Connecticut hosts a rich tapestry of varied architectural styles and communities: from the luxurious estates of Fairfield and the Gold Coast to the rustic charm of Litchfield County and the serene Quiet Corner, each individual town presents a diverse culture of home design, remodel wishlists and aspirations. Each region boasts its unique character, with coastal homes often reflecting a more modern, opulent style, while the inland areas preserve the historical and bucolic essence of New England. This diversity underscores the importance of choosing home service professionals and material vendors that align with the specific aesthetic and functional requirements of your room remodel. Whether it’s a sleek, contemporary bathroom in a Gold Coast mansion or a cozy, traditional kitchen in a Litchfield farmhouse, selecting the right supplier ensures that the plumbing fixtures and features not only enhance the room’s utility but also complement its overall design theme.
With a focus on quality, sustainability, and design, the state’s homeowners are discerning in their choices, driving demand for top-notch providers. Torrco, Plimpton Hills, and Bender emerge as frontrunners in this competitive landscape, each offering distinct advantages to cater to the evolving needs of Connecticut residents. In this guide, we’ll take a look at these major three suppliers and rate them on their product offerings, service, brand persona, and complete experience, from the point of view of a homeowner or remodeler looking for the best fit for their renovation.
Torrco
Website: www.torrco.com
Years in Business: Over 100 years, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century.
Torrco is a leading plumbing, heating, and HVAC supplier known for its extensive range of high-quality products and services catering to both professionals and homeowners. The company prides itself on offering innovative solutions and expert advice. Torrco is a fourth-generation, family-owned business that has evolved from a small supply shop to a major distributor in the Northeast. They are recognized for their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly products.
Plimpton & Hills
Website: www.plimptonhills.com
Years in Business: Over 80 years, establishing a strong reputation in the Connecticut area since its inception.
Plimpton Hills specializes in plumbing and heating supplies, serving both the trade professionals and the DIY market. They are known for their wide product selection and exceptional customer service. Plimpton Hills stands out for its dedication to education and support, offering seminars and training sessions for both professionals and homeowners to enhance their knowledge of plumbing and heating systems.
Bender
Website: www.benderplumbing.com
Years in Business: More than 70 years, with a history of providing premium fixtures and design expertise.
Bender is renowned for its luxurious showrooms and a wide array of plumbing, kitchen, and bathroom products. They combine high-quality merchandise with design services to create custom, sophisticated spaces. Bender differentiates itself with its design-centric approach, featuring award-winning showrooms that inspire creativity and offer an immersive shopping experience. They are also known for their community involvement and support of local arts and design initiatives.
Why Picking a Vendor Matters
Selecting the right plumbing fixture vendor is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your remodeling project, and this choice often hinges on the approach you’re taking towards the remodel.
For DIY enthusiasts, finding a vendor like Plimpton Hills that offers a wide range of products along with educational resources and support can be invaluable. Their hands-on workshops and tutorials can demystify the remodeling process, making it accessible and manageable for homeowners undertaking projects themselves.
On the other hand, if you’re working with a General Contractor, a supplier such as Torrco, known for its professional-grade products and technical expertise, might be more appropriate. Contractors often require access to a broader range of high-quality, durable fixtures and fittings that can withstand rigorous use, and they may benefit from the technical consultations and bulk purchasing options that Torrco provides.
For those opting for a turnkey, all-in-one remodeler, a high-end vendor like Bender could be the ideal match. Bender’s luxurious showrooms and design-focused services align well with the comprehensive, hands-off approach of turnkey remodeling, offering personalized design consultations and bespoke solutions that ensure your remodeled space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, aligning perfectly with your vision and the remodeler’s execution plan.
Quick Plumbing Vendor Comparison Chart
Torrco |
Plimpton Hills |
Bender |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | Over 100 years | Over 80 years | More than 70 years |
| Showroom Rating | High-quality, professional-oriented | Extensive, accessible to professionals and DIYers | Luxurious, design-focused |
| Average Cost | Competitive for trade and bulk purchases | Affordable with a wide range of options | Premium, reflecting high-end offerings |
| Customer Service Level | Expert, technical support for professionals | High, with strong focus on education and support | Exceptional, personalized design services |
| Product Availability | Extensive range for professional plumbing and HVAC needs | Wide variety, catering to both professionals and DIYers | Curated selection of high-end fixtures and fittings |
| Warranty Information | Comprehensive warranties on professional-grade products | Standard warranties, with extended options available | Premium warranties on luxury products |
| Market Focus | Trade professionals and large projects | Both trade professionals and DIY market | High-end residential and design projects |
| Eco-Friendly Options | Wide range of sustainable and eco-friendly products | Good selection, with a focus on energy efficiency | Select eco-luxury products available |
| Online Presence | Strong, with extensive resources for professionals | Informative, with resources for both professionals and DIYers | High, with emphasis on design inspiration and product showcases |
| Number of Locations in CT | Multiple locations across the state | Several locations, well-distributed | Numerous showrooms, strategically located |
Comparing Showrooms
Torrco showrooms are designed with the professional in mind, emphasizing functionality and a broad product range. The ambiance is straightforward and utilitarian, focusing on providing clear, organized displays of their extensive inventory. Interactive elements may include product demonstrations and technical presentations, aimed at informing professionals about the latest in plumbing technologies and innovations. The environment is set up to facilitate efficient decision-making for contractors and builders, with a focus on technical specifications, durability, and application.
Plimpton & Hills strikes a balance in its showroom design, catering to both the trade professional and the DIY enthusiast. The ambiance is welcoming and informative, with displays arranged to inspire and educate. Interactive elements could include hands-on areas where customers can get a feel for the products, DIY workshops, and digital catalogs that allow for easy browsing of their wide product range. The layout is designed to encourage exploration and discovery, making it easier for customers to envision the products in their own projects, whether they’re updating a bathroom or overhauling a kitchen.
Bender showrooms, in contrast, are crafted to offer an immersive luxury experience. The ambiance is akin to an interior design studio, with elegant displays that showcase high-end plumbing fixtures as part of cohesive bathroom and kitchen vignettes. Interactive elements might include touchscreens for customizing finishes and features, virtual reality setups that allow customers to experience their design choices in a simulated environment, and personal consultations with design experts. The focus is on inspiring customers, offering them a vision of what their space could become with Bender’s premium products.
Each brand’s showroom experience reflects its approach to customer service and product marketing. Torrco’s practical and professional-oriented space caters to industry experts looking for quality and reliability. Plimpton Hills offers an engaging and educational environment that appeals to a broad audience, including those undertaking DIY projects. Bender’s luxurious and design-forward showrooms provide a personalized and inspirational experience for customers seeking bespoke, high-end solutions.
Best Plumbing Fixture Vendor in Connecticut:
Further Reading
Books:
- “Bathroom Remodeling For Dummies” by Gene Hamilton and Katie Hamilton: A comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of bathroom remodeling, perfect for beginners.
“Renovation 5th Edition: Completely Revised and Updated” by Michael Litchfield: Offers in-depth information on home renovation projects, including bathrooms, with detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions.
Websites and Blogs:
- Houzz.com: An extensive resource for finding design inspiration, viewing bathroom remodel projects, and connecting with professionals.
- ThisOldHouse.com: Offers expert advice, how-to videos, and step-by-step instructions for bathroom remodeling and other home improvement projects.
