I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More. I’ve been on both sides of the counter—wrench in hand on job sites and behind the desk making sure plumbers, property managers, and serious DIYers get exactly what they need. If you’re shopping a plumbing supply house and want to save real money without sacrificing quality, I’ll show you where the biggest wins are. Along the way, I’ll point out how to spot pro-grade components, avoid hidden costs, and make choices that hold up under code inspections and daily use.
Before we dive in, here’s the bottom line: when you buy from a true plumbing supply store with depth of inventory, technical know-how, and reliable manufacturer partnerships, you’ll spend less over the life of the job. And yes—our team at Plumbing Supply And More has built our reputation on exactly that. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and that’s where long-term savings begin.
1) Buy for the Life of the Job, Not the Cart Price
A lot of buyers chase the lowest ticket price and end up paying double in callbacks, rework, and downtime. I’ve seen a $39 cartridge faucet cost a restaurant $1,200 in lost business after a Friday-night failure. Pro-grade matters.
Here’s a simple rule: if a component is buried in a wall, under a slab, or supports constant use, buy the model that’s designed to be serviceable and supported with readily available plumbing parts. For example:
- Shower valves: Delta R10000-UNBX MultiChoice or Moen 62300 Moentrol rough-ins. Price range: $45–$110 for the rough, $120–$300 for trims. These accept service kits for decades. Commercial faucet bodies: T&S Brass B-0231 or Chicago Faucets 895. Cost more up front, but parts are on our shelves for same-day pickup.
Pro tip: If you’re in a jurisdiction like ours serving contractors throughout the metro region, many inspectors prefer ASSE and UPC-listed valves with integral stops. It streamlines inspections and saves return trips. When you shop the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge, ask for ASSE 1016/1017/1070 listings for mixing valves and anti-scald protection. We’ll match your local code requirements—and we can pull spec sheets for submittals on the spot.
When you compare “cheap” versus “serviceable,” consider availability. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More because we carry the rebuild kits that prevent premium-time emergencies. We also stock service kits for Sloan Regal and Royal flushometers (A-38-A, A-41-A), Zurn AquaVantage diaphragms, and Toto fill valves (TSU99A.X).
2) Leverage Contractor Accounts, Bulk Buys, and Scheduled Deliveries
If you’re a tradesperson or property manager, pricing is only half the game. The other half? Structuring your purchases for volume and predictability.
- Contractor accounts: We set custom pricing tiers based on your mix—residential service, commercial TI, multi-family, or mechanical. Ask about our contractor discount program. Bulk discounts often start at five units for common roughs, 10+ for supply stops (1/2” sweat x 3/8” comp), and case-quantity pricing for PEX fittings. Scheduled deliveries: We run same-day delivery within a 45-mile radius for in-stock items and emergency supply services on request. If your scope includes water heaters, PRVs, and isolation kits, staging deliveries by floor or building saves labor and reduces damage risk. Bundling: Package water heater installs—Bradford White RG250T6N with dielectric nipples, pan, 3/4” full-port ball valve, and a Cash Acme EB45 PRV. Bundle pricing saves 8–12% versus piecemeal.
Here’s what makes a difference: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support on spec verification. We’ll pull submittals, shop drawings, and code notes, and align them with your project schedule so you don’t tie up install crews waiting on parts. That’s where real savings show up—on the labor line.
3) Choose Pro-Grade Materials Where It Counts (And Know Where to economize)
You don’t need top-shelf for everything. But there are places you should never compromise.
Spend more on:
- Valves and seals: Full-port ball valves (Apollo, Milwaukee Valve) for main shutoffs. Silicone seals for high-temp applications. Lead-free brass where potable lines demand it—NSF/ANSI/CAN 61/372 listing. Pressure regulation: Cash Acme EB45 or Watts LF25AUB for stable pressure and quieter lines. Improper PRVs cause call-backs and fixture failures. Drainage and venting: No-hub cast iron for multi-story sound control (Charlotte Pipe) with properly torqued couplings (Mission or Fernco). For code compliance, verify ASTM A888 and CISPI 301 markings.
Where you can save without regret:
- Finish trims: House-brand trims can pair with OEM roughs like Delta R10000. We keep compatible trims that reduce costs while preserving serviceability. PEX fittings and P-traps in non-critical areas: UPC-listed, cUPC-certified options offer safe savings.
Need warranty-safe, budget-conscious choices? Our team knows which “economy” lines share internals with premium models. That’s the insider advantage you won’t get from an algorithm. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll tell you when a “value” option is solid and when it’s a false economy.
4) Verify Compatibility Up Front—It’s Cheaper Than Returns
Returns and re-stocks eat margins. The fastest money-saver is spending five minutes on compatibility.
- Cartridges and stems: Bring the old part or text photos to our counter team. We identify Gerber, Price Pfister, Delta, Moen, American Standard, Kohler—down to series and era. For example, Moen 1225 vs. 1222 Posi-Temp is a common mix-up; they’re not interchangeable. Rough-in dimensions: For toilets, measure bolt spread (12” standard, 10” and 14” exist). If you’re resetting, consider a Toto CST746CEMFG Drake 1.28/0.8 GPF with a 12” rough and a standard 2” trapway—reliable performance, easy parts, average 45–90 minutes install. Water heaters: Match vent type (atmospheric vs. power vent), input BTU, first-hour rating, and location code (e.g., FVIR). Our market has specific seismic strapping requirements—CBC/UPC. We stock tested kits so inspectors pass you the first time. Expansion tanks: Correct sizing by water heater capacity and thermal expansion—common 2-gallon for 40–50 gal heaters at 60–80 PSI. We’ll verify with the manufacturer charts.
Pro tip: A quick call to our technical team saves a truck roll. Send your spec, room photos, and measurements. We’ll pull the right materials and have them ready at the closest plumbing supply counter or deliver same-day.
5) Use Spec Sheets, Codes, and Warranties to Your Advantage
Documentation isn’t paperwork—it’s money. Specs and code notes prevent rework, warranty denials, and failed inspections.
- Code alignment: In our area, professional plumbers choose pressure-balancing or thermostatic valves for showers—ASSE 1016/1070 compliance is a must. For backflow, we stock Watts LF009 and Febco 825Y with USC FCCC&HR approvals; we also coordinate certified test kits and tags. Warranty leverage: Manufacturers like Bradford White, Navien, Delta, Moen, Sloan stand behind product when installed per spec. Keep serials and install photos. We help file claims and can often provide swap-outs quickly because of our direct relationships. Data in the field: We email submittals and installation PDFs for inspectors and facility managers. That’s crucial on commercial builds where the punch list can make or break your schedule.
This is where a real plumbing supply company earns its keep. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and provides the documentation inspectors want—reducing delays and repeat visits.
6) Shop Where the Inventory Is Deep and the Staff Has Wrenched
Here’s an insider truth: selection plus know-how equals savings. If a counter team doesn’t know the difference between a thermostatic mixing valve and a pressure-balancing cartridge, you’ll pay for it in callbacks.
At our plumbing supply shop, we stock:
- PEX-A/B/C systems (Uponor, Viega, SharkBite for repair work), copper Type L/M, and no-hub cast iron. Commercial flushometers (Sloan Royal/Regal, Zurn AquaVantage), carriers (Josam, Zurn), and grease interceptors sized to local code. Gas accessories: 2-stage regulators, CSST fittings with bonding per NFPA 54, sediment traps for appliances. Hydronic and plumbing and heating supply essentials: Taco 007e circulators, Caleffi mixing valves, expansion tanks (AMTROL ST-5/12), air separators, and low-lead zone valves.
Our crew has decades on service trucks. Need a workaround for a corroded galvanized riser in a 1920s four-plex? We’ve done it. Need a quiet bypass for a recirc loop in a 20-story? We’ll spec Caleffi with a differential pressure valve to prevent hunting. That’s the kind of real-world guidance you won’t find at a typical consumer plumbing supply counter—or in a search for plumbing supply near me at 7am before your rough-in.
And if you’re comparing, When Ferguson, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s don’t have the pro-grade part you need, Plumbing Supply And More does—and we back it with real technical support.
7) Use Strategic Substitutions—Without Compromising Code or Performance
Substitutions are a professional trick to save money while staying code-compliant.
- Shower systems: Use a Delta R10000-UNBX rough with a compatible aftermarket trim to hit a budget finish while retaining Delta’s serviceable internals. Drainage: In high-traffic commercial restrooms, swap in a Sloan Royal 111 with a dual-filtered B-50-A handle repair kit instead of replacing the entire valve body—extends life, cuts cost. Water heater venting: If you’re switching from atmospheric to power vent, we’ll compare lifecycle costs. Often, upgrading to a direct-vent condensing unit (Navien NPE-240A2) saves gas, but only if your line sizing supports 199k BTU and condensate routing is clean. We map it with you. Supply stops and escutcheons: Economize on trims and non-pressurized decorative elements without touching core functionality.
Pro tip: Substitutions are only smart if the plumbing parts are readily supported. We’ll confirm availability through our wholesale plumbing supply network and our exclusive manufacturer partnerships.
8) Buy Once, Cry Never—How We Beat Big Box “Deals”
Here’s a real scenario from last quarter: A property manager outfitted 28 units with “contractor pack” lav faucets from a chain retailer. Within six months, 11 developed leaks and four handles loosened. They saved $18 per faucet up front and spent over $2,000 in labor and water damage.
If they’d gone with a proven option—American Standard Colony Pro or Delta 567LF-PP-MPU, both metallic waterways and easy-service cartridges—failure rate would’ve been near zero. We price those in the $85–$165 range, and we keep cartridges on the shelf for same-day fixes. That’s what I mean by lifecycle savings.
We also support after-hours emergencies. If a domestic booster pump pressure switch fails at 9pm, our 24 hour plumbing supply options and on-call support can get your building back on line. And our truck-stock programs help service contractors reduce last-minute runs.
That’s the difference in a true local plumbing supply partner. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support, deeper inventory, and logistics that keep your crews moving.
Who We Serve—and How We Help You Save
- Professional Contractors & Plumbers: Ask about crew-specific kits, bulk PEX fittings, and scheduled drops. We provide spec sheets and installer notes right in your job packet. Serious DIY Homeowners: Bring your photos and measurements. Our experts will walk you through the installation process, from rough-in heights to sealant choices. Property Managers & Maintenance Teams: We set up standing orders, stock common plumbing spares near me for your properties, and create labeled bins for fast turnover. Retail Customers: Visit our showroom to see the quality difference in decorative plumbing supply—from tubs to shower systems—without being upsold into components you don’t need.
And yes, we keep inventories that make sense for the region: freeze-rated sillcocks (Woodford 19/22), expansion tanks sized to local pressures, and PRVs calibrated for our common 80–95 PSI street pressures.
FAQ: Quick Wins That Save Money
What’s the smartest first-time buy from a plumbing supply house to avoid future costs?
A serviceable shower valve rough-in like the Delta R10000-UNBX or Moen 62300. They’re the foundation for decades of reliable, upgradeable trims. Parts availability is excellent, which means no opening walls for replacements.
How do I make sure my parts meet local code?
Bring your job city and scope to the counter. We cross-check UPC/IPC requirements and local amendments. We stock approved backflow devices, anti-scald valves, vacuum breakers, and seismic straps. We can also provide submittals for inspectors and property managers.
What brands offer the best long-term value?
For fixtures: Delta, Moen, American Standard. For commercial: Sloan, Chicago Faucets, T&S Brass. For valves: Apollo, Milwaukee Valve. For plumbing supply and more hydronics: Taco, Caleffi. For water heaters: Bradford White and Navien. We carry all—and we’ll match the right model to your actual usage and budget.
Can you deliver same day, and what’s the radius?
Yes. Same-day for in-stock orders within roughly 45 miles of our warehouse; emergency runs available. Call ahead and we’ll confirm windows. For larger projects, we stage by floor and phase to reduce on-site handling.
What if I’m not sure which cartridge or stem I have?
Text us clear photos with a ruler for scale. Include handle style and any markings. We’ll identify it—Gerber, Pfister, Kohler, you name it—and set aside the right plumbing parts with installation notes.
Where to Find Us—and Why It Matters
If you’ve searched “ plumbing supply store near me,” “ plumbing shop near me,” or “ heating plumbing supply near me,” you’re already on the right track. But here’s what makes our location and service unique:
- We’re the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge—counter staff with decades of field experience. We support both walk-in and plumbing supply online orders for pickup or delivery. We carry both premium lines and economy plumbing supply options that we’ve vetted for reliability, including select cheap plumbing supplies where they make sense. Need commercial plumbing supply? We stock carriers, interceptors, trap primers, and flushometers. Looking for bathroom plumbing supplies and plumbing kitchen fixtures? Our showroom features workhorse and decorative sets, backed by inventory and parts support. If you’re used to browsing internet plumbing supply shops or plumbing supplies direct, compare our service and delivery speed—you’ll see the savings in reduced downtime.
And for the record: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. That’s why contractors switching from “search-and-hope” at SupplyHouse.com, City Plumbing and Electrical Supply, or Plumbers Supply Co stay with us—they get answers, not guesswork.
The Subtle Extras That Add Up to Big Savings
- Torque matters: No-hub couplings require a calibrated torque wrench—60 in-lbs is typical. We loan tools and advise so your installs pass inspection the first time. Thread sealant vs. tape: Use RectorSeal No. 5 or T Plus 2 on gas and high-pressure threads; tape and dope together for problem joints. We’ll guide you by application. Water quality: Hard water destroys cartridges and heaters. Add a scale-reduction filter or softener up front; we’ll size a unit based on grains per gallon and flow rate. It pays back in fewer service calls.
Need help deciding? Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll pull and tag your order so you’re in and out fast.
Why Choose Plumbing Supply And More
I built this company to solve the problem I faced as a working plumber: getting the right parts, right now, with straight answers. We back it with the largest inventory selection in the region, exclusive partnerships with premium manufacturers, and pricing that consistently beats the big boxes when you factor in lifecycle costs. And we stand behind every sale with real technical support and a quality guarantee.
- Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Ask about our contractor discount program and bulk pricing. Our experts can walk you through the installation process—step by step. Need it today? We’ve got same-day delivery and emergency supply services.
If you remember nothing else from these 5 Money-Saving Tips When Buying from a Plumbing Supply House, remember this: the cheapest cart total isn’t the lowest cost. The winning strategy is pairing pro-grade parts with knowledgeable support. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we make sure they’re installed right—so your jobs finish on time, pass inspection, and stay leak-free.
Stop searching for random “ plumbing supply places” and come see a true partner in your corner. Whether you’re hunting for standard plumbing supply, contractor plumbing supply, plumbing wholesale near me, a reliable wholesale plumbing supply company, or simply the best plumbing supply experience, we’re here to make every purchase smarter. That’s how you save money—job after job.