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

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

Totally get what you mean about “eco” fixtures that end up being more eco-annoying than eco-friendly. I’ve seen some so-called water-saving faucets that basically just dribble and make you want to scream. Moen’s been a solid pick for me too - those cartridges are like the cockroaches of plumbing, they just keep going. Ever tried Kohler for sinks? I’ve had a few clients swear by them, but I’m always a little suspicious of anything that looks too pretty... Is it just me, or do the fancy ones break faster?

- Had a Kohler faucet in the kitchen for about eight years - still works, but the finish started flaking after five. Functionally solid, but yeah, the “designer” lines seem more fragile.
- Delta’s been weirdly reliable for me. Not flashy, but zero leaks or issues so far.
- Agree on Moen cartridges - they just don’t quit.
- Those ultra-sleek faucets look great until you need to find a replacement part... then it’s a nightmare.

- Seen a lot of Delta and Moen outlast trends and fads - totally agree, they’re not flashy but they just work.
- I’ve noticed some of the newer “matte black” finishes scratch or chip way faster than chrome or stainless. Anyone else seeing that?
- I’m curious - has anyone tried those touchless faucets long-term? I keep getting asked about them, but I’m not sure how they hold up after a few years.

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

I’ve had similar thoughts about those matte black finishes. They look sharp at first, but I’ve seen a couple in friends’ houses where the finish started to wear off around the handles after just a year or two. I’m not sure if it’s the cleaning products or just normal use, but chrome definitely seems to hold up better in my experience. Stainless is a close second, though it can show water spots if you don’t wipe it down.

On the touchless faucet thing - has anyone run into issues with the sensors getting finicky over time? I installed one in my kitchen about three years ago (Kohler, I think), and it’s mostly been great, but every now and then it’ll just stop responding until I reset it. Not a huge deal, but I wonder if that’s just par for the course with the tech, or if some brands are more reliable than others. Also, battery changes are a bit of a pain if you forget about them.

I’m curious if anyone’s tried the newer “smart” toilets or bidet seats. Are they actually worth the extra cost, or is it just another thing to break down the line? I’ve stuck with basic Toto and American Standard models for years because they’re easy to fix and parts are everywhere, but I keep seeing those fancy models popping up in remodels. Do they really last, or is it just more stuff to maintain?

And speaking of longevity, has anyone noticed a difference in how long the internal parts last between brands? Like, do the fill valves or flush mechanisms on Kohler or Delta toilets actually outlast the cheaper ones, or is it all pretty much the same once you get past the marketing? Sometimes I wonder if it’s just luck of the draw...

I’ve stuck with basic Toto and American Standard models for years because they’re easy to fix and parts are everywhere, but I keep seeing those fancy models popping up in remodels. Do they really last, or is it just more stuff to maintain?

You’re not wrong about sticking with the basics - Toto and American Standard have a solid track record for a reason. I’ve installed a few of the “smart” toilets and bidet seats, and honestly, while the features are cool, there’s definitely more that can go wrong. When something does break, replacement parts aren’t always as easy to source as with the standard models. As for internal parts like fill valves, I’ve noticed Kohler tends to use proprietary designs that can be pricier to replace, but Delta’s internals seem a bit more universal. Still, sometimes it really does feel like luck of the draw - one unit lasts forever, another needs tinkering after a year or two.