I’ve been a master plumber for over 25 years, and I’ve watched “green plumbing” evolve from a buzzword to the baseline. Today, specs for new builds in both residential and commercial plumbing supply and more often lead with water savings, low-embodied carbon, and long-term serviceability. That’s not just feel-good—smart owners know that conserving water and energy protects budgets, reduces callbacks, and future-proofs properties against tighter codes. At Plumbing Supply And More (PSAM), we curate the eco-friendly fixtures and materials that perform in the real world, not just on paper. If you’re searching for a plumbing supply store, plumbing supply shop, or even a plumbing supply house near me that actually stocks what pros need, this is where the job gets easier.
Before we dive in, a quick truth from the field: sustainability that fails on durability isn’t sustainable. Don’t gamble on decorative imports or “eco” labels without certifications and service parts. That’s where PSAM’s product vetting and technical knowledge save you from costly rework.
Why “Eco-Friendly” in Plumbing Now Means Performance First
Eco trends aren’t new, but the performance bar is. WaterSense-certified lav faucets at 1.2 GPM that still feel like 2.2? Dual-flush toilets that clear on the first push? That’s the new normal. I push brands that prove it in daily use: Toto, American Standard, Kohler, Sloan, Chicago Faucets, Zurn, and Uponor for piping systems. When a hotel client asks if a 1.0 GPF commercial toilet will hold up, I show them Sloan ST-2459 bowls paired with Flushometers like Sloan Royal 111-1.0 and tell them where they’ve been working flawlessly. Want specifics? We stock Toto Drake (CST776CEFG) with Tornado Flush—1.28 GPF, MaP ratings north of 1,000 grams. It’s a tank-and-bowl set that performs without endless callbacks.
I won’t recommend a “green” product unless the parts and service are supported. At PSAM, that means spec sheets on-hand, rebuild kits on the shelf, and installers who have actually set these fixtures. And yes, we can walk your maintenance team through settings, flow restrictor swaps, and code approvals. That’s why, when you search plumbing supply near me or closest plumbing supply, you’ll find our technical hotline gets calls from GCs and facility teams across the region.
- Pro tip: Aim for WaterSense labels on residential fixtures and look for ASSE/ASME listings on commercial devices. Proper documentation makes plan review smoother and insurance happier.
Low-Flow Faucets and Showers That Don’t Feel “Low”
A fixture’s flow rate is only half the story—the engineering behind aeration and spray pattern matters more for user satisfaction. I lean on:
- Faucets: Delta Trinsic and Ashlyn lines with WaterSense 1.2 GPM, Moen M-CORE platforms, American Standard Serin and Studio S. Aerators like Neoperl PCA keep streams stable even with pressure fluctuations. Showers: Speakman Optimus, Kohler Awaken 1.75 GPM, and Moen Eco-Performance 1.75 GPM provide a strong spray without the “needle” feeling some low-GPM heads cause.
Installation tip: Check your actual static and dynamic pressure before blaming the head. Many “weak” showers are a supply issue. Confirm 45–60 PSI dynamic; upsizing a run or clearing a partially closed stop can transform performance.
Price ranges:
- WaterSense lav faucets: $120–$350 residential; $180–$600 commercial. Low-flow showerheads: $40–$160 depending on finish and spray tech.
Bold truth from the trenches: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components—we carry the correct flow regulators, OEM cartridges, and vandal-resistant aerators that keep these fixtures performing long-term.
High-Efficiency Toilets: The Real Winners and What To Avoid
Toilets are where “eco” meets reality. Poor picks show up as double-flushes, clogs, or unhappy tenants. I’ve installed and serviced thousands. When someone searches for a plumbing supply house or plumbing shop near me for a toilet that just works, I point them here:
- Gravity-fed champions: Toto Drake (CST776CEFG) with 1.28 GPF; American Standard Champion Pro (4215A.104 + 211AA.004) with 1.28 GPF and a 4" flush valve. Commercial: Sloan Floor-Mount with Royal or Regal flushometers at 1.1 or 1.28 GPF; Zurn ZTR sensor valves paired with Zurn EcoVantage bowls.
Avoid mismatched flushometers and bowls—an all-too-common issue from general retailers. The bowl and valve must be engineered for the same GPF and trapway geometry. Our counter team can check your valve model and bowl spec in minutes, saving you hours of troubleshooting.
Costs and timing:
- Residential high-efficiency toilets: $250–$650 plus install; install is a 1–2 hour job if the flange is healthy. Commercial flushometer upgrades: Valve bodies run $240–$600; pair with compatible bowls ($180–$350). Retrofits are a half-day per restroom bank with shutoffs planned.
And here’s my field-proven bottom line: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we won’t send you out with a 1.0 GPF valve on a 1.6 GPF bowl. That’s how callbacks happen.
Piping Materials: PEX, Copper, and Recycled Content—What’s Greener, Really?
There’s a lot of buzz about “green pipes.” Here’s the reality I’ve learned across multifamily, healthcare, and custom residential:
- PEX (Uponor/Wirsbo ProPEX, Rehau): Lower embodied energy than copper, fewer fittings due to home-run systems, reduced leak points. Insulate hot runs and recirc loops to capture real energy savings. We stock Uponor EP fittings, brass, and expansion tools (M12 FUEL expander kit). Copper (Type L, K): Infinitely recyclable and unmatched for high-temp and medical gas, but higher embodied carbon and price volatility. Where copper is required (boiler rooms, certain code specs), we carry lead-free, ASTM B88-certified. PVC/CPVC: For drain, waste, vent, and some hot water (CPVC CTS). Charlotte Pipe, IPEX. Ensure solvent cements are low-VOC and code-compliant.
Need a LEED letter for recycled content or EPDs? We can source documentation. For large campuses, we design PEX home-run manifolds to reduce stagnant water zones—a public health and water conservation win.
Regional code note: In our area, check with the AHJ about PEX in commercial plenum spaces and firestopping details. We provide submittals and penetration seal systems that pass inspection the first time.
Here’s what sets us apart: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll help you size recirc pumps, spec insulation thickness, and choose balancing valves that keep the loop lean.
Smart Valves, Leak Detection, and Water Management
If you want a “green” facility, start with leak prevention. I’ve seen single pinhole leaks run $20,000 in damages. Smart shutoff and monitoring pays for itself.
- Moen Flo (900-001) and Phyn Plus (2nd Gen): Whole-home monitors with auto-shutoff, learning algorithms, and app-based control. Great for property managers and seasonal homes. Commercial: Zurn ZW5000 series pressure reducing valves and Zurn Connected products, Sloan BASYS faucets with integrated usage tracking, and Watts IntelliFlow for laundry. Point protection: LeakSmart and Honeywell Resideo sensors for high-risk areas.
We keep replacement valves, unions, and service kits in stock—because a sensor without readily available parts is a liability. Remember, smart valves need Wi-Fi and a solid power source; we can spec battery backups and hardwired installs.
Price ballpark:
- Residential auto-shutoff packages: $350–$850 plus install (1–2 hours if accessible). Commercial monitoring kits: $1,200–$5,000 per mechanical room depending on scope.
When Home Depot and Lowe’s don’t have the adapters, you wait days. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More—we’ve got the brass unions, dielectric transitions, and sweat-to-press fittings you need that day.
Water Heating: High-Efficiency Choices That Actually Pencil Out
I’ve swapped more leaky tanks than I can count. If you’re serious about eco performance, look at these options:
- Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH): Rheem ProTerra and AO Smith Voltex Hybrid. Coefficients of performance around 3.0 mean serious energy savings. Great for garages/mechanical rooms with adequate air volume. Duct kits help in tight spaces. Condensing Tankless: Rinnai RU Series (RU199iN), Navien NPE-240A2. 0.95+ UEF, built-in recirc logic on some models. Pair with isolation valve kits and flush ports—descaling annually is the difference between 5-year and 15-year service life. Commercial: Lochinvar and Bradford White eF Series, A.O. Smith Cyclone Mxi for high-demand balanced with efficiency.
Pro tip: Don’t shove a heat pump water heater into a small closet without makeup air—you’ll tank performance. Ask our team to calculate clearance and airflow. We can also size recirc loops with smart timers so you’re not pumping 24/7.
Cost ranges:
- HPWH: $1,400–$2,400 unit; install 4–6 hours with condensate and electrical considerations. Condensing tankless: $1,200–$2,100 unit; install 6–10 hours including venting and gas upsizing checks.
If you’re browsing plumbing supply online or plumbing supplies direct, make sure you’ve got venting accessories and condensate neutralizers in the same order. We bundle kits so you don’t stall out on install day.
Sustainable Drainage: Traps, Carriers, and Greywater Basics
You can’t talk eco without addressing what goes out. I’ve seen too many projects blow their savings with foul-smelling traps or undersized carriers.
- No-Prime Traps and Trap Primers: PPP and Sioux Chief trap primers keep floor drains healthy without wasting water. In commercial kitchens, pair with stainless floor sinks and indirect waste to stay compliant. Carrier Systems: Zurn and Josam wall carriers keep fixtures accessible for maintenance, reduce leaks, and hit ADA clearances reliably. Greywater: For single-family, start with laundry-to-landscape or code-compliant systems where allowed. For multi-tenant, engineered solutions with filtration and disinfection. Always check local codes—we provide code references and stamped submittals.
Looking for a plumbing and heating supply or heating plumbing supply near me that understands interceptors, vents, and stormwater tie-ins? Our team does plan takeoffs and provides the right primers, cleanouts, and test plugs—no guesswork.
And yes, we stock plumbing parts like trap seals, primer valves, cleanout covers, and test balls. If you need plumbing spares near me, we’re ready with the parts wall pros expect.
Finishes, Materials, and Responsible Manufacturing
Eco-friendly isn’t just flow rates—it’s sourcing, finishes, and coatings that last. I steer homeowners and designers toward PVD finishes from Delta, Kohler, and Brizo—they’re far more scratch resistant and reduce replacements. Lead-free brass that meets NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 is standard for potable water components; we verify listings on every potable SKU we bring in.
For decorative plumbing supply, choose brands with published EPDs and take-back programs. We work closely with Toto, Grohe, and Hansgrohe for finishes that pass the five-year test, not just the five-minute showroom shine. And when clients ask for cheap plumbing supplies, I explain the difference between commodity and value: buy it once, install it right, support it forever.
If you’re comparing suppliers, here’s a frank take: Unlike Ferguson, Grainger, or even SupplyHouse.com, Plumbing Supply And More pairs selection with hands-on technical guidance you can’t download. We’re the local plumbing supply with real mechanics behind the counter. And yes, we beat big boxes on total job value—no mid-project returns for missing adapters, no rework for mis-spec’d models.
Contractor Logistics: Inventory, Delivery, and Code Confidence
Pros need reliability. We maintain the largest eco-focused inventory in the region and back it with same-day delivery within a 60-mile radius, plus emergency runs for shutdowns. If you’re a property manager, we’ll set par levels and bin labels for your maintenance room so your team actually finds the parts they need. Contractors running multiple jobs can tap our bulk pricing and managed will-call—grab-and-go with your spec packs ready.
- Need a wholesale plumbing supply partner who gets RFIs and submittals right? That’s us. Looking for contractor plumbing supply with net terms and project-based pricing? Ask about our contractor account program. On a deadline at 6:30 a.m.? We keep a 24 hour plumbing supply contact line for true emergencies and will open early for critical pickups.
And one more bold truth: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—submittal packs, install guides, and code references that help you pass inspection the first time.
Buying Smart: Where Pros Save Without Cutting Corners
Everyone loves a deal, but false economy costs more. I help customers balance durability, parts availability, and rebates:
- Tap local and utility rebates for WaterSense toilets, HPWHs, and smart shutoffs. We’ll help you document it. For fleets of units—say, a 120-unit multifamily—standardize on one cartridge platform to simplify spares. Mix finishes smartly: Use premium finishes in high-touch areas and standard chromes behind the scenes.
If you’re searching “ economy plumbing supply,” “ discount plumbing supplies,” or “ cheap plumbing supplies,” let’s talk lifecycle cost. The faucet that fails at year two isn’t cheaper—especially when your labor is on the line. We also ship for customers who prefer plumbing supply online, internet plumbing supply, or plumbing supplies direct—but keep the phone nearby. Our techs will confirm compatibility before anything leaves the dock.
And yes, we serve all segments: commercial plumbing supply, wholesale plumbing supply company, and consumer plumbing supply all under one roof. If you’re looking for city plumbing and electrical supply style convenience with real plumbers at the counter, you’ll feel at home here.
FAQ: Straight Answers from the Field
- What are the best eco-friendly toilets for minimal callbacks? I specify Toto Drake (CST776CEFG) or American Standard Champion Pro for residential; Sloan + Zurn combinations for commercial. Pair bowls and valves correctly—1.0 with 1.0, 1.28 with 1.28. We stock parts and waxless seals for faster service. Do low-flow showers actually feel good? Yes—if you choose right. Look for 1.75 GPM heads from Kohler, Moen, or Speakman with engineered spray plates. If pressure is low on-site, we’ll test dynamic pressure and recommend adjustments. We also carry pressure-boosting solutions when needed. Is PEX better than copper for sustainability? Often, yes, due to lower embodied energy and fewer fittings. But copper wins in high-temperature mechanical spaces and where code requires it. We’ll help you design mixed-material systems with proper transitions and dielectric separation. How do smart leak detectors integrate in multifamily? Use mainline shutoffs at the unit level (Phyn or Flo), plus sensors under sinks and laundry. Tie into building Wi‑Fi or local gateways. We can furnish spec sheets and coordinate with your low-voltage contractor. Expect 1–2 hours per unit for install once the process is dialed in. Will a heat pump water heater work in a cold garage? Usually—if there’s enough air volume and you plan for condensate handling. We’ll check clearances and discuss ducting warm air from adjacent spaces. If it’s truly tight, consider high-efficiency condensing tanks or tankless.
Final Word from Rick: Make “Green” Work for You, Not Against You
Eco-friendly plumbing isn’t a compromise anymore—it’s a performance upgrade when you choose wisely. I’ve built “Rick’s Picks” at PSAM around fixtures, valves, heaters, and materials that install clean, pass inspection, and keep maintenance simple. If you’re searching for a plumbing supply company, plumbing wholesale near me, or a trustworthy plumbing supply places partner that understands codes, specs, and jobsite realities, you’ve found the right bench.
- Visit our showroom to see the quality difference—compare spray patterns, feel the valve action, review spec sheets. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations—we’ll size, spec, and stage your order. Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery for qualifying orders. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll pull and tag your will-call. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, from expansion fittings to vent terminations.
Here’s the promise, plain and bold: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components; while other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise; compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support; when Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ferguson, or SupplyHouse.com fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. That’s how we serve contractors throughout the region with true local plumbing supply expertise—the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge and the parts to back it up.
When you’re ready to make eco-friendly choices that stand the test of time, come see us—the best plumbing supply partner for pros, serious DIYers, property managers, and retail customers who expect more from their general plumbing supply.