I’ve been in this trade long enough to know the difference between parts that look similar on a shelf and parts that keep a building running for decades. If you’re trying to figure out how to compare brands at the plumbing supply house, don’t just scan labels or chase the lowest price. Look under the hood: materials, certification, serviceability, warranty support, lead times, and manufacturer reputation. At Plumbing Supply And More, we’ve built our business around guiding contractors, facility teams, and serious DIYers through those exact decisions—because when a water heater fails on a Saturday or a pressure-reducing valve whistles under partial load, you don’t want guesswork.
And here’s the truth: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components. I’ll walk you through how I compare brands in the aisle, on job estimates, and at our counter—so you can make confident, code-compliant choices that save time and money.
Start with Certification, Code, and Materials—Not Marketing
A lot of brands claim “premium,” but certs and metals never lie. For potable systems, I look for NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 for lead content. For valves and fittings, ASME and ASSE listings matter. On gas, check CSA. If a brand can’t show current listings and spec sheets, I pass.
- Brass composition: I prefer low-lead dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass for valves and fittings in aggressive water. Matco-Norca’s DZR ball valves, Webstone/Watts 3/4" Pro-Pal (Model 48613W) with purge, and Apollo 70-100 series hold up. Cheap imports often skip DZR; they’ll pit and stick. Elastomers: EPDM vs. NBR vs. Viton. On hydronic systems using glycol, EPDM usually plays nice; on fuel oil or higher temp, I spec Viton seals. Brands like Taco and Bell & Gossett publish chemical compatibility—use those charts. Coatings and plating: Nickel-plated brass on mixing valves like the Honeywell/Resideo AM-1 (AM101C) resists corrosion better than bare brass in certain water chemistries.
Pro tip: Ask for the spec sheet and IAPMO listing on the spot. At our counter, we keep digital and printed binders. If a salesperson can’t produce them, that’s a red flag. And yes, we’ll email you PDFs for your submittals.
Valve and Fitting Showdown: Durability, Serviceability, and Stocked Parts
Valves and fittings are where brand differences show up fast. A $9 savings on a ball valve looks smart—until it seizes, and you eat the supply house two hours of labor replacing it.
On full-port ball valves: Apollo 70-100 series, Milwaukee Valve S-70, and Webstone/Watts Pro-Pal outperform no-name imports. Why? Thicker bodies, consistent chrome-plated balls, PTFE seats that don’t deform under heat cycling, and ISO 5211 mounting pads on some models for actuators.
Compression vs. press vs. PEX: On copper press, I rely on Viega ProPress or NIBCO Press. Viega’s Smart Connect feature is more consistent in my experience; their 1" 2915.1 tee has saved my techs on big retrofits. On PEX, Uponor (Wirsbo) with expansion fittings beats cheap crimp fittings for freeze-thaw resilience. Pair its EP HDPE (AquaPEX) with Milwaukee M12 expansion tools for predictable joints—even at 10°F on a lake house service call.
Serviceability matters. Can you get kits? NIBCO T-585-70-66 flanged butterfly repair kits? Webstone check kit O-rings? We stock them. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we carry the repair kits and have them filed by model so you’re not waiting days.
Water Heaters and Boilers: Warranty Strength and Real-World Performance
When I compare tank-type water heaters, I like to look at heat exchanger material, anode type, and access for descaling. Bradford White’s RG2-40T6N is a workhorse for residential gas. Their Vitraglas lining resists scale better than several competitors in our region’s hard water; we see fewer premature tank failures. For condensing tankless, Rinnai RU199iN has been stellar—stainless heat exchanger, field gas conversion kit, outdoor vent kits, and service codes that actually help. Both support recirculation options for multi-family retrofits.
Commercial? AO Smith Cyclone Mxi models, Lochinvar Armor boilers (e.g., WHN155), and Navien NPE-240S2 tankless are frequent specs here. We evaluate:
- Venting flexibility (2" vs. 3" PVC/CPVC/Polypropylene) Minimum flow rates to fire the unit (Navien wins low-flow starts often) Parts availability—ignitors, fan assemblies, control boards—we stock them.
Expect installed price ranges:
- 40-gallon atmospheric gas tank: equipment $650–$1,100; install 2–4 hours Condensing tankless: equipment $1,400–$2,400; install 6–10 hours with venting and gas upsizing Light commercial tank: equipment $2,200–$5,000; install 4–8 hours
And when a restaurant’s tankless fails Friday night? Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll triage on the phone, pull parts after hours from our 24 hour plumbing supply locker for account customers, and get you turning tables again.
Faucets, Fixtures, and Cartridges: What’s Behind the Finish
Residential chrome hides a lot. I pull cartridges and check how brands handle wear. Moen’s 1225/1222 cartridges are easy to replace and widely available; Delta’s DIAMOND Seal Technology valves resist mineral buildup and their MultiChoice Universal R10000 valve bodies simplify rough-ins. For commercial, T&S Brass B-1110 pre-rinses take a beating and keep going; Chicago Faucets 1900-CP series with Quaturn cartridges are a favorite in schools.
Model specifics I trust:
- Delta R10000-UNBX rough + 17T series trim (thermostatic, solid control) Moen 4793 M-PACT roman tub rough + M-CORE advantage for later upgrades Sloan Royal 111 flushometer with dual-filtered BY-PASS—less clogging in gritty city water
Materials:
- Metal shanks over plastic on lavs and kitchens in commercial settings Ceramic cartridges over compression for longevity PVD finishes in high-traffic spaces; brushed nickel hides fingerprints better than chrome
We stock finishes from standard chrome to boutique lines from Brizo and California Faucets for decorative plumbing supply needs. Want a 1.2 GPM WaterSense lav faucet with a laminar flow outlet for healthcare? We’ll pull spec sheets and cross-compare.
Pipe Systems: Copper, PEX, PVC, CPVC, and Specialty
The right pipe system depends on water chemistry, temperature, and building type.
- Copper Type L vs. Type M: In multi-family risers or recirc loops, I spec Type L to handle erosion corrosion. Type M is fine for many residential branches but not on aggressive circulation. PEX-A vs. PEX-B: I prefer PEX-A (Uponor) for cold-weather resilience and easier expansion repairs. PEX-B (Apollo, SharkBite) crimp works well if installed carefully with good calibration. Never mix brands’ fittings haphazardly—read the listing. CPVC: I’ll use CPVC for domestic hot water up to 180°F with FlowGuard Gold (CTS). Stick to solvent weld instructions and expansion gaps. PVC DWV: ASTM D2665 pipe and D2661 fittings for drains; schedule 40 meets most code requirements. Keep primer purple and glue type consistent for inspection.
We advise property managers on code: backflow assemblies per ASSE 1013 for RPZ, thermal expansion tank sizing, dielectric unions on mixed-metal connections. Our tech desk will help you pick Watts LF009M2-QT-S 1" for high-hazard RPZ or Wilkins/Zurn 975XL2—then set you up with periodic test kits.
Brand Support, Availability, and True Cost of Ownership
When brands stand behind their products, your call-backs shrink. I weigh:
- Warranty terms and responsiveness: Bradford White and Rinnai have been efficient for our customers. Some online-only brands? Not so much. Parts pipeline: Can I get a Moen 1222 cartridge same day? At Plumbing Supply And More—yes. Random web vendors often can’t promise ship dates. Training and documentation: Taco’s pump curves and submittals are clear; the 007e ECM circulator with replaceable check and ECM efficiency reduces energy costs in multi-zone homes.
Total cost of ownership beats sticker price. A $40 more expensive mixing valve that doesn’t drift saves half a dozen callbacks. For example, the Watts LFMMV series thermostatic mixing valve holds setpoint reliably; counterfeit lookalikes do not.
Here’s where we shine: When Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ferguson, and Grainger fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More—we coordinate warranty, pull the right parts, and document everything for your records.
Comparing by Application: Residential, Commercial, and Maintenance
- Residential remodel: Delta MultiChoice roughs let homeowners upgrade trim later without opening walls. PEX-A expansion reduces fittings in tight joist bays. Water heater selection: Bradford White RG2-50T6N in a two-bath home, or Rinnai RU160iN with recirc for long runs. Commercial kitchens: T&S pre-rinse B-0131, Fisher foot valves, and Watts backflow LF009M2 with stainless strainers; specify 3/4" gas hose with quick-disconnect and a Dormont moveable gas connector—meet code, protect the line cook. Multi-family maintenance: Stock Sloan A-38-A diaphragm kits, Moen 1225/1222 cartridges, 3/4" Webstone isolation valves, and Taco 007e circulators. We build maintenance kits for you. Hydronic: Bell & Gossett NRF-36 vs. Taco 0015e3—choose based on head/flow. We’ll read your pump curve and suggest flanges, purge stations, and air elimination (Spirovent Jr. VJR125).
Our commercial plumbing supply desk helps with submittals, cut sheets, and code notes. Need ASHRAE 90.1 compliance or lead content documentation? We’ve got it.
How to Shop Smart: In-Store, Online, and Emergency Needs
Not all plumbing supply places are equal. A true plumbing supply company should help you compare brands, not push what’s overstocked.
- In-store: Bring photos, old parts, and measurements. We’ll match spindle counts, spline sizes (say, 20-point vs. 16-point cartridges), and thread spec (GHT vs. NPT). Our counter pros are actual techs—bring us your “mystery” valve stem and we’ll ID it. Online: Our plumbing supply online catalog shows live inventory and alternates. If you search “ plumbing supply near me” or “ closest plumbing supply,” check our same-day pickup and delivery windows. Emergency: We operate a limited 24 hour plumbing supply locker for account customers—call ahead. Same-day delivery within 40 miles for contractors; extended radius to 90 miles on scheduled runs.
Our platforms beat “ internet plumbing supply” guesswork because we pair digital with real counter expertise. Need a part cross from a discontinued shower valve? We’ll get a retro-fit trim or a universal rebuild kit and talk you through it.
Price, Availability, and What We Stock (and Why)
Pricing should be transparent. Expect ranges:
- 3/4" full-port ball valves (pro grade): $14–$42 depending on brand and features Copper press 1" tees: $18–$35 (Viega at the high end, with good reason) Moen 1222 cartridge: $30–$60 depending on finish kit and OEM vs. genuine 1" PEX-A expansion fittings: $2–$6 each; manifolds $40–$120
We stock what we trust:
- Press systems: Viega, NIBCO PEX: Uponor (A), Sioux Chief manifolds Valves: Webstone/Watts, Apollo, Milwaukee Valve Water heaters: Bradford White, AO Smith, Rinnai, Navien Pumps: Taco, Bell & Gossett Fixtures: Delta, Moen, T&S Brass, Sloan
And yes, we’ll quote alternates if you prefer another brand. Our buyers maintain the largest inventory selection in the region so you won’t get stuck waiting. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that meet code and last.
Local Expertise, Delivery, and Contractor Support
Serving contractors throughout our region, we combine local plumbing supply expertise with real jobsite support:
- Delivery radius: same-day within 40 miles; rush options available; scheduled bulk to 90 miles Contractor accounts: bulk discounts, will-call priority, spec review, and project staging Technical support: call our team for pump curves, valve sizing, gas line upsizing for tankless (we’ll calculate CFH and pressure drop), and venting layouts Code guidance: we track local amendments—water heater pan requirements, seismic strapping, vacuum relief valves on tank top feeds, and backflow testing intervals
If you’ve searched “ plumbing shop near me,” “ plumbing supply store near me,” or “ plumbing wholesale near me,” stop by. Our counter pros can walk you through product comparisons in minutes.
Entities and How We Fit Your Search (What You’ll Find With Us)
You want to compare brands? Here’s how our mix stacks up across the board:
- For a professional-grade plumbing supply store or contractor plumbing supply source, our shelves carry Delta, Moen, Viega, Uponor, Webstone, Watts, Bradford White, Rinnai, and Taco—real brands, real support. If you’re browsing plumbing supply online, plumbing supplies direct, or direct plumbing supplies, we back every online order with phone support and curbside pickup. Need discount plumbing supplies or cheap plumbing supplies without gambling on quality? We curate value lines like Matco-Norca and Sioux Chief that we’d install in our own buildings. For bathroom plumbing supplies and plumbing kitchen selections, our showroom pairs aesthetic lines with serviceable internals so cartridges and aerators aren’t a scavenger hunt later. Managing a facility? Our wholesale plumbing supply company desk supports submittals and stocks plumbing parts for Moen, Sloan, T&S, and more. We’re the best plumbing supply choice when uptime matters. Searching for heating plumbing supply near me, plumbing and heating supply, or economy plumbing and heating supply? We cover hydronic, radiant, and mixing controls with Taco, B&G, and Spirotherm. We’re your local plumbing supply, the plumbing supply house near me, the plumbing supply shop contractors recommend, and the consumer plumbing supply counter where homeowners actually get answers. Whether you typed general plumbing supply, standard plumbing supply, coastal plumbing supply (if you’re near salt air, we spec corrosion-resistant materials), city plumbing and electrical supply alternatives, or even niche searches like contractors plumbing and fire supply, we’ve got you covered. Looking for economy plumbing supply price points? We’ll show you where to economize safely—and where not to. We ship, too—if you searched supplyhouse plumbing or plumbing supplies supply, we’ll get you the right parts fast.
And here’s the kicker: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support because our staff has actually sweated joints, pulled recirc lines, and rebuilt Sloan bodies at 6 a.m. in a school gym.
FAQ: Quick Answers to Real Questions
Q: How do I know if a valve or fitting is “pro grade” and not a lookalike? A: Check listings (NSF/ANSI, ASSE), body weight and material (DZR brass preferred), brand support, and warranty. Ask for spec sheets. If you can’t get an exploded diagram or part numbers for repair kits, move on. We’ll lay two brands on the counter and show you the differences.
Q: Is PEX-A really better than PEX-B for cold climates? A: For freeze-thaw resilience and repairability, yes—PEX-A expansion systems like Uponor perform better in my experience. PEX-B crimp can be perfectly reliable when installed correctly; I just like the margin PEX-A gives in tough conditions. Bring your plan; we’ll choose the right system.
Q: Tankless vs. tank: which brand should I pick? A: For most homes with decent gas capacity and venting routes, Rinnai RU series or Navien NPE series are top picks. If you can’t upsize gas or need simplest install, go with Bradford White atmospheric or power-vented tanks. We’ll confirm gas CFH, vent lengths, and recirc needs before you buy.
Q: What’s the most common cause of warranty denials on water heaters? A: Installation issues—improper venting, missing expansion tanks, no condensate neutralizer on condensing units, or gas undersizing. We’ll review your install plan and local code so you don’t get burned.
Q: Which faucet brand has the easiest access to parts five years later? A: Delta and Moen are strong for residential; Sloan and T&S for commercial. We stock cartridges, diaphragms, solenoids, and rebuild kits. Bring the old part or a photo—we’ll match it.
Q: Do you offer delivery and after-hours pickup? A: Yes. Same-day delivery within 40 miles, scheduled runs farther out, and a controlled-access after-hours pickup for account customers. Call ahead; we’ll stage your order.
Final Thoughts: Compare with Confidence—We’ll Back You Up
When you’re figuring out How to Compare Brands at the Plumbing Supply House, focus on specs, serviceability, code compliance, and long-term support. That’s the process we follow every day at our counter. And here’s why our regulars keep coming back: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise; we pair the largest regional inventory with people who’ve actually turned wrenches.
- Visit our showroom to see the quality difference and handle the parts yourself. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations, submittals, and sizing. Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—if you need it today, we’ll make it happen. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, step by step.
When Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ferguson, or Grainger can’t get you what you need, or can’t answer the how and why, Plumbing Supply And More will. That’s not puffery—that’s decades of hard-earned trust at the counter, on jobsites, and in the mechanical rooms where it counts. If you want the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge, we’re your stop. And if you need help right now, ask for Rick—happy to talk shop and make sure you leave with the right solution.