Frequently Asked Questions

Every time someone corners me during remodel season, it’s the same: “Why did my expensive faucet break?” “Is this brand actually any good?” The answer is usually no. Designer fixtures break, leak, or just make everyone miserable, and for reasons that make no sense. Even brands you’d expect to trust can be a nightmare.

What are the plumbing fixture brands that experts suggest we stay away from?

Ever stood in a supply aisle staring at boxes with fake Euro names? Plumbers know the drill: Glacier Bay, Pegasus, random Amazon specials—these get swapped out all the time. Once, I had to dig through a wall because a customer wanted some obscure model that looked “fancy” online.

Ignore the influencer tours. Real-life data (and Family Handyman) says discount brands fall apart right when you think you’re done. Good luck finding replacement cartridges. Warranty? Sure, but try getting someone on the phone.

Can you name some high-end bathroom fixtures that are more trouble than they’re worth?

My friend’s still mad about this glass vessel sink with “invisible” mounting hardware—looked amazing, leaked in a week. High-end, sure. Practical? Not at all. I’ve lost a whole Saturday to a $700 sensor faucet that only worked if you flailed your arms like you were fighting a ghost.

Ask any plumber and they’ll groan about those artsy waterfall faucets or the ultra-modern wall toilets. Maintenance nightmares. “For that price, it should work” is the joke, but honestly, just finding someone willing to repair it is a challenge.

Which popular bathroom fixtures are plumbers often warning against?

People love those giant multi-jet shower panels—promise you a spa, deliver a soaked floor and endless calcium buildup. Nobody mentions the floor damage after a year. Buzzfeed’s got a list if you want to see the carnage.

Ultra-low flush toilets? Designers love them, but plumbers see double the clogs. One of my buddies says, “It’s not water savings if you’re plunging every week.” Try explaining that to someone who just watched their wall paint bubble.

Are there specific luxury faucets that have a bad reputation among professional plumbers?

I’ve replaced way too many touchless faucets from “premium” brands—usually after the fifth “Why won’t this work?” call. Contractor forums always mention Kohler Moxie and some Moen electronic models. They’re supposed to impress guests, but I’d rather fix two regular faucets than mess with control boxes again.

And don’t get me started on finishes. Chrome’s safe, but everyone wants brushed gold—until the water spots show up. Vinegar helps, but don’t blame your plumber.

What shower fixtures do professionals advise against installing and why?

Handheld showerheads with “decorative” hoses? Guaranteed to twist into knots. Saw a rain shower panel leak into a brand-new ceiling once because nobody noticed a hidden joint needed special sealing. Colleagues say: avoid brands you can’t pronounce and hardware that needs custom valves.

Sometimes it’s just “don’t chase the latest thing on TV.” One bad diverter and you’re opening up a wall. I’d rather chase a squirrel than another leak from a too-fancy spa shower.

Are any top bathroom brands known for being problematic from a plumber’s perspective?

Honestly? Yeah, plenty. It’s wild how even the so-called “top” brands just lob out total nightmares sometimes. American Standard—don’t get me started. Everyone acts like they’re bulletproof, but then you stumble across the Cadet 3 and its flush valve that makes zero sense. I’ve stood there, tools in hand, just staring at it like, “Why? Who thought this was a good idea?” And Delta? I mean, their stuff looks sharp, but those weirdly fragile plastic bits—one wrong move and you’re basically playing bathroom Jenga with your nerves.

And what’s the deal with all these quick-connect supply lines? I swear, someone in a boardroom said, “Let’s see how many plumbers we can send into an existential crisis.” Half the time, I’m wrestling with some new connector and wondering if I’m on a hidden camera show. Oh, and don’t even get me started on those fixtures with unique cartridges—sure, you can get a replacement… until you can’t. Suddenly, your “timeless” faucet is just, I don’t know, an expensive paperweight. Was it even worth it? I honestly can’t tell anymore.