David Dulin knows the plumbing fixture business. When he was 13 years old, he swept floors at a plumbing industry warehouse, later working his way into fixture sales and management at a Bay Area plumbing supplier—a business he later purchased. Now, as owner of El Dorado Plumbing Supply in Town Center, his focus is on providing a comfortable atmosphere staffed with knowledgeable people to help customers choose products to create environments unique to their lifestyle. “We offer a large selection of quality plumbing fixtures for the kitchen and bath regardless of your budget,” he says, citing his company’s vast inventory of items necessary to complete a kitchen or bath remodel—or whole house project. “We can save consumers time by having it all—faucets, shower, tub, vanity, shower pan, towel bars, and knobs, for example—under our umbrella, allowing the consumer to complete their project in one location. We also list items necessary for the project by bath or kitchen, giving installers a guide to what and where the individual items need to be installed.”
Dulin shares some advice to help consumers determine what they need—and what they want—when it comes to plumbing fixtures in a home remodel.
Measurements
Before you get started, it is best to measure your current fixtures to make sure the new fixtures will fit in the space. All plumbing fixtures come in different sizes, especially vanities, sinks, and tubs. “Having measurements before you start to look will save time and narrow down your selection,” says Dulin.
Style
Fixtures come in contemporary, transitional, and traditional styles. An easy way to determine your style in a bath, for example: Start with the faucet that catches your eye, then let experts help you build a matching shower set, vanity, tub, and toilet to complement your selection. Powder rooms and master baths are great places to show your style. Go from classical to whimsical simply by changing the faucet, sink, and mirror. Textures such as copper, marble, granite, and cement can add to a space’s individuality.
Quality and Durability
The quality of different brands varies widely, but tends to fall into three categories: entry-level (associated primarily with big box stores and brands such as Moen, Delta, and American Standard); mid-level, which has a wide selection of finishes, styles, and textures; and luxury, which is most flexible for finishes and textures (think polished nickel, satin brass, and brushed gold), but also can be customized for personal expression. Mid-level brands include Toto, Kohler, Rohl, Franke, Hydro Systems, and Hansgrohe, while luxury brands, which carry the longest warranties, include Gessi, Samuel Heath, Kallista, Waterstone, Watermark, and Stone Forest.
Function
How a fixture works matters. A tub might come in different sizes, materials, and textures. Solid surfaces (such as crushed limestone) provide the most resistance to scratches and wear and help keep the tub warm. Acrylic is typically softer than solid surface and more prone to scratch.
Faucets are sold in deck and wall-mount styles in single control and widespread versions. Single control faucets are the easiest to use for kids’ baths and vessel sinks. A widespread faucet has a variety of spout and handle styles to choose from. “All the faucets shown at El Dorado Plumbing Supply have ceramic disc cartridges for smooth on and off operation,” says Dulin, adding that most carry lifetime warranties, regardless of price.
Water closets (toilets) are sold in one- and two-piece models, and almost all come in comfort height (same as chair height). One-piece closets are typically easier to keep clean because there is no seam between the tank and bowl. Wall mount toilets save space and also are very easy to clean because they hang on the wall, providing easy floor access. Some models enable Washlets—seats that have built-in warmers and bidets.
All the plumbing fixtures sold in California are water efficient. Faucets and showerheads are limited to 1.2–1.75 GPM. Water closets are limited to 1–1.28 GPM.
The Right Lighting
Lighting can create the mood for the space. In the bath, think sconces, lighted mirrors, and lighted medicine cabinets. Lighted mirrors, for example, can have front and back lighting and dimming features to change the tone.
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