Swapping out old faucets and toilets - what brands actually last?

Toto toilets really are the gold standard - haven’t had a callback on one yet. I’ll say I’m not quite as sold on Moen as you are, though. Their cartridges are usually fine, but I’ve run into a couple that were a pain to get out if there’s any mineral build-up. Delta’s been more forgiving in those cases, at least in my experience.

Kohler’s finishes do look sharp out of the box, but yeah, the brushed nickel just doesn’t hold up. Seen plenty of pitting and dull spots after a few years, especially in bathrooms with hard water. Honestly, for faucets, I lean toward Delta for reliability and easier repair down the line. For toilets, it’s Toto or bust. Haven’t found anything else that just works and keeps working without fuss. Some of the newer brands talk a big game, but I haven’t seen anything to make me switch yet.

Swapping out old faucets and toilets - what brands actually last?

Couldn’t agree more about Toto - those things are tanks. For folks looking to make swaps with longevity in mind, here’s what I usually suggest:

1. Stick with Toto for toilets, especially if you want fewer headaches down the line. They’re water-efficient too, which is a bonus if you’re watching your usage.
2. For faucets, Delta’s been my go-to as well. The parts are easy to find, and repairs don’t turn into a weekend project. I’ve had similar issues with Moen cartridges getting stuck, especially in older homes with hard water.
3. If you’re worried about finishes, especially in high-mineral areas, consider going with chrome instead of brushed nickel. Chrome seems to hold up better over time - less pitting and easier to clean.

One thing I’d add: if you’re swapping out fixtures anyway, it’s worth checking for WaterSense labels. Saves water and usually means less mineral build-up over time. Just my two cents...