Plumbing Fixtures 101: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom plumbing system?

That’s exciting, but let’s face it—choosing plumbing fixtures can feel a little overwhelming. 

You want your space to look amazing and function perfectly, but where do you even start? 

Before you call your favorite bathroom renovation service, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about plumbing fixtures.

Let’s learn about what plumbing fixtures are and how to pick the best ones for your home.

What are Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings?

First things first—what exactly are plumbing fixtures and fittings?

Plumbing fixtures and fittings are the parts of your home’s plumbing system that you see and use daily. These components include sinks, taps, toilets, showers, and even the bathtub. 

These are the pieces you use daily, and they’re what make your water system work.

Fittings, on the other hand, connect the pipes to your fixtures and make sure water flows smoothly where you need it. Without them, your shiny new faucet wouldn’t do much good!

Here’s why this matters: choosing high-quality fixtures and fittings ensures your home looks great and works flawlessly. Plus, they can save you money in the long run by being more durable and efficient.

What are the Most Common Plumbing Fixtures?

Let’s look at some of the most popular plumbing fixtures you’ll likely need in your remodel. Whether you’re building from scratch or remodeling, these are the must-haves:

1. Toilets

Toilets are probably the most important fixture in your home.

There are so many options for toilet fixtures now, like dual-flush toilets that help save water or sleek wall-mounted designs for a modern vibe.

When choosing a toilet, think about comfort and water efficiency. Think also about the cost that it’ll incur for the installation and maintenance.

Want to know more about how toilets work? Check out our guide to the toilet cistern.

2. Faucets

Now onto faucets. You might not think much about them, but they can totally change the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom.

Do you want a classic look? Go for brushed nickel. Want something modern? Matte black is trending right now.

And it’s not just about looks. Some faucets also have features like touchless technology or water-saving settings.

If you’re curious about faucets, take a peek at these types of taps to get some ideas.

3. Showers

The next important thing about the water fixtures is the showers.

Whether you’re into handheld sprayers, luxurious rain showerheads, or something with built-in jets, there’s a shower design for everyone.

Before you purchase a showerhead, think about your water pressure.

Knowing the water pressure can help you get only a water drizzle when you’re actually expecting a downpour.

4. Sinks

Sinks aren’t just functional—they’re a big part of your home’s style.

For kitchens, farmhouse sinks are popular, but under-mount or double-bowl sinks are the other great options you can go to. In bathrooms, pedestal sinks or sleek vessel sinks can add character.

Again, because there are a lot of options for sinks, you should check the prices. This is to make sure that the cost it’ll incur is within your water fixtures budget.

How to Choose the Right Plumbing Fixtures

Now that you know what’s out there, how do you choose? These are the tips for you to consider:

1. Pick the Right Materials

Picking the right materials for the water fixtures is easy. Our pro tip is to stick with durable materials.

Stainless steel and brass are great for faucets because they resist rust and last forever.

For sinks, look for ceramic or fireclay. These are tough and very easy to clean.

If you’re wondering how these materials work with your water system, you can learn more in our guide to types of hot water systems.

2. Match Your Style

You’ve got to think about how your fixtures will fit into your space.

Are you going for a modern, minimalist vibe? Look for sleek designs in chrome or matte black.

If your style is more traditional, bronze or brushed nickel might be a better match.

Here’s a tip: pick fixtures that complement each other. Mismatched styles can throw off the whole look of your space.

3. Prioritize Functionality

Style is important, but you also want fixtures that make your life easier.

Think about what you use most. A pull-down sprayer on a kitchen faucet? A must if you cook a lot. A dual-flush toilet? Perfect for saving water.

And don’t forget maintenance. Choose fixtures that are easy to clean and have replaceable parts.

4. Consider Your Budget

Again, when picking plumbing fixtures, think about getting the best value for your money. 

Durable materials like brass or stainless steel might cost a bit more upfront, but they’ll last longer and save you from frequent repairs.

Fancy features like touchless faucets or water-saving options can seem pricey, but they’ll help cut your water bills in the long run.

Don’t forget to check warranties—trusted brands might be more expensive, but they usually mean better quality.

And here’s a tip: spend a little extra on fixtures you’ll use every day, like your kitchen faucet, and save on ones you won’t use as often.

Conclusion

Choosing plumbing fixtures doesn’t have to be stressful.

With a little planning and the right advice, you can create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and perfect for your needs.

Need some help making it all happen?

Our team at Neighbourhood Plumbing is here to help with everything from bathroom plumbing system makeovers to plumbing vent solutions.

Your remodel is going to be amazing—let’s make sure your fixtures are too!

Contact us today, and see how we can make it easy and quick for you.