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

I totally get wanting something that lasts, but I always wonder if the extra cost and effort really pays off in the long run.

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? I’ve gone down the vintage rabbit hole a couple times - once with an old Kohler faucet from the 60s that looked amazing but needed a new washer every year. Parts were a scavenger hunt, and I’m not sure my wallet or patience came out ahead. On the other hand, my neighbor’s 1950s toilet is still going strong, barely a hiccup in decades.

Newer stuff is definitely easier when it comes to finding parts, and you don’t have to worry about weird thread sizes or discontinued valves. But sometimes the build quality just isn’t there. I had a modern “budget” faucet that started leaking after three years, which felt like a joke compared to the old brass ones.

I guess it comes down to how much you value the look and feel of vintage versus the convenience of modern. For me, I’ll mix and match - vintage where it counts, new where I don’t want headaches.

- Totally get the vintage appeal, but man, chasing down parts for old fixtures is like a full-time job sometimes.
- I’ve had decent luck with Toto toilets - super reliable and not too fussy.
- For faucets, I lean toward Moen or Delta. Not the fanciest, but parts are everywhere and they don’t seem to mind hard water as much.
- Honestly, I’d rather swap a washer than replace a whole faucet every few years... but my patience has limits.
- Sometimes I wonder if “they don’t make ’em like they used to” is just nostalgia talking, or if it’s actually true.

I hear you on the Moen/Delta thing - I've had decent luck with both, though I swear some of the newer models feel lighter than the older stuff. Anyone ever tried repairing a modern faucet and thought, “Wait, this is just plastic?” Makes me wonder if durability is really improving or just changing. Curious if anyone’s had a newer brand surprise them in a good way?

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

You’re not imagining it - the weight difference is real. I replaced a 1970s American Standard faucet last year, and the thing was heavy enough to use as a boat anchor. The new Moen I put in looked sharp but felt like a toy by comparison. I get why they use more plastic now (cost, corrosion resistance, all that), but it does make you wonder how these’ll hold up in 30 years.

Had a similar moment with a Kohler kitchen faucet recently. Popped it open to fix a drip and was surprised at how much of it was plastic under the chrome finish. But, to be fair, it’s been two years and no leaks or issues so far - maybe the materials are better than they look.

I do miss the old-school brass guts though. Those things just kept going with a little TLC. Still, I guess if the newer stuff lasts ten years without fuss, maybe that’s the trade-off now... Just wish they felt as solid as they used to.

Yeah, that weight difference is wild, right? I had the same reaction swapping out a 1980s Delta for a newer model - felt like I was trading in a cast-iron skillet for a plastic lunchbox. But honestly, you’re not wrong about the trade-off. The new stuff might not have that “forever” feel, but if it’s leak-free and easier to maintain, maybe that’s not so bad. Plus, less brass and more plastic does mean less mining and energy use, which is a small win for the environment. Still, I totally get missing that old-school heft... there’s just something reassuring about it.