What to share before the appointment
- The manufacturer, exact model number, finish, official specification sheet, and installation manual.
- Clear photographs above and below the existing fixture, including shutoffs, connectors, drains, cabinet obstacles, wall trim, and nearby outlets when relevant.
- Measurements for mounting holes, center spacing, deck or wall thickness, drain opening, available height, and cabinet clearance.
- Whether the box has been opened, returned, damaged, or mixed with parts from another product.
- The requested work, including removal, disposal, valves, connectors, drain work, testing, and any countertop, cabinet, wall, or finish changes that may need another trade.
Fit questions depend on the fixture
| Product | Important fit questions |
|---|---|
| Faucet | Mounting-hole count and spacing, deck thickness, spout reach, backsplash clearance, connector size, spray-hose space, and drain type. |
| Toilet | Rough-in distance, flange and floor condition, bowl footprint, supply location, clearances, seat height, and mounting system. |
| Sink | Cutout and support method, cabinet width, faucet holes, drain position, overflow, disposal clearance, and countertop fabrication. |
| Shower or tub trim | The exact concealed-valve brand and model, cartridge, diverter functions, wall depth, and approved trim. |
| Disposal or powered fixture | Sink opening, drain height, mounting, plug or wiring method, switch or control, dishwasher connection, and manufacturer requirements. |
Why every part in the box matters
Fixtures often rely on product-specific seals, mounting plates, clips, nuts, shanks, hoses, adapters, templates, or tools. A missing part may not have a safe generic substitute. The manual should show what comes with the product, what the installer supplies, and which dimensions control the work. Kohler's faucet instructions, for example, call for product inspection, stated deck limits, service access, and compliance with applicable codes. [1]
Keep the packaging until the fixture has been installed, operated, checked for leaks, and accepted. Some defects are visible only after water flows, a control moves, or an electronic feature is powered.
Agree on the boundaries before work starts
Product fit
Decide who checked the measurements and what happens if the item cannot be installed as supplied.
Product condition
Clarify how a damaged, defective, incomplete, counterfeit, or previously installed item will be handled.
Existing plumbing
Treat failed shutoffs, corroded piping, an incorrect drain, or a damaged mounting surface as separate conditions discovered during removal.
Warranty
Ask what the product warranty covers and what, if anything, covers the installation work. Do not assume one replaces the other.
Work by other trades
Set an approval point before drilling, cutting, electrical work, cabinet or countertop changes, or finish repair.
Match the product to the room and use
Product information can confirm
The site still must confirm
Listed dimensions, connection sizes, flow, functions, and included parts.
Actual holes, clearances, access, water pressure, drain arrangement, and condition of existing valves.
WaterSense certification for eligible bathroom faucets and tested efficiency and performance. [2]
Whether that faucet's reach, flow, controls, and intended use fit this particular bathroom.
Manufacturer installation steps and material limits.
Applicable local requirements and any separate electrical, countertop, cabinet, or finish work.