How to Buy Genuine, High-Quality Toilets, Faucets, and Showerheads
When shopping for plumbing fixtures like toilets, faucets, or showerheads, ensuring that you buy a high-quality, certified product is essential. Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) warns consumers to avoid counterfeit or noncertified contraband products, which often fail to meet health and safety standards. This message comes as PMI prepares for the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), where many certified, high-performing products are showcased.
The Risks of Counterfeit Plumbing Products
“PMI members manufacture products that are built to last,” says PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole. Counterfeit and noncertified plumbing products may seem like a bargain, but they typically offer poor performance, pose health and safety risks, and can damage plumbing systems. These products may break easily, leak, or fail to meet regulatory standards, leading to costly repairs.
Stackpole emphasizes that plumbing manufacturers invest millions of dollars and countless hours to design and produce toilets, showerheads, and faucets that comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Using counterfeit products undermines these efforts and can lead to safety hazards in homes and businesses.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the annual cost of counterfeit goods, pirated software, and trade secret theft to the U.S. economy ranges from $225 billion to $600 billion. PMI is actively working with its members, online marketplaces, government agencies, and the Buy Safe America Coalition (BSAC) to remove these products from the market.
How to Identify Counterfeit Plumbing Products
PMI members manufacture 90% of the plumbing products sold in the United States, and most products available online or in stores are legitimate. However, it’s still important to watch out for red flags when making a purchase. Here are some signs that a product might be counterfeit or noncertified:
- Unusually Low Prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Lack of Certification Marks or Logos: Certified plumbing products display marks from recognized certification bodies.
- Unfamiliar Brand Names: Be cautious with brands you’ve never heard of.
- Unknown Suppliers: Purchase from reputable sellers to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit items.
When shopping in stores or after receiving an online order, check the product’s packaging and physical condition. Look for these warning signs:
- Packaging Discrepancies: Poor-quality packaging or incorrect branding may indicate a counterfeit product.
- Missing Certification Marks: Certified products should display logos or marks from regulatory organizations.
- Incorrect Logos or Brand Names: Typos or altered logos are red flags.
- Weak or Broken Materials: Poor craftsmanship, weak materials, or missing quality seals indicate a low-quality product.
If something seems suspicious, contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer to verify the product’s authenticity.
Tips for Making Smart Plumbing Purchases
To ensure you’re buying genuine, high-quality plumbing products, follow these guidelines:
- Choose Reputable Brands: Purchase from well-known brands and authorized retailers or dealers.
- Do Your Research: Learn about the brands and products you’re considering. Familiarize yourself with product specifications like UPC codes, model numbers, materials, and dimensions.
- Check Warranty Information: Authentic products typically come with warranties or guarantees.
- Look for Certification Marks: Certified plumbing products display logos from organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
- Read Customer Reviews: Online reviews can help you assess the quality and performance of a product.
PMI CEO Kerry Stackpole notes, “A careful buying decision will result in customer satisfaction and an affordable product that will save money in the long run.”
Why Certification Matters
Certified plumbing products must meet strict standards for performance, water efficiency, and safety. Certification bodies like ANSI and IAPMO test products to ensure they comply with regulations and function as intended. Certified toilets, faucets, and showerheads are designed to provide reliable performance, conserve water, and maintain safe water quality.
Using certified products can also help homeowners and businesses comply with local building codes and regulations. Noncertified products may fail inspections, leading to additional costs and delays.
The Role of Plumbing Manufacturers International
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is a trade association representing manufacturers that produce more than 90% of the plumbing products sold in the United States. PMI members offer more than 150 iconic brands and develop innovative, water-efficient plumbing technologies.
According to the Plumbing Manufacturing Industry Economic Impact Study, PMI members contribute 517,696 jobs and $116.7 billion to the U.S. economy. PMI advocates for plumbing products that promote water efficiency, sustainability, and public health through initiatives like its Rethink Water program.
PMI members manufacture water-efficient toilets, urinals, faucets, and showerheads at more than 70 locations nationwide. Their products are available online and in more than 26,000 home improvement stores, hardware stores, and showrooms across all 50 states.
