- Totally agree on the copper lines—never had one fail on me, and I’ve seen some that are older than I am still going strong.
- Those braided stainless hoses are a gamble. I’ve had a couple go bad at the crimp, too, and it’s always at the worst possible time (like, right after you leave for the weekend).
- As for “premium” faucets, it’s wild how some brands make it nearly impossible to get inside without special tools. Makes you wonder if they want you to just buy a new one every few years...
- For longevity, I stick with basic Moen or Delta. Not flashy, but parts are everywhere and they’re easy to fix.
- Water quality probably plays a part, but honestly, sometimes it just feels like a roll of the dice.
I’m with you on Moen and Delta for basic reliability. I’ve swapped out a few “designer” faucets that turned into a headache down the line—seems like the fancier they look, the harder they are to fix. Curious if anyone’s found a toilet brand that holds up long-term? I’ve had mixed luck with Kohler; Toto seems solid but pricier. Wondering if there’s a sweet spot between durability and cost...
Wondering if there’s a sweet spot between durability and cost...
Honestly, I haven’t found much that beats Toto for long-term reliability, even if they sting a little up front. I hear you on Kohler—some models are decent, but I’ve had flappers and fill valves go bad way too soon. If you’re flipping or just want something that won’t make you curse in five years, American Standard’s Cadet line is worth a look. Not as bulletproof as Toto, but a lot less hassle than the “designer” stuff. Sometimes boring is better.
Yeah, I’m with you on Toto—hard to kill those things. But I’ve actually had decent luck with some of the newer Kohler models, maybe I just got lucky? The Cadet line from American Standard is a solid middle ground, though the finish isn’t as nice as Toto’s in my opinion. Ever try Gerber? Not flashy, but I’ve put ’em in rentals and they just keep chugging along. Sometimes I wonder if brand matters less than just avoiding the super cheap stuff...
Honestly, I think you’re onto something—brand matters, but only up to a point. I’ve had Gerbers in a couple of duplexes for years and they just work, no fuss. Kohler’s been hit or miss for me, though. Ever notice differences in repair parts availability between brands? That’s tripped me up more than actual failures.
