As the owner of Plumbing Supply And More and a former contractor who’s spent three decades on jobsites and at the counter, I know exactly how frustrating it is to lose time waiting on a hard-to-find valve, a specific trim finish, or an OEM repair kit. Special orders shouldn’t be a gamble—they should be a reliable extension of your planning. Here’s how I coach my contractors, property managers, and serious DIYers to nail special orders the first time, every time, and why working with a true plumbing supply house like ours keeps your project moving.
Why Special Orders Matter—and When You Should Place One
Not everything is on the shelf—and that’s OK. Special ordering is the right move when you need OEM parts, commercial-grade components, or specific finishes and dimensions that must match existing systems. Think Kohler K-304-KS Rite-Temp pressure-balance valves, Sloan Royal 111 flushometer rebuild kits, or Viega ProPress XL copper fittings (2-1/2"–4"). When matching existing trim (say, Delta Champagne Bronze or Moen Brushed Gold), a special order protects your aesthetic and maintains warranty compliance.
Most contractors who walk into a plumbing supply store for a special order fall into one of three buckets:
- You’re matching legacy parts on a renovation and need factory specifics. You’re spec’ing commercial or code-driven items: ASSE 1017 thermostatic mixing valves like the Watts LFMMV, NSF/ANSI 61 certified backflow preventers, or low-lead brass components for potable systems. You’re chasing timeline-critical items: a Weil-McLain boiler control board, a Navien NPE-240A2 internal recirc pump kit, or Grohe 46691000 thermostatic cartridge.
Here’s the real win: when you special order through a seasoned plumbing supply company that knows the manufacturers, we verify compatibility, lead times, and freight options—and we stand behind the result. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and knows how to navigate factory pipelines so you don’t wait three weeks for something that should’ve been here in three days.
The Information You Need Before You Walk Into the Supply House
If you want a fast, accurate special order, bring details. When you come to our counter, this is what I ask for—every time:
- Model numbers and full descriptions: For example, “Toto Drake II CST454CEFG#01, Cotton White” or “Watts LF009 1” RPZ backflow preventer.” Application and code notes: Domestic hot water mixing? Hydronic? Commercial restroom ADA compliance? This helps us verify ASME/ASSE requirements. Finish or trim details: Polished Nickel isn’t the same as Brushed Nickel. Manufacturers like Kohler’s Vibrant Polished Nickel (SN) vs. Brushed Nickel (BN) matter. Dimensions and connections: Thread types (NPT vs. BSPT), sweat vs. press vs. PEX A/B/C, and valve rough depths. Photos of existing installations: A picture is often faster than a thousand questions—especially for older shower valves or flushometers.
Pro tip: Snap a photo of the data plate on water heaters, boilers, or pumps. Taco 007e ECM circulators and Grundfos UPS15-58FC pumps look similar—but that ECM control makes a world of difference on efficiency and controls. We’ll catch it. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support by having actual plumbers at the counter who know what they’re looking at.
How the Special Order Process Works—Step by Step
At a true plumbing and supply counter, the process is straightforward but meticulous. Here’s how we do it at our local plumbing supply location, serving contractors throughout the Tri-County area with same-day delivery in a 35-mile radius and next-morning runs up to 75 miles:
1) We identify the exact SKU or factory kit. If you’ve got a Kohler shower rough from 2009, we’re checking parts lists by year to avoid mixing-generation components. 2) We confirm lead time. Most items land in 1–5 business days. Exotic finishes or commercial assemblies can run 2–4 weeks. 3) We price the order. For contractors, we apply your tiered discount. Bulk buys plumbing supply or multi-unit projects get quote-level pricing. 4) We take a deposit for non-stock items. Standard is 25–50% depending on manufacturer policy. 5) We lock in delivery or pickup. Want it sent direct to your shop or site? We arrange it—often with same-week results.
I won’t sugarcoat it: if a supplier skips step one and two, you’re the one who pays for their guesswork. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—that means careful verification, not blind ordering.
Lead Times, Backorders, and How to Avoid Delays
Manufacturers are faster than they used to be, but certain items hit bottlenecks—especially specialty finishes, commercial carrier systems, and hydronic controls. Here’s how I bulletproof timelines for my pros:
- Choose “factory-preferred” SKUs when possible. Moen and Delta stock their top finishes and trim combinations more consistently. Matte Black and Brushed Gold can slip into 3–6 week zones if you’re not flexible on cross-sku swaps. Build alternates. If the Sloan Royal 111 is backordered, we may swap to a Zurn Z6000AV-1—or supply the rebuild kit to get you through inspection. Order rough and trim at the same time. Too many folks rough in a valve and hunt the trim later. If the trim’s delayed, your inspection is delayed. Pair them up from the start.
We communicate proactively. You’ll get a call if ship dates change—and we’ll push the factory. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More because we keep you updated and present viable alternates that don’t compromise spec.
Pricing, Deposits, and Return Policies—What to Expect
Budgeting is real-world, so here are honest ranges you can plan supply house around:
- OEM cartridges and rebuild kits: $25–$160 (Moen 1225, Delta RP46074, Grohe 46374000). Commercial flush parts and valves: $35–$400 (Sloan A-156 diaphragm kits to complete exposed valves). Pressure-reducing valves (1”): $120–$260 (Watts LF25AUB-Z3, Cash Acme EB-45). Thermostatic mixing valves (ASSE 1017): $240–$600 (Watts LFMMV, Honeywell AM-1). Hydronic controls: $85–$450 (Taco relays, Tekmar controllers like 256 or 274).
Deposits: 25–50% on non-stock special orders; custom-finish faucets (e.g., Brizo Luxe Gold) may require full prepay. Return policies vary by manufacturer; custom finishes and electrical controls are typically non-returnable. We’ll flag it up front—no surprises.
We consistently beat big-box pricing on professional-grade components because we buy smarter and we don’t bury costs in “universal” bundles. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and offers contractor accounts with transparent, competitive pricing.
Spec Sheets, Submittals, and Code Compliance—Get It Right the First Time
For commercial jobs and property management projects, submittals are everything. Need ADA reach ranges, flow rates, and ASSE list numbers? We’ll generate a clean packet with:
- Spec sheets for valves, fixtures, and carriers (Zurn Z1200, Josam 12000, Jay R. Smith 2005). Flow and pressure data: 2.2 GPM lav aerators, 1.28 GPF flushometer toilets. Code references: Massachusetts low-lead, California Title 24, ASME A112.18.1 for plumbing fixtures, ASSE 1016/1017 for mixing valves. Valve charts: PEX A/B compatibility (Uponor/Wirsbo vs. Everhot), copper sweat vs. press (Viega ProPress, Nibco Press), and dielectric unions to isolate dissimilar metals.
Our counter team includes licensed pros—so if you’re juggling snaked piping in a multifamily, or you’ve got a mixing loop that’s hunting because of improper balancing, we’ll step in and help you solve it. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support with actual real-world troubleshooting, not guesswork.
Choosing the Right Brands and Models—Real Recommendations from the Field
People ask me every day: “Rick, what would you put in your own building?” Here’s the short list I personally trust and special order regularly:
- Valves and controls: Watts, Apollo/Conbraco, and Caleffi for hydronics. Caleffi 520 series is a workhorse. Press fittings: Viega ProPress and MegaPress. If you’re in a tight boiler room, MegaPress on black iron saves hours—real hours. Carriers and drains: Zurn, Josam, and Sioux Chief. The Sioux Chief OxBox for laundry is a clean install. Fixtures: Toto Drake/Drake II (CST776CEFG), Gerber Avalanche for budget commercial, and American Standard VorMax where bowl rinse matters. Residential valves and trims: Delta MultiChoice valves with TempAssure 17T cartridges for consistent temperature control; Moen 1222/1225 cartridges are easy to service. Water heaters: Bradford White commercial and residential; Navien for tankless condensing—NPE-240A2 recirc-ready is a problem-solver for long runs.
If you’re aiming for long-term durability, the difference between consumer-grade and true trade-grade isn’t subtle. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise, and we’ll put spec sheets and warranty terms in your hand so you understand exactly what you’re buying.
How We Beat the Common Special-Order Pitfalls
Here are the top mistakes I see—and how we help you avoid them:
- Wrong trim for the rough: Delta has multiple cartridge generations. We verify series compatibility before we order. BSPT vs. NPT: We catch thread mismatches, especially on imported valves. We’ll recommend adapters or the correct SKU. Flow rate assumptions: That 1.2 GPM lav faucet won’t satisfy a 1-1/2” trap under certain vent conditions; we match aerator, trap size, and code. Press vs. sweat confusion: We confirm fitting style for your job. If you press copper on potable lines, we’ll set you up with EPDM seals rated for the application.
Need it yesterday? Ask about our rush and direct-ship options. Between our factory partners and distributor network, we often get same-week delivery on parts other counters quote 3–4 weeks. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More because we move fast and stand behind the result.
Where to Go—and Why the Right Supply Partner Matters
If you’ve ever typed plumbing supply near me, plumbing supply store, or plumbing supply store near me and landed at a place that can’t tell a thermostatic from a pressure-balance valve, it’s time to upgrade. Our plumbing supply house serves pros and serious homeowners who value real answers. We’re your commercial plumbing supply and wholesale plumbing supply hub with access to plumbing supplies direct from top manufacturers and a local plumbing supply counter staffed by people who actually install this gear.
We’re the plumbing supply company contractors count on for fast-turn special orders, the contractor plumbing supply source with bulk pricing, and the plumbing shop near me that stocks what works—not just what sells. From heating plumbing supply near me in hydronics season to plumbing supply online ordering for next-day pickup, we’ve built flexible options to fit your workflow. Whether you’re hunting discount plumbing supplies that are still trade-grade, the best plumbing supply for specialty valves, or a plumbing wholesale near me partner who gets large orders right, we’re here. We’re also the plumbing supply house near me that answers the phone after hours—our 24 hour plumbing supply service for emergencies is available for established contractor accounts.
Yes, you’ll see names like Ferguson, Winsupply, City Plumbing, and Grainger in this space—and they’ve got reach. But here’s what sets us apart: we know your job, your inspector, your timelines. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support and same-day local delivery backed by real plumbers, not call center scripts. And for retail shoppers, When Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More—and smart homeowners follow their lead.
Case Study: A Hotel Retrofit Done Right with Special Orders
A regional hotel needed 64 guest bathrooms refreshed—same footprint, upgraded performance, minimal downtime. The GC brought us in early. We reviewed submittals and special ordered:
- 64 Toto Drake CST776CEFG toilets at 1.28 GPF with SoftClose seats. 64 Delta Ara widespread faucets in Chrome with 1.2 GPM aerators, and matching tub/shower trims over existing MultiChoice roughs—verified cartridge compatibility to avoid opening walls. 64 Watts LF25AUB-Z3 PRVs to stabilize building pressure swings.
Timeline was tight: four-week turnovers by floor, rolling install. We staged deliveries weekly, and when the second batch of trims fell into a backorder window, we pivoted to an in-stock Delta finish that matched ADA and brand standards without delaying the project. Result: zero inspection delays, complaint calls dropped, water usage fell roughly 15%. That’s what competent special ordering looks like.
FAQ: Special Orders at a Plumbing Supply House
- How long do special orders take? Most land in 1–5 business days. Specialty finishes, hydronic controls, and commercial carriers can run 2–4 weeks. We’ll give you realistic dates and alternates. Ask us to check regional warehouses—we often trim a week off what competitors quote. Do I need a model number? It helps, but it’s not mandatory. Bring photos, rough-in measurements, finish details, and any branding you can see. We routinely identify legacy valves and trims from photos. Our experts can walk you through the identification process. What’s the deposit and return policy? Non-stock special orders usually require 25–50% down. Custom finishes and electrical components are typically non-returnable. We’ll flag returnability and warranty at the counter before you commit. Can you ship to jobsites or my shop? Yes. We deliver same-day within ~35 miles when feasible and next-morning up to ~75 miles. We also drop-ship from manufacturers and distributors when faster. Check our current inventory online or call ahead. I’m a homeowner—can I special order through you? Absolutely. We’ll make sure you get the correct item the first time and provide installation guidance. We welcome serious DIYers who prefer quality over cheap plumbing supplies churned through retail. Do you handle commercial submittals? Yes—full spec sheets, ASSE/ASME references, cut sheets, and finish schedules. Property managers and maintenance teams rely on our submittal packages to keep projects on code and on schedule.
Entity Snapshot: We Cover Your Entire Supply Landscape
Whether you search for a plumbing supply shop, general plumbing supply, or the closest plumbing supply, we’re your local answer with national reach. Need plumbing parts fast, a plumbing and heating supply partner for boiler season, or a wholesale plumbing supply company for multi-building projects? From consumer plumbing supply needs to contractors plumbing and fire supply, we handle it. We’re the economy plumbing supply ally when budgets are tight, the decorative plumbing supply source when finish matters, and the place for bathroom plumbing supplies that don’t sacrifice reliability. And if you’re comparing economy plumbing and heating supply options or vetting city plumbing and electrical supply alternatives, ask for our bid—our pricing and knowledge speak for themselves.
Online or in-store, our footprint spans plumbing supply online, internet plumbing supply, and direct factory pipelines—what some call supplyhouse plumbing access. Prefer local? We’re the plumbing shop near me with real installers at the counter and after-hours access for established accounts. For warehouses and maintenance teams looking at plumbing wholesale near me strategies, we build stocking plans and bin labels—yes, we get that granular.
And if your job touches kitchens or service sinks, our team is fluent in plumbing kitchen specs, from pre-rinse assemblies (T&S Brass B-0133-B) to air gaps and disposer switch controls. Need oddball repairs? We’ve got plumbing spares near me covered—OEM cartridges, stem kits, and vacuum breakers. If you’re coordinating multi-site assets, we’ll streamline direct plumbing supplies and set reorder points so you don’t get caught short. That’s the promise behind our comprehensive plumbing supplies supply strategy: right part, first time.
Your Next Special Order—Done Right
If you’re ready to place a special order, bring your model info, photos, and project notes. We’ll confirm specs, quote competitive pricing, and lock in a realistic lead time. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we back every special order with real-world expertise. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference, call our technical team for project-specific recommendations, or ask about our contractor discount program if you buy regularly. Need it fast? We offer same-day delivery on many items and coordinate emergency supply services for established accounts.
If you’ve been wondering How to Place a Special Order at a Plumbing Supply House, the answer is simple: partner with a counter team that knows the field, speaks manufacturer, and takes responsibility for every component you install. That’s us. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll get your order right and keep your project on schedule.