I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More. I’ve spent three decades walking jobsites, troubleshooting installs in real homes, and helping contractors and serious DIYers choose fixtures that look great, perform flawlessly, and meet code the first time. If you’re planning a modern bathroom, the fixture landscape has changed—water efficiency, pressure-balance technology, smart features, and finish durability matter as much as style. I’ll show you how to choose like a pro, with real models, specs, and insider tips—and where to get the gear and guidance that won’t let you down when walls are open and the clock is ticking.
Before we dive in: when folks search “plumbing supply near me” or “plumbing supply house near me,” they’re really asking, “Who actually knows this stuff and has it in stock?” That’s where we shine. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that I’d install in my own home—and have.
Why Modern Bathroom Fixture Choices Matter More Than Ever
Design trends are great, but code, water pressure, and long-term serviceability are what keep your bathroom humming. I regularly see homeowners fall for budget pieces that look good online but fail in six months, or a gorgeous rain head that starves flow because the rough-in and valve weren’t matched correctly.
Here’s the truth: modern fixtures are systems. Your shower’s performance comes from pairing the right rough-in valve (think Kohler K-11748-K-NA for thermostatic or Delta R10000-UNBXHF for high-flow) with the correct trim and flow rates. Your toilet’s comfort is a blend of bowl geometry and flushing tech (more on MaP ratings in a bit). Your sink setup depends on drain pop-up compatibility and faucet hole spacing.
When you walk into our plumbing supply store or call our tech desk, you get system-level advice. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we pull spec sheets, check flow performance, and ensure your rough-in heights match your chosen fixtures. And yes, we stock the rough-ins—contractors call that the difference between finishing Friday and finishing “whenever it arrives.”
Shower Systems: Thermostatic vs. Pressure-Balance (And How to Size Them Right)
You can’t talk modern showers without deciding on pressure-balance or thermostatic. If you want consistent temperature even when the washing machine kicks on, thermostatic wins. If you’re working a simple single-head shower and want to keep costs down, a pressure-balance valve is perfectly serviceable.
- Thermostatic pick: Grohe Grohtherm 3-series with Rapido SmartBox 35601 (thermostatic), or Kohler K-2975-KS-NA (MasterShower). Pair with a 2.5 gpm rain head like Moen S6320. Pressure-balance pick: Delta MultiChoice R10000-UNBX with T17 trim, or Moen Posi-Temp 62300 with Arris or Genta trim.
Pro tip: Plan total system flow. A rain head (2.5 gpm) + hand shower (2.0 gpm) + body sprays (2×1.75 gpm) can exceed residential 1/2-inch supply capacity. If you’re on PEX, consider manifolded 3/4-inch feeds and keep runs under 60 feet to avoid pressure drop. We stock Uponor and SharkBite in our pex supply house section, with fittings rated for potable hot/cold.
Installation timeframe? Rough-in and pressure test in 2–4 hours for a straightforward shower; multi-outlet thermostatic systems can take 6–8 hours, not counting tile. We provide printed schematics and a valve depth check card at our plumbing supply shop counter so your trims sit flush.
Need help sizing? Call our team—serving contractors throughout the region, we’ll match your water heater recovery rate, distribution pipe size, and fixture flow to avoid the “pretty but underwhelming” shower.
Toilets: Flush Performance, Comfort Height, and Real-World Reliability
Toilets might be the most misunderstood fixture. Don’t buy on gallons-per-flush alone. Look at MaP (Maximum Performance) scores, trapway design, and whether the flush valve is a canister or flapper. For modern bathrooms, I like:
- Toto Drake II CST454CEFG (MaP 800–1000, 1.28 gpf, CEFIONTECT glaze) Kohler Highline K-3999 (comfort height, 1.28 gpf) American Standard Cadet Pro 215CA.104 (commercial-grade reliability)
Soft-close seats? Worth it. Wax ring vs. waxless? Waxless seals like Fernco or Fluidmaster wax-free are a smart move in heated floor installs or if you might lift the toilet later.
Pro tip: If you’re in a multi-family or older hydrostatic system, consider a 1.6 gpf unit with legal compliance where allowed. We keep code guidance on hand for our local jurisdictions—our local plumbing supply expertise saves callbacks. Expect $200–$650 for a solid residential toilet, $700–$1,200 for premium flush and skirted designs.
And yes, we stock Sloan and Zurn commercial valves in our commercial plumbing supply and wholesale plumbing supply aisles for property managers who need vandal-resistant or sensor-operated solutions.
Vanities, Sinks, and Faucets: Matching Holes, Flow, and Finish Durability
You’d be amazed how many vanities arrive with the wrong faucet hole spacing. Measure: single-hole, 4” centerset, or 8” widespread. If you love a minimalist single-hole faucet like the Delta 567LF-PP or Kohler Purist K-14402-4A, choose the right sink/vanity top to match. For widespread, Moen 90 Degree T6905 or Brizo Litze 65375LF-WL for wall-mount elegance.
Finishes: PVD (physical vapor deposition) is your friend for durability—Brilliance by Brizo/Delta and Kohler’s Vibrant PVD hold up to cleaners and hard water better than budget plating. Flow: Modern lav faucets run 1.2 gpm; it’s plenty. We show you real hands-on flow at our showroom—visit and see the difference.
Drain assemblies: Don’t overlook compatibility. Push-pop drains are simple but make sure overflow/no-overflow matches your sink. We keep a full wall of compatible plumbing parts so you don’t drive back for a $12 fix that halts your whole install.
Price ranges: Pro-grade faucets run $120–$450; architectural lines $500–$1,000+. With our contractor accounts at our contractor plumbing supply desk, we can take a premium faucet into a very reasonable bracket.
Smart and Sustainable: Digital Valves, Bidet Seats, and Low-Flow That Still Feels Lux
Smart features aren’t gimmicks when chosen wisely. Digital shower valves like Moen U by Moen (S3102 2-outlet) or Kohler DTV+ offer precise temps and presets—perfect for households with kids or accessibility needs. Plan a dedicated GFCI-protected outlet near the valve box and a reliable Wi‑Fi signal if using app control.
Bidet seats are a game changer for comfort and hygiene. I recommend Toto Washlet C5 or S550e, or Kohler Puretide (non-electric) for simpler installs. Verify seat shape (elongated vs. round) and a nearby GFCI outlet. Flow and heating demands vary; electric models draw 600–1,200W momentarily.
Water savings without compromise? Choose WaterSense showerheads with optimized spray engines—Kohler Awaken, Moen Engage Magnetix, or Hansgrohe Raindance E. They deliver a satisfying pattern even at 1.75 gpm by engineering, not marketing. We demo these at our decorative plumbing supply display so you can feel the spray patterns before buying.
Materials and Rough-In: Copper vs. PEX vs. CPVC, and Why Valves Make or Break a Project
I see people overspend on trims and underthink what’s behind the wall. Don’t. Your rough-in defines performance and maintainability.
- PEX: Fast, flexible, excellent for manifolds. Use expansion PEX (Uponor) for full-bore fittings in high-flow showers. We carry full lines in our pvc supply house and plumbing supply online catalog, including ASTM F1960 rings. Copper Type L: Best for exposed or high-heat areas. Sweat properly with lead-free solder and MAPP gas for speed; use heat-block gel around valves. CPVC: Fine in many jurisdictions; verify local code and solvent cure time. We provide local code sheets at our plumbing and heating supply counter.
Stop and service valves: I always spec quarter-turn angle stops with metal nuts (BrassCraft G2 series). Behind-wall isolation using a secondary ball valve on spa-like showers is smart. Want fewer future holes in tile? Plan for access panels or use serviceable valves like Delta MultiChoice.
And here’s a field tip: Always check rough-in depths with the actual trim escutcheon on site before closing walls. We hand customers a “valve depth kit” at the counter. That ten-minute check can save a day of rework.
Finishes That Last: Chrome, PVD Brushed Nickel, and Specialty Blacks
Matte black is hot, but not all blacks are equal. Electrophoretic coatings vary by brand. If you want black that holds up, I steer folks to Delta’s Matte Black, Kohler Matte Black (with Vibrant PVD in some lines), or Brizo’s Luxe Black. Brushed nickel PVD remains the most forgiving for hard water. Chrome is still king for sheer longevity and easiest cleaning.
Mixing metals? Done right, it’s modern. Keep warm metals together (brushed bronze + brushed nickel) and use chrome as a neutral. For serious design builds, our plumbing supply store near me showroom features live boards so you can compare under real light.
We back finishes with real warranty support—because of our exclusive manufacturer relationships, we can get replacement cartridges and trim pieces fast. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—that shows up in how quickly we solve warranty claims.
Budgeting, Timelines, and Real-World Comparisons
Let’s get practical. What should you budget, and how long will it take?
- Powder room refresh (faucet, drain, low-flow toilet, accessories): $600–$1,500 in fixtures; 4–6 hours pro install. Full bath (vanity faucet, tub/shower set, toilet, accessories): $1,800–$4,500 in fixtures; 1–2 days rough + set day after tile. Spa shower (thermostatic, rain + hand, niche trim): $2,500–$6,500 in fixtures; 2–4 days combined rough/finish.
Want to stretch dollars? We’ll bundle fixtures and apply our contractor or property management pricing tiers. Ask about current promotions—we sometimes have a supply house coupon, supply house promo code, or applicable supply house discount code for seasonal items. If you saw the term “supplyhouse coupon codes” online, call us first—we’ll meet or beat legitimate offers and you’ll get real support.
When Home Depot works? Simple parts in a pinch. When do pros call us? Rough-in valves, multi-outlet showers, and anything you can’t afford to redo. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More because our counter staff has actually installed this gear. Need same-day? Our delivery trucks cover a 40–mile radius, and our 24 hour plumbing supply line helps after-hours emergencies for account holders.
Where to Buy: Why Plumbing Supply And More Beats the “Just Click It” Approach
Online-only deals can be tempting. But who verifies that your wall-mount faucet’s spout reach matches your vessel sink? Or that your thermostatic trim pairs with the right rough? That’s where an experienced plumbing supply company earns its keep.
- We’re your nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge—think of us as your field partner. We stock professional lines you won’t find at consumer chains. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components from Toto, Grohe, Kohler, Delta/Brizo, Hansgrohe, Moen, Sloan, and more. Need HVAC tie-ins for bathroom exhaust, or a condensate pump for a closet air handler near the bath? Our hvac supply house and air conditioner supply house sections are under the same roof. Working a mixed trade project? Our supply house electrical aisle covers GFCIs for bidet seats and vanity lighting basics, and our city plumbing and electrical supply partnerships help keep you covered. Managing a kitchen plus bath? We’ve got you—our plumbing kitchen and bathroom plumbing supplies inventory means one stop, fewer returns.
Yes, we’re a brick-and-mortar plumbing supply store, but we also run a robust plumbing supply online catalog for checking stock and placing will-call orders. Contractors love that they can price, reserve, and pick up—fast. Property managers appreciate bulk purchasing and our wholesale plumbing supply terms. DIYers value the advice as much as the product.
And for those comparing us to national e-retailers like SupplyHouse.com, Ferguson, or even Amazon: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—you’ll get a real tech who can read your drawings and call out a missed diverter before it becomes a change order. We also outperform local competitors like Ferguson, Hajoca, and Winsupply on turnaround and hands-on troubleshooting. That’s not chest-beating; it’s what our contractors tell me every week.
Field Case Studies: Real Choices, Real Results
Two quick stories:
- Downtown condo spa shower: Client wanted rain + hand shower + body sprays on a 1/2” supply. We recommended swapping two body sprays for a single multi-function head (Hansgrohe Raindance Select) and upgrading to a thermostatic Kohler K-2975-KS-NA with 3/4” supply for the main riser. Result? Full-bodied spray with stable temp and no mid-shower pressure drop. The GC thanked us for preventing a costly repipe after tile. Boutique rental refresh for a property manager: Needed durable, repairable fixtures. We spec’d American Standard Cadet Pro toilets, Delta MultiChoice valves with Monitor trims, and BrassCraft stops. Parts are readily available—less downtime. Our economy plumbing supply pricing helped them outfit 12 units under budget. They signed up for our contractor account and now use our same-day delivery across their buildings.
These outcomes don’t happen by accident—they come from pairing design wants with hydraulic realities, code, and long-term maintenance.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Fast Decisions
- What’s the difference between pressure-balance and thermostatic shower valves? Pressure-balance keeps pressure equal between hot/cold to prevent scalding when other fixtures run; thermostatic uses a wax element or sensor to hold a set temperature regardless of pressure swings. For multi-outlet or luxury showers, choose thermostatic. For basic setups, pressure-balance is fine and more budget-friendly. Are 1.2 gpm bathroom faucets too weak? Not if the faucet has a good aerator and internal waterways. Brands like Moen, Delta, and Kohler engineer their 1.2 gpm to feel “full.” If your water pressure is under 40 psi, we’ll check your aerator choice and supply lines to optimize flow. What’s the best toilet for fewer clogs? Look for a MaP score 800+ and a well-designed trapway. Toto Drake II and American Standard Cadet Pro are consistent winners. Use quality wax or waxless seals and make sure the flange sits at or slightly above finished floor. Can I mix finishes in a modern bathroom? Yes, but be intentional. Keep a dominant finish (e.g., PVD brushed nickel) and use a secondary accent (matte black or brushed gold). Match drains and accessories to the dominant finish for cohesion. Do I need 3/4” supply for a rain head? Not always. A single 2.0–2.5 gpm head runs fine on 1/2” if the run is short and pressure is solid (55–70 psi). For multiple outlets running simultaneously, step up to 3/4” from the manifold, especially on PEX.
Who We Serve—and How We Make It Easier
- Professional contractors & plumbers: We keep consistent inventory, bulk pricing, and spec sheets on the counter. Need submittals? Our tech desk prepares them. Same-day delivery and emergency supply services are available within a 40–mile radius. Bring your takeoff; we’ll value-engineer without compromising code. Serious DIY homeowners: Researching options? Come in or call. We’ll walk you through compatibility—rough-ins, escutcheon coverage, valve depths, drain types. Our team will coach you on installation steps and timeframes, and point out spots where a pro is worth the money. Property managers & maintenance teams: From wholesale plumbing supply company terms to standardized SKUs for your buildings, we simplify reorders and minimize downtime. Ask about prebuilt repair kits and our after-hours support line. Retail customers: Want something better than big-box? You’ll get pro-grade fixtures at competitive pricing—and a conversation with someone who’s installed them.
Throughout our aisles you’ll find: general plumbing supply, plumbing and supply, plumbing shop near me, heating plumbing supply near me, discount plumbing supplies, best plumbing supply, plumbing wholesale near me, closest plumbing supply, plumbing supply places, standard plumbing supply, plumbing spares near me, consumer plumbing supply, coastal plumbing supply, internet plumbing supply, supplyhouse plumbing, economy plumbing and heating supply, contractors plumbing and fire supply, direct plumbing supplies, and even specialty lines for refrigeration supply house needs tied to icemakers or chilled loops. If it moves water (or keeps it where it belongs), we stock it.
Your Next Step: Build It Right the First Time
If your goal is a clean, modern bathroom that performs flawlessly, start with the right plan and the right partner. Use this guide to narrow choices, then:
- Visit our showroom to see the quality difference and test real spray patterns. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations—we’ll review your layout and rough-in. Ask about our contractor discount program and delivery options. Check our current inventory online or call ahead for will-call pickup. Need a walkthrough? Our experts can walk you through the installation process and provide spec sheets.
When you hear “Plumber Supply House: Fixture Choices for Modern Bathrooms,” think of us. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we back them with decades of real-world know-how. 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. That’s the difference between hoping supply house your fixtures work and knowing they will.
Ready to get started? Bring us your plans—or napkin sketches. We’ll turn them into a modern bathroom that looks sharp, meets code, and feels great every single day.