For example, cast-stone fixtures can easily dent and stain if their exterior surface is not well maintained. Also, the colour of these fixtures can change over time. Thankfully, their surfaces can be sanded and refinished so they look as good as new. But will your future self do this? Consider whether you have the patience to maintain the fixtures in your bathroom. There is a reason why white ceramic is a popular choice for bathrooms – they are easy to clean and require very little upkeep.
Tip: Check with your supplier for information on the maintenance routine needed to keep your fixtures in the best shape.
White fixtures are classic, but over the years, there has been an increase in the use of natural or cast fixtures in the bathroom. While the white ceramic basin is a popular choice for many, there are those that love the look of concrete or stone. Before you get your heart set on one of these alternative materials, ensure you know the care that is required to maintain them.
For example, cast-stone fixtures can easily dent and stain if their exterior surface is not well maintained. Also, the colour of these fixtures can change over time. Thankfully, their surfaces can be sanded and refinished so they look as good as new. But will your future self do this? Consider whether you have the patience to maintain the fixtures in your bathroom. There is a reason why white ceramic is a popular choice for bathrooms – they are easy to clean and require very little upkeep.
Tip: Check with your supplier for information on the maintenance routine needed to keep your fixtures in the best shape.
Choose fixtures that work within your defined space
It’s important to consider the space in your bathroom when choosing fixtures. Will that freestanding bath fit in the width of your ensuite? Will the basins work with that upcycled vanity?
These questions can be answered easily by using your own measurements or using the services of an architect. They are knowledgeable in ensuring you choose the right fixtures that will work in the space that has been defined by your bathroom.
Find a local architect to help with your build
It’s important to consider the space in your bathroom when choosing fixtures. Will that freestanding bath fit in the width of your ensuite? Will the basins work with that upcycled vanity?
These questions can be answered easily by using your own measurements or using the services of an architect. They are knowledgeable in ensuring you choose the right fixtures that will work in the space that has been defined by your bathroom.
Find a local architect to help with your build
In summary
The key points to remember when choosing fixtures for your bathroom are to choose quality, buy from a reputable supplier and ask those in the know – such as your plumber – what they recommend.
Often, your heart can get set on a particular fixture that might seem expensive. While a cheaper alternative may be great for the budget in the beginning, it could be a regrettable decision in the future. Middle-of-the-range is always best. It’s what plumbers are familiar with, and the parts for these fixtures are often more affordable when servicing is required.
It’s important to be confident with your selections, so always ask your supplier questions so that you can make the best, most informed selections at the time.
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Read more renovating advice before you get started
The key points to remember when choosing fixtures for your bathroom are to choose quality, buy from a reputable supplier and ask those in the know – such as your plumber – what they recommend.
Often, your heart can get set on a particular fixture that might seem expensive. While a cheaper alternative may be great for the budget in the beginning, it could be a regrettable decision in the future. Middle-of-the-range is always best. It’s what plumbers are familiar with, and the parts for these fixtures are often more affordable when servicing is required.
It’s important to be confident with your selections, so always ask your supplier questions so that you can make the best, most informed selections at the time.
Tell us
If you found this story helpful, like it, save it, and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Read more renovating advice before you get started
Fixtures and taps are one of the more controlled expenses in a bathroom new build or renovation. There are so many variations in price when it comes to fixtures and taps, but style is as important as the price. And often it can be tempting to choose the cheap fixtures from an unknown brand. But take it from this plumber, it’s important to buy a quality brand. This is because you want to find longevity in the brand itself in case of warranty issues.
Cheaper brands may also have a short warranty period. A brand that caters for middle-of-the-range to more top-notch fixtures is my recommendation to purchase from, because they offer variety and their warranty will be sound.
Tip: Ask your plumber what brands they suggest for the fixtures you’re considering. Tell them what brands you are thinking of and ask for their thoughts. Plumbers have a good idea of what fixture brands to steer clear of.
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