Guide to Buying a Genuine, High-Quality Toilet, Faucet, or Showerhead

How to Purchase a Genuine, High-Quality Toilet, Faucet, or Showerhead

If you’re shopping for a plumbing fixture or fitting—such as a toilet, faucet, or showerhead—it is essential to ensure that you are purchasing a genuine, high-quality product that meets health and safety standards. Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) has issued a warning to consumers about the risks of counterfeit and noncertified contraband products. These low-quality alternatives can lead to safety hazards, financial losses, and subpar performance. This advisory comes just ahead of the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), where certified and high-performing products are showcased.

To protect the integrity of over 150 plumbing brands manufactured by its members, PMI is actively working with manufacturers, online marketplaces, government agencies, and organizations such as the Buy Safe America Coalition (BSAC) to combat the distribution of counterfeit and noncertified contraband products.

The Risks of Counterfeit and Noncertified Plumbing Products

“Plumbing manufacturers have invested millions of dollars and thousands of hours to produce high-performing toilets, showerheads, and faucets that comply with federal, state, and local health and safety standards,” said PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole. “Counterfeit and noncertified contraband products typically perform poorly and present health and safety risks—thereby endangering Americans and their families while eroding customers’ trust in the brands PMI members have worked so hard to build.”

Counterfeit and substandard plumbing products can pose various risks, including:

• Durability Issues: Poorly made fixtures can break easily, leak, or degrade faster than legitimate products.
• Plumbing System Damage: Substandard products can compromise the integrity of plumbing systems, leading to costly repairs.
• Health Risks: Materials used in counterfeit products may contain harmful substances that do not meet regulatory standards.
• Environmental Impact: Inefficient fixtures can waste water and energy, increasing utility bills and harming the environment.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the annual cost of counterfeit goods, pirated software, and trade secrets theft to the U.S. economy ranges between $225 billion and $600 billion. To prevent falling victim to counterfeit plumbing products, consumers should take proactive steps when shopping online or in stores.

How to Identify Counterfeit Plumbing Products

PMI members manufacture 90% of plumbing products available in the United States, and most reputable brands produce high-quality fixtures and fittings. However, some fraudulent products still find their way into the market. Here are key red flags to watch for before making a purchase:

Before Ordering Online or In-Store

• Unusually Low Prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with similar products from known brands.
• Absence of Certification Marks or Logos: Certified plumbing products have clear manufacturer branding and regulatory compliance marks.
• Unfamiliar Brand Names: If you don’t recognize the brand, research it to verify its legitimacy.
• Unverified Suppliers: Ensure the seller is an authorized dealer or the manufacturer itself.

After Receiving the Product

• Packaging Discrepancies: Look for inconsistencies in branding, spelling errors, or poor-quality packaging materials.
• Missing or Incorrect Certification Marks: Authentic products should have regulatory marks, such as UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) certification.
• Weak or Broken Materials: Counterfeit items may be made from substandard materials and have noticeable defects.
• Suspicious Quality Seals: If a product is missing an expected seal of quality, it may be a counterfeit item.

If something seems suspicious, contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for verification.

Steps to Ensure You’re Buying a High-Quality Product

By following these best practices, you can minimize the risk of purchasing a counterfeit or substandard plumbing fixture:

1. Shop from Reputable Brands and Authorized Dealers
   • Purchase directly from manufacturers, well-known retailers, or verified sellers.
   • Avoid third-party sellers with no clear credentials.
2. Research Brands and Products
   • Familiarize yourself with the technical details of the product, including UPC, model and part numbers, material composition, and dimensions.
   • Read product descriptions carefully and compare specifications with manufacturer websites.
3. Look for Warranty Information and Guarantees
   • Genuine products often come with manufacturer warranties that protect against defects.
   • If a product lacks any form of warranty, it may be counterfeit.
4. Check for Certification Marks and Logos
   • Products should display industry-standard certifications such as:
     • UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code)
     • NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification
     • WaterSense label (for water-efficient products)
   • Verify certifications on the manufacturer’s official website.
5. Read Customer Reviews
   • Look for customer feedback on reputable e-commerce sites or forums.
   • Be cautious of reviews that appear overly positive or repetitive, as they may be fake.

The Long-Term Benefits of Investing in Certified Plumbing Products

PMI members manufacture products designed for durability, safety, and performance. Investing in high-quality plumbing fixtures provides several long-term benefits:

• Cost Savings: Reliable products require fewer repairs and replacements, reducing overall expenses.
• Water and Energy Efficiency: Certified products help lower utility bills by optimizing water usage.
• Health and Safety Assurance: Genuine fixtures comply with rigorous health standards, ensuring clean and safe water usage.
• Environmental Responsibility: Water-efficient products contribute to conservation efforts and sustainability.

With the increasing availability of plumbing products online and in stores, it is more important than ever to be vigilant against counterfeit and noncertified contraband items. Consumers should take proactive steps to verify the authenticity of toilets, faucets, and showerheads before making a purchase. By shopping from reputable brands, checking for certification marks, researching product details, and avoiding suspiciously low-priced items, you can ensure that your plumbing fixtures are safe, durable, and high-performing.

PMI members manufacture products that are built to last,” Stackpole emphasized. “A careful buying decision will result in customer satisfaction and an affordable product that will save money in the long run. For more information, visit reputable manufacturers’ websites and industry organizations such as PMI and the Buy Safe America Coalition to stay informed about counterfeit product risks and prevention strategies.

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