Replies

1. 
   unclemike42 | Dec 06, 2023 02:03pm | #1

   The big box stores tend to carry specific part number toilets. the same thing goes for major appliances.

   You can look online at Home Depot and Lowes and compare part numbers. (sometimes even the brand names are different.)

   If you like, you can compare part numbers. and have a chat at the plumbing house of your choice.

   I have looked at general plumbing fittings, and who is cheaper varies with the part and location.

2. 
   treeparkcontracting | Dec 08, 2023 01:03pm | #2

   As a remodeling contractor but not a plumber. I have installed a wide range of used, new, supplier provided, big box provided, off brands from ?.

   In my experience I find just as many defects in the big box brands as the supplier provided ones, usually in the glaze.

   The plumbing supply versions generally demand a higher cost, but, come more assembled (reservoir through-bolts and rubber washers in place) and the valve is usually setup closer to where it needs to be. I find the big box versions need more assembly and fiddling with valve setup, I dislike setting up dual flush toilets.

   Recently I sent back an American standard bowl from the supplier due to a black mark in the glaze, The replacement looked good but I still had to grind a lump of porcelain off the bottom to make it sit flush.

   I have found quality control has gone down with building materials across the board post-pandemic. But that's just my 2$ (not 2 cents, you know because of inflation)

3. 
   liamwillson | Dec 09, 2023 06:27am | #3

   Toilet fixtures from big box stores and plumbing supply houses of the same brand are often identical. However, there might be variations in models or features, so it's advisable to check specific product details and compare before making a purchase.

4. 
   calvin | Dec 09, 2023 07:04am | #4

   For most jobs, I referred clients to visit my preferred suppliers to pick out fixtures. This gave me the pleasure of dealing local where there was usually no wasted time on orders, exchanges, involving product delivery and quality.

   Problem? Taken care of in a no BS manner.

   In addition, the locals were always there, except for death, retirement or vacation. Over 50 years I’ve experienced all the above and sadly, the closure of a few. A half dozen local lumberyards have gone away. This probably hurts the most……..I’ll add hardware stores. No pre-packaged shrink wrapped pcs.

   There were rumors that if you took the “same” faucet from a local supplier and weighed it in your hands against a box store……you felt the difference. Don’t know about that,

   Occasionally I’ll run into an employee or owner of a supplier, past or present. Can’t say a box employee ever bought a round.

   Sorry for the nostalgia.

5. 
   bing0328 | Dec 09, 2023 06:42pm | #5

   Calvin,

   Not nostalgia, just the way it's suppose to be