I've seen my share of low-flow fixtures, and while I'm skeptical about some of the claims manufacturers make, you're right that newer models have improved. It's worth investing time in researching brands—sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves headaches down the road.
Yeah, totally agree about researching brands first. Have you noticed any difference in durability with the pricier models? I'm always worried about leaks or water damage down the line... seems like a small issue can quickly turn into a big headache.
Yeah, you're spot-on about small leaks becoming big headaches. I've seen it happen way too many times—someone tries to save a few bucks upfront, and then they're calling me in a panic six months later because their kitchen's flooded. In my experience, pricier models usually do have better build quality and materials. Not always, but usually. They tend to use brass fittings instead of plastic, sturdier valves, and better seals that hold up longer under pressure.
But honestly, it's not just about price. I've come across some mid-range brands that outperform the expensive ones because they focus on simplicity and reliability rather than flashy features. The key is looking at reviews from people who've had the product installed for a year or more—short-term reviews don't tell you much about durability.
And yeah, water-saving rules matter too. Not just for the environment, but because efficient fixtures often put less strain on your plumbing system overall. Less strain means fewer leaks and fewer headaches down the road...
Totally agree about efficiency easing strain on the system. I replaced my showerhead with a water-saving one last year, and honestly, I was skeptical at first—thought it'd feel weak—but it's been solid. Noticeably less water usage, and fewer issues with pressure spikes causing leaks.
Did you notice any difference in temperature consistency? I swapped mine out a while back, and while the water savings were great, I swear it took twice as long to get hot water... or maybe that's just my ancient plumbing acting up again.