Supply House Spotlight: Water-Saving Toilets and Faucets

Water costs aren’t slowing down, and neither are code requirements. I’ve installed and specified more toilets and faucets than I can count over 25 years across residential and commercial jobs. When efficiency is done right, you don’t sacrifice performance—you save on utilities, avoid callbacks, and keep tenants and homeowners happy. That’s the lens I use for every product in Rick’s Picks at Plumbing Supply And More. And yes, there’s a big difference between bargain-bin fixtures and true professional-grade water savers.

Before we dive in: visit our showroom if you’re anywhere in our service radius—same-day delivery within 50 miles, next-day beyond that. Need a spec sheet or flow test comparison? Call our technical team and we’ll walk you through options that meet your local code and your budget.

Why Water-Saving Fixtures Actually Perform Better Today

Low-flow used to be a dirty word. In the late ’90s, I swapped out more 1.6 GPF toilets for “underperforming” early models than I care to admit. The difference now is engineering. Today’s 1.28 GPF and even 1.0 GPF toilets use redesigned bowls, trapways, and pressure profiles to move waste efficiently with less water. On the faucet side, laminar devices and pressure-compensating aerators maintain a strong, clean stream at 1.2 GPM and below.

    Pro tip: When comparing, look beyond GPF/GPM. Check MaP scores (toilet performance testing), flush valve type, and trapway diameter. For faucets, look for WaterSense certification, ceramic cartridges, and serviceability.

Here’s where we stand out: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components with proven test data, rebuildable internals, and parts availability. When performance matters, we curate, not just list SKUs.

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The Toilets I Trust: Models, Specs, and Real-World Results

I’ll name names because that’s what you need when you’re on a job and the clock’s running.

    TOTO Drake (CST746CEMFGN) 1.28/0.8 GPF Dual Flush: 1000g MaP rating on full flush, Tornado flush, CeFiONtect glaze for easier clean. Elongated, universal height. Street price usually $320–$460 depending on seat and color. American Standard Cadet Pro (215CA.104) 1.28 GPF: 2-1/8" trapway, PowerWash rim, MaP up to 1000g. Great for property managers—parts are easy to stock. Typically $225–$325. KOHLER Highline (K-3999) 1.28 GPF: Class Five flush, reliable canister valve, durable hardware. Usually $280–$380. Niagara Stealth (N7717) 0.8 GPF single flush: If you’re chasing maximum water savings, the Stealth’s vacuum-assist design is legit. Pair it with a good supply line and you’re set. Expect $220–$300.

In multifamily retrofits, I’ve seen Niagara Stealths cut water bills by 20–30% within a cycle—no joke—and drastically reduce overflow incidents compared to old flappers. For high-traffic commercial restrooms, we’ll often spec Sloan pressure-assist bowls with Flushmate (e.g., Gerber Avalanche Pro with Flushmate 1.0 GPF). They’re loud, but bulletproof in restaurants and schools.

If you’ve ever replaced a fill valve twice in a year, you already know why we push OEM parts and upgraded supply lines. Our team will kit these correctly for you. And if you’re searching for a plumbing supply near me that actually stocks the right rebuild kits, that’s us.

Faucets That Save Water Without Annoying Users

A weak, sputtering stream turns into a maintenance complaint every time. The trick is pressure compensation and cartridge quality.

    Moen Genta (84603) 1.2 GPM bath faucet with 1255 Duralast cartridge—smooth handle travel, easy re-seal, and widely available cartridges. Usually $120–$180. Delta Trinsic (3559-MPU-DST) 1.2 GPM widespread with Diamond Seal Technology—integrated supply lines reduce leak points. Expect $250–$380. Chicago Faucets 540 Series for commercial lavs—1.5 GPM or 0.5 GPM options with vandal-resistant aerators and AB1953 compliance. $200–$350 depending on trim. Sloan Optima EAF-150 sensor faucets—0.5–1.0 GPM options with top-mount electronics for easier service. $350–$650 depending on config.

Kitchen sinks? A 1.5 GPM sprayer that still rinses well is the sweet spot. We often recommend the Delta 9113-AR-DST Essa at 1.5 GPM or Moen 7594 Arbor. Both have reliable pull-down hoses and strong spray patterns. We stock aerators and service parts at our plumbing supply store—no waiting two weeks for a tiny part like you’ll face with internet-only vendors.

When you’re comparing suppliers, remember: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we test aerator patterns and carry the cartridges you’ll actually need.

Codes, Certifications, and What Inspectors Look For

If you’re serving contractors throughout our region, you need to speak code. We do. We’re tracking:

    EPA WaterSense for 1.28 GPF toilets and 1.2 GPM lav faucets. UPC/IPC compliance on trapway sizes, venting, and flush volumes. ADA/ICC A117.1 for universal height and lever handle compliance where required. CalGreen and local drought ordinances—some jurisdictions now require 1.0 GPF in new commercial builds and 1.2 GPM max lav faucets.

Ask our counter team for WaterSense labels and spec sheets with pressure/flow curves. We’ll flag when a 1.0 GPF toilet is safe for your vent and drain layout—or when you should step to 1.28 for longer runs. That’s where our plumbing supply house expertise saves you from callbacks.

And yes, we keep code-compliant options in stock for quick pickup—your reliable local plumbing supply with real knowledge, not just a shelf full of mismatched boxes.

Installation Realities: What Pros and DIYers Need to Know

Let’s talk time and tools. A toilet swap with new flange bolts, wax ring (or waxless seal), and supply line is a 60–90 minute job for a pro, 2–3 hours for a careful DIYer. Faucet replacements run 45–120 minutes depending on access and supply shutoffs.

Practical tips:

    Always replace the supply line when you replace the toilet—stainless braided, 3/8" compression to 7/8" ballcock, quality brand like BrassCraft. For faucets, use quality braided supplies and never overtighten onto angle stops—hand-tight plus a quarter turn. Use a proper support block on wall-mount faucets; don’t trust drywall anchors. We carry the rough-in valves and brackets at our plumbing supply shop. Bring photos of your shutoffs and under-sink layout. We’ll match compression vs. sweat vs. PEX adapters at the counter—fast.

When Home Depot or Lowe’s shelves don’t have the depth you need, remember: When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for the right valves, adapters, and extension kits.

Real-World Case Studies: Savings, Satisfaction, Fewer Callbacks

    48-unit multifamily retrofit: Swapped aging 3.5 GPF units to TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF with soft-close seats and Moen 1.2 GPM lav faucets. Water bills dropped 29% over 90 days, maintenance calls related to toilets fell by 70%. We provided palletized delivery and labeled stacks by building—something you won’t get from a generic plumbing supply online marketplace. Restaurant restroom upgrade: Sloan Optima sensor faucets at 0.5 GPM and Sloan Regal closet flushometers at 1.28 GPF with water-efficient bowls. Result: better hygiene, fewer clogs, consistent flow even at rush. Our team pre-calibrated the sensors to local line pressure—a service you won’t see at a standard plumbing supply counter. Custom home: KOHLER Highline paired with Delta Essa kitchen and Brizo Rook bath trim. WaterSense compliant across the board while still maintaining a premium feel. The homeowner visited our showroom to compare spray patterns—“night and day” versus imported lookalikes from internet plumbing supply sites.

We’ll coordinate with your schedule, including early morning pickups and emergency runs. If you’re searching for a 24 hour plumbing supply, call ahead—we have on-call solutions for contractor accounts.

Choosing the Right Supplier: Inventory, Support, and True Cost

Price tags don’t tell the whole story. The true cost includes callbacks, supply house part availability, and install time. That’s why we carry rebuildable cartridges, OEM flush valves, and brass—not plastic—angle stops.

    Need bulk pricing? Our contractor accounts beat the e-comm “specials” once you factor delivery and time saved. Ask about our contractor discount program. Require spec packages? We assemble submittal sheets for GCs and property managers—fast. Same-day delivery? Within 50 miles, we make it happen. That’s how a wholesale plumbing supply company should operate.

Let’s be honest: Ferguson, Grainger, SupplyHouse.com, and Amazon all have their place. But Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support at the counter and on the phone. We know the parts. We stock the right kits. And we answer when you call.

Brands, Models, and Parts We Keep on Hand—And Why

We’re picky for you. Our racks include:

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    Flush valves: TOTO TSU99A.X, Fluidmaster 400A Pro Series, Korky 528MP. Fill valves and flappers: Korky red seals for chlorine resistance, Kohler GP1083167 canisters. Aerators: Neoperl pressure-compensating 1.2 and 1.5 GPM, vandal-resistant for commercial. Angle stops: BrassCraft G2 series quarter-turn, sweat and compression, 5/8" OD and 1/2" nominal. Supply lines: 12"–24" stainless braided with brass nuts, no zinc-plated imposters.

If you’re shopping plumbing supplies direct or hunting “ cheap plumbing supplies,” be careful—subpar seals and mixed-metal connections are a recipe for leaks and callbacks. We’re not the cheapest; we’re the least expensive over the life of the install. That’s the difference with a true plumbing supply company that stands behind a quality guarantee.

And yes, you’ll find a curated decorative line, too—our decorative plumbing supply section includes WaterSense trims and finishes that hold up in real bathrooms, not just in the catalog.

Service Areas, Delivery, and Local Know-How

We provide local plumbing supply expertise across the metro and surrounding counties—builders and maintenance teams rely on our stock depth. Expect:

    Same-day delivery within 50 miles; scheduled runs up to 150 miles. Jobsite delivery windows so your crew isn’t waiting. Code-savvy guidance for local inspectors’ preferences—what flies in City A sometimes needs a tweak in City B.

If you’ve ever searched “ plumbing supply store near me” or “ closest plumbing supply” and been disappointed by a counter that doesn’t know WaterSense from a washer, try us. We’re the best plumbing supply option for pros who value uptime.

And to address variety: from general plumbing supply to commercial plumbing supply, contractor plumbing supply, plumbing and heating supply, and even heating plumbing supply near me queries—we’ve got you covered. Need oddball plumbing parts or plumbing spares near me? Our bins are deep. Looking for economy plumbing supply lines for budget units? We have reliable options that won’t backfire. Want premium? Our showroom showcases the good stuff without the hype.

You’ll also find:

    Wholesale plumbing supply Plumbing wholesale near me Plumbing supply house near me Economy plumbing and heating supply Consumer plumbing supply Coastal plumbing supply alternatives for corrosion-prone installs City plumbing and electrical supply coordination for mixed trades Contractors plumbing and fire supply referrals when fire code overlaps Direct plumbing supplies and plumbing supplies supply for volume projects And yes, we understand what “ supplyhouse plumbing” sells—we carry the pro equivalents with in-person support.

FAQ: Water-Saving Toilets and Faucets

Q: Do 1.0 GPF toilets clog more than 1.28 GPF? A: Not if you choose the right bowl and trapway. Models like the Niagara Stealth (0.8 GPF) and Sloan pressure-assist bowls maintain evacuation velocity. For long horizontal runs or older cast mains, I often recommend 1.28 GPF like the TOTO Drake for a safety margin. Ask us for a site-specific recommendation.

Q: What’s the best faucet flow rate for a residential bath? A: 1.2 GPM hits the sweet spot: strong enough for rinsing, efficient enough to meet WaterSense. Use a pressure-compensating aerator, and choose brands with readily available cartridges like Moen, Delta, or Chicago Faucets for commercial lavs.

Q: Will my water bill really drop with these upgrades? A: Yes. We regularly see 20%–35% reductions in multifamily and 10%–20% in single-family after upgrading toilets and lavs. Kitchens contribute less to total water, but the right 1.5 GPM spray still saves without sacrificing performance.

Q: Are “no-name” online fixtures worth it? A: If you can’t get replacement parts in two days, skip it. A faucet without a known cartridge or a toilet with a proprietary, unfriendly flush mechanism becomes a liability. We stock service kits and OEM parts—the difference between a 15-minute fix and a full replacement.

Q: Do I need a plumber to install these? A: Toilets are DIY-friendly with basic tools and care for wax alignment; faucets are similar if shutoffs function and there’s room to work. If you’re dealing with corroded stops, uneven flanges, or tight vanity access, call a pro. Our team can recommend licensed contractors who buy from our plumbing supply house.

Q: How fast can you get me parts or fixtures? A: Toilets, faucets, and common parts are in stock. Same-day delivery within 50 miles, and we’ll special order uncommon finishes with realistic timelines. Check our current inventory online or call ahead.

The Bottom Line: Performance, Support, and Real Value

If you take anything from this Supply House Spotlight: Water-Saving Toilets and Faucets, it’s this—efficiency and performance are compatible when you choose the right products and the right supplier. We hand-select models like the TOTO Drake, American Standard Cadet Pro, KOHLER Highline, and Niagara Stealth for toilets; and Delta, Moen, Chicago Faucets, and Sloan for faucets because they install clean, perform well, and are easy to service.

And when you need backup? Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components with the tech support to match. 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 and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. You’ll also find we outperform Ferguson, Grainger, and SupplyHouse.com when it comes to hands-on guidance and same-day solutions.

Stop by our plumbing supply store, the plumbing supply shop pros in our area rely on. If you’ve been searching “ plumbing shop near me” or “ plumbing supply places” for a team that actually understands your job, we’re your nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference, ask about our contractor discount program, and let our experts walk you through the installation process. And if you’re managing multiple properties or commercial sites, call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. This is Supply House Spotlight: Water-Saving Toilets and Faucets done right—by people who install, repair, and stand behind what they sell.