Buying Your Own Faucet or Fixture: What to Know Before Installation

Buying your own fixture can be a great way to get exactly the style you want — as long as you know what the box needs to match before you buy it.

What to check before you buy

For faucets: the number of holes in your sink and their spacing — a single-hole faucet does not cover a three-hole sink without a deck plate, and widespread faucets need 8-inch spread. For toilets: the set-out distance from the finished wall to the closet bolts, most commonly 12 inches. For disposals: horsepower and whether your outlet is switched.

Quality tiers are real

The same brand often sells a big-box version and a plumbing-supply version of what looks like the same fixture, with different internals. Neither is wrong — but knowing which one you are holding sets expectations for lifespan and parts availability.

Warranty basics

When a homeowner supplies the fixture, the manufacturer warranty on the product is between the homeowner and the manufacturer — customer-supplied items are not covered by a Sonlight product warranty. Keeping the receipt and the model number makes any future manufacturer claim far easier.

Common questions

Can a plumber install a fixture I bought online?

Generally yes, if it is compatible with your plumbing and arrives complete and undamaged. Compatibility and condition are checked before installation.

Why did my two identical-looking faucets cost different amounts?

Many brands build different internal quality tiers for different sales channels. The exterior can match while cartridges and internals differ.

Who covers the warranty on a customer-supplied fixture?

The product itself is covered by the manufacturer's warranty to you; customer-supplied items are not covered by a Sonlight product warranty. Keep your receipt and model number.