I’ll admit, some of the new Deltas are solid, but I still have PTSD from a “budget-friendly” faucet in one of my rentals that started leaking after six months. Tenants called it the “dribble stick.” Maybe I just attract lemons, but I swear the 90s Moens in my own house could survive a zombie apocalypse. It’s a gamble, but I’ll take old-school brass over plastic any day... unless you like surprise plumbing projects.
- Been there with the “budget” faucets—had one in a flip that started leaking at the base after just a few months. Not fun crawling under a sink at midnight because tenants can’t shut the water off.
- I get the nostalgia for old Moens. The ones in my parents’ house are still kicking after decades, and the handles feel solid, not flimsy like some of the newer stuff.
- That said, I’ve had decent luck with newer Kohler models. They’re not all brass, but the valves seem to hold up, and parts are easy to find. Still, I always check for metal internals before buying—plastic threads are just asking for trouble.
- For toilets, Toto’s been my go-to. Never had one clog or leak, even with kids in the house.
- Honestly, I’d rather pay a bit more upfront than deal with “dribble stick” drama later. If it feels light or plasticky out of the box, I put it right back on the shelf.
- Sometimes I wonder if it’s just luck of the draw, but yeah, old-school brass wins for me too... unless you’re into surprise water features in your bathroom.
I hear you on the “budget” faucet pain. Had a shiny no-name special in my 1920s powder room—looked great for six months, then started leaking from every joint like it was auditioning for a water park. Ended up tracking down an old American Standard at a salvage yard, and that thing’s been rock solid ever since. There’s just something about the heft of those older fixtures.
If it feels light or plasticky out of the box, I put it right back on the shelf.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve learned to trust my hands over the marketing on the box. The new Moens don’t feel quite like the ones in my grandma’s kitchen, but they’re still better than most. Kohler’s been hit or miss for me—one bathroom set is flawless, another needed a cartridge swap after two years.
On toilets, Toto really is tough to beat. I’ve got one that’s survived three kids and a parade of houseguests without so much as a hiccup. Sometimes I wonder if we’re just chasing that “they don’t make ’em like they used to” feeling... but when you find something solid, it’s worth hanging onto.
If it feels light or plasticky out of the box, I put it right back on the shelf.
That’s my rule too—weight tells you a lot. I’ve been burned by those “chrome” specials that turn out to be just shiny plastic. You’re right about Moen. The older stuff was basically bulletproof, but even now, it’s still a safer bet than most of the off-brand stuff. Kohler’s been a mixed bag for me as well—sometimes you get a winner, sometimes you’re swapping parts way too soon.
Toto toilets are tanks. I’ve put them in a couple rentals and they just keep going, no drama. I do think some of the nostalgia for old fixtures is real—there’s a reason those salvage yard finds are still around. But honestly, if you find a modern piece that feels solid and works, hang onto it. Not everything new is junk, but you gotta be picky.
Funny, I used to think the heavier the better too, but then I picked up a “solid” faucet that weighed a ton and still leaked after six months. Maybe I just got unlucky, but now I look for brass internals and good reviews more than just heft. I do agree about Toto toilets—they just work. I wish all brands were that consistent. The salvage yard comment hits home... those old fixtures are built like tanks, but finding parts can be a pain.