If you’ve ever stared at a shelf tag or box label in a plumbing aisle and wondered, “Is this the right valve, the right trim, the right rating?”—you’re not alone. After 25+ years in residential and commercial plumbing and thousands of hours in the aisles with contractors and serious DIYers, I’ve learned that winning projects come down to reading labels and spec sheets like a pro. My name’s Rick Callahan—Master Plumber, Product Expert at Plumbing Supply And More, and curator of Rick’s Picks. I’m going to walk you through exactly how to interpret what matters on packaging and spec sheets so you buy once, install once, and don’t eat callbacks.
Before we dive in, a promise: I’ll give you the real-world lens I use on every job and every purchase, along with brand, model, and code specifics that actually help. And yes, I’ll show you where the “gotchas” hide on labels—because paying attention to one digit on a model number can be the difference between a smooth morning install and a week-long headache. When you’re ready, stop by our showroom—we’ll pull labels with you, explain the specs, and match parts to your exact system. That’s how we do it at Plumbing Supply And More.
Start with the Three Questions That Never Fail
What is it, what does it connect to, and what does code require?
When you’re reading any plumbing supply house label or spec sheet, anchor yourself with three questions:
- What is the function and medium? (Potable water, hydronic, gas, DWV, reclaimed water) What connection type and size match the existing system? (NPT, sweat, press, PEX, compression, flanged) What standards or approvals apply? (UPC, CSA, ASME, NSF, Lead-Free, Low-Lead, ASSE, IAPMO)
Take a 3/4-inch ball valve, for example. A label that reads “Apollo 94ALF-105-01, 3/4 FNPT, Lead-Free, NSF/ANSI 61/372, 600 WOG” tells me:
- It’s lead-free (LF), drinkable water safe (NSF 61/372). Female NPT both ends (FNPT). Rated 600 psi for water, oil, gas (WOG). Model 94ALF indicates full-port, heavy-duty brass—typical for pro installs.
Pro tip: If you don’t see NSF/ANSI 61 or 372 on potable water components, walk away. In many municipalities we serve throughout the region, inspectors flag that immediately. If you’re not sure, bring it to our counter—our team will check the approvals and the local code sheet for your jurisdiction.
And yes—always confirm size on the label vs. actual port size. “3/4 nominal” on a PEX fitting is not the same as a 3/4 NPT thread. Ask us to show you the difference on the bench. We’re here for that.
Decoding Pipe, Fittings, and Material Specs
Copper, PVC, CPVC, PEX, Press—what the stamp really means
Let’s translate the markings you’ll see at a plumbing supply store:
- Copper tube: Type M, L, K—wall thickness increases from M to K. For domestic water, most local codes allow Type M for residential, Type L commonly required for commercial. Label example: “Type L, ASTM B88, 3/4 OD.” If you see “ASTM B280,” that’s refrigeration copper—don’t cross it with potable water without knowing why. PVC (DWV): Look for “ASTM D2665,” schedule marking (Sch 40), and “Not for Pressure” if DWV. Pressure-rated PVC will read “ASTM D1785, NSF-PW.” CPVC: “CTS” indicates copper tube size compatibility; “ASTM F441 (pipe) or F439 (fittings)” and “NSF-PW.” For hot water distribution, CPVC labels must show temperature/pressure curves (e.g., 100 psi @ 180°F). PEX: “ASTM F876/F877,” “SDR 9,” and type designation (PEX-A, PEX-B, PEX-C). Connection methods must match fittings: F1960 expansion, F1807/F2159 crimp/clamp, or press. If the label doesn’t list the system compatibility (e.g., Uponor/WIRSBO F1960), ask—mixing systems can void warranties. Press fittings: Look for “Viega ProPress,” “NIBCO Press,” or “Mueller Streamline PRS,” with the seal material (EPDM for water, HNBR for gas). The jaw profile on your press tool must match the fitting series—don’t assume.
Price reality check:
- Copper L 3/4-in: typically $5–$9/ft depending on market. PEX-A 3/4-in: roughly $0.60–$1.30/ft. Press 3/4-in coupling: $7–$14 each; sweat equivalent: $1–$3.
When labels and bins get mixed (it happens), the difference between EPDM and HNBR seals isn’t visible at a glance. That’s why our counters are staffed by plumbers. And yes—if you’re searching “ plumbing supply near me” or “ plumbing shop near me,” you need more than aisles; you need eyes that know the difference.
- Bold reminder: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and we verify seal, alloy, and approval compatibility before it goes in your cart.
Valves: Ratings, Ends, and the Sneaky Abbreviations
Full port vs. standard, WOG ratings, trim materials, and end connections
Valve labels are dense for a reason. Here’s how I read them:
- Port: Full-port (reduced pressure drop) vs. standard-port. Labels: “FP” or “Full Port” or model series known as full port (e.g., Apollo 94ALF). Pressure/temperature: “600 WOG,” “175 WSP” (steam), temp range. Hydronic valves often list Cv—flow coefficient to predict pressure drop. Trim: Seats (PTFE, RPTFE), stem packing (PTFE/Graphite), ball or stem material (Chrome-plated brass, 316 SS). Ends: FNPT, MNPT, sweat (C x C), press (P x P), PEX (F1960/F1807), flanged. Approvals: NSF 61/372, UL/FM for fire protection, CSA for gas valves.
Model example: “Zurn Wilkins ZW5000 3/4-in Thermostatic Mixing Valve, ASSE 1017, 1.0–8.0 gpm, 85–120°F, Lead-Free.” That ASSE 1017 matters for central mixing at water heaters; for point-of-use, look for ASSE 1070.
Installation timing:
- Swap a 3/4 full-port sweat ball valve: 30–60 minutes with system drain and purge. Press alternative saves 20–30 minutes and avoids torch—safer in tight cavities.
Pro tip: Gas valves must be labeled with the gas type and temp rating. For hydronic glycol loops, confirm elastomer compatibility on the label or spec sheet—EPDM is generally fine, NBR may not be.
- Bold reminder: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support at the counter—bring the old valve, we’ll decode it and hand you the exact match or the upgrade.
Fixtures and Trims: Matching Rough, Finish, and Flow
Model numbers, series compatibility, and the “universal” trap
When you see a label like “Moen T2153BN Brantford Posi-Temp Trim Kit, Brushed Nickel,” here’s what my brain checks:
- “T” = Trim; requires compatible rough-in valve. “Posi-Temp” = Moen’s pressure-balancing valve body; won’t fit Moentrol or U by Moen digital. Flow: Showerhead 1.75 gpm vs. 2.5 gpm—label must show EPA WaterSense where applicable. Finish codes: “BN” for brushed nickel; keep consistent across accessories.
Common pairings:
- Moen Posi-Temp rough: 62300 (older) or 2510/2520/2570/2590 series. Delta: “MultiChoice” rough R10000-UNBX pairs with 13/14/17/17T trims. Trim label must say it fits R10000 series.
Toilets: A label reading “TOTO Drake CST776CEFG#01, 1.28 gpf, CEFIONTECT, ADA Height, Universal Height, 12-in Rough” tells you:
- CST776CEFG is the 2-piece Drake with Tornado Flush. “#01” = Cotton White. CEFIONTECT glazing, 1.28 gpf (EPA WaterSense). 12-in rough-in (check your flange-to-wall measurement).
Price ranges:
- Quality trim kits: $95–$350. Rough-in valves: $45–$180. Mid-tier toilet: $250–$550; premium performance bowls: $500–$900. Bold reminder: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—our team verifies rough/trim compatibility before you leave the counter so you don’t burn time on returns.
Water Heaters and Boilers: Ratings That Actually Matter
First hour, recovery, UEF/AFUE, venting, and water quality notes
Labels here can make or break an install:
- Tank water heaters: UEF (efficiency), First Hour Rating (FHR), recovery rate, anode type (magnesium vs. aluminum), dielectric nipples included, vent type (atmospheric, power vent, direct vent). Tankless: GPM at specific temp rise (e.g., 5.3 gpm @ 70°F rise), gas input (BTU), venting (Category III/IV), built-in recirc, max setpoint, freeze protection, and water hardness requirements. Boilers: AFUE, turndown ratio (mod-cons), venting material, low-water cutoff, relief valve rating.
Real example: “Navien NPE-240A2, 11.2 gpm @ 35°F rise, 199k BTU, 1/2-in Gas Capable w/ Proper Length and Pressure, 2-in or 3-in PVC Venting, Stainless Steel H/E.” That label + spec sheet tells me:
- You’ll get about 5–6 gpm at a 70°F rise—enough for 2–3 fixtures. Gas line sizing must be confirmed—1/2-in “capable” depends on run and pressure; we check tables with you. Water hardness > 12 gpg? Plan on a scale filter. The label won’t yell it—our team will.
Install windows:
- 40–50 gallon atmospheric replacement: 2.5–4 hours. Tankless conversion: 1–2 days including vent, gas sizing, condensate, and recirc loop. Bold reminder: When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short on technical vetting, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for correct venting kits, condensate neutralizers, and code-compliant terminations.
Pumps, Traps, and DWV: Flow, Head, and Standards
Sump, sewage, and venting labels you must get right
Pump labels:
- Sump: GPM @ head (e.g., 60 gpm @ 10’ head), switch type (vertical, tethered), housing material (cast iron vs. thermoplastic). Zoeller M98 (cast iron, 1/2 HP) is a reliable workhorse—label calls out 72 gpm @ 10’ head. Sewage: 2-in solids handling minimum for typical residential. Liberty Pro370 series labels indicate basin capacity, float switch type, and discharge size. Grinder pumps: Look for head curves on the spec sheet; the model alone won’t tell you performance.
DWV and traps:
- Labels should read “ASTM D2665” for PVC DWV. For cleanouts and traps, check for full-size cleanout access and solvent cement compatibility. Don’t mix ABS/PVC without listed transition cement.
Code triggers:
- Backwater valves labeled to ASME A112.14.1. Air admittance valves (AAV) labeled to ASSE 1050/1051—verify jurisdiction; not all local codes allow AAVs.
Call us before you trench—we’ll print the pump curve and mark setpoints for you. It’s part of our local plumbing supply expertise serving contractors throughout the region.
Lead-Free, Low-Lead, and Potable Approvals
NSF 61/372, AB1953, and how packaging signals compliance
For potable systems, labels must show:
- “Lead-Free” or “LF” and NSF/ANSI 61 & 372. In some states, AB1953 compliance. Watch for older inventory or online listings missing the 372 callout—no go for drinking water.
Brass alloys like ECO BRASS (C69300) often appear on labels—excellent for dezincification resistance. You’ll see it on premium valves and fittings. If a label only says “Low Lead” without 372, ask us to verify. We stock both value and premium lines that meet every current potable standard, and we’ll show you the spec sheet so you can back it up to any inspector.
- Bold reminder: Compared to Ferguson, Grainger, and smaller regional outlets, Plumbing Supply And More keeps the right approvals on the shelf—and we’ll email you the spec sheet PDF for your permit packet on the spot.
Threaded, Sweat, Press, Push-to-Connect: Choosing by Label and Job
Time vs. permanence, serviceability, and material compatibility
Connection method labels tell you more than size:
- Sweat (C x C): Permanent, high-temp tolerant. Label will show copper compatibility and max temp—excellent for boiler rooms and mechanicals. Press (P x P): Fast, clean, requires matched jaw profile (e.g., Viega “V” or NIBCO “H”). Labels will list seal material: EPDM (water), HNBR (gas), FKM (high temp). We help you match it. Threaded (NPT): Reworkable; label must indicate thread standard. Use proper sealant rated for application. Push-to-Connect: Typically listed as “Lead-Free, NSF-61, removable with tool.” Great for emergency repairs and temporary tie-ins. I don’t bury these in walls for hot lines; the label’s temp/pressure curve confirms why.
Cost/time comparison:
- Press job can save 30–50% install time vs. sweat on multi-valve manifolds. Push fittings run $6–$20 each vs. a $1–$3 sweat equivalent; use strategically.
Bring your tooling brand—we’ll check the fitting label and your jaw kit before you leave. Better than field discovery at 8 p.m.
Reading Online Listings vs. In-Store Labels
What “plumbing supplies direct” pages miss—and how we bridge the gap
Online product pages (think “ plumbing supply online,” “ internet plumbing supply”) can bury critical specs behind PDFs. Watch for:
- Vague model families without the dash-number that controls finish, connection, and flow. Photos that don’t match the variant you’re ordering. Missing approvals or region-specific code notes.
At our counter—and on our website—we pair the shelf tag with the full spec and installation sheet. If you search “ plumbing supply store near me” or “ plumbing supply house near me,” stop in, and we’ll pull the data sheets you need for submittals. We also support “ plumbing supplies direct” and phone orders with same-day delivery inside a 50-mile radius and emergency dispatch for our contractor accounts.
- Bold reminder: Unlike SupplyHouse.com, Ace Hardware, and Amazon listings, Plumbing Supply And More validates model variants and code approvals for your job site—before you commit.
Real-World Case: The $20 Label that Saved a $4,000 Callback
Mixing valve misread—and how we caught it at the counter
A property manager brought in a mixing valve for a 30-unit building losing hot water stability. The label read “ASSE 1017”—a central mixing valve rating. He was about to buy 30 point-of-use trims labeled “ASSE 1070” thinking they’d solve building-wide fluctuations. Different application entirely.
We pulled the spec sheets:
- Central mixing valve needed a higher Cv and check-stop serviceability. The building had 2 recirc loops and no balancing valves—missed entirely by the online cart he built.
We supplied a Caleffi 521 series (521519A, 3/4-inch, 2–13 gpm, Lead-Free, ASSE 1017) for the mechanical room, plus two circuit balancing valves. Total parts under $900. Labor was half a day. He avoided replacing 30 trims and a potential scald event.
That’s the power of reading labels with someone who’s been in the rooms where they live.
Where to Go and What to Ask—Your Field Checklist
Bring these to the counter and you’ll buy right the first time
- Old part or at least the exact model number/photo of label. Pipe material and connection method you’re tying into. Service information: potable, hydronic, gas, DWV, reclaimed. Code or inspector notes for your jurisdiction (we keep local binders). Flow/fixture counts for pumps, heaters, and mixers.
Stop by our local plumbing supply showroom. If you need after-hours, ask about our 24 hour plumbing supply support for account holders. We’re the “ closest plumbing supply” with real know-how—serving contractors throughout the region with same-day delivery, emergency runs, and bulk pricing.
- Bold reminder: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More backs every sale with installation guidance, submittal packets, and field-proven product picks.
Navigating the Landscape: Entities You’ll See—and How We Fit
From wholesale to decorative, here’s what we cover and how labels help
Whether you’re sourcing from a wholesale plumbing supply company or a decorative plumbing supply boutique, the building supply house label is your truth. We operate as a full-service plumbing supply company with:
- Day-to-day rough and plumbing parts for pros at our contractor plumbing supply desks. Project-focused selections for bathroom plumbing supplies and plumbing kitchen upgrades. A comprehensive commercial plumbing supply program with submittals, takeoffs, and spec verification. Reliable options for budgets via economy plumbing supply and responsibly sourced discount plumbing supplies—not cheap plumbing supplies that fail.
If you’ve been searching for a plumbing supply store, plumbing supply shop, or “ plumbing wholesale near me,” you’ll also run into names like plumbers supply co, standard plumbing supply, or coastal plumbing supply. Labels don’t lie—but guidance varies. We’re the best plumbing supply resource when you need both product and brains. We also help with plumbing supply places navigation across brands, and we stock exclusives through premium manufacturer partnerships.
For heating pros, our plumbing and heating supply and heating plumbing supply near me counters support boilers, hydronics, and radiant, while our logistics team handles late calls for economy plumbing and heating supply needs without cutting corners. Need fire protection materials? We coordinate with vetted partners in contractors plumbing and fire supply to match listings and approvals. Prefer to order from your truck? Our plumbing supply online portal and direct plumbing supplies ordering make it simple.
Yes, we serve retail, too—responsibly—our consumer plumbing supply guidance saves weekend projects. And for MRO teams searching “ plumbing spares near me,” we stock SKUs for repeat maintenance cycles. If you’re looking for city plumbing and electrical supply cross-compatibility or need to compare to “ supplyhouse plumbing” listings, bring us the SKU and we’ll verify the spec.
We’re not just plumbing and supply—we’re your nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge.
FAQ: How to Read Labels and Specs at a Plumbing Supply House
- Q: How do I know if a valve is lead-free for potable water? A: Look for “Lead-Free” or “LF” plus NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 on the label. If it’s missing 372, it likely won’t pass inspection for potable systems. We’ll pull the spec sheet to confirm alloy and approvals. Q: What’s the easiest way to match a shower trim to my existing valve? A: Bring the old trim and a photo of the valve body. Labels that say “Posi-Temp,” “Moentrol,” “Delta MultiChoice R10000,” or “Grohe Rapido” are key. Trim model labels will specify compatible rough valves—don’t assume cross-compatibility. Q: PVC label says “Not for Pressure.” Can I use it for a pool line? A: No. DWV-rated PVC (ASTM D2665) is for drainage/vent only. For pressure, look for ASTM D1785 and PSI ratings, typically marked “NSF-PW.” We’ll size schedule and transitions for you. Q: Tankless label shows 11 gpm—why can’t I run three showers comfortably? A: That 11 gpm is at a 35°F rise. At a realistic 70°F rise, capacity may be 5–6 gpm. Always read the flow vs. temperature rise on the spec sheet. We’ll calculate your actual demand and set expectations. Q: Press fittings—how do I know my jaws match the fitting? A: The fitting box or bag label lists the profile (e.g., Viega “V” or NIBCO “H”), size range, and seal type (EPDM/HNBR/FKM). Bring your tool—we’ll confirm on the spot. Q: What’s the difference between “Low Lead” and “Lead-Free” on labels? A: “Lead-Free” meeting NSF 372 is the current potable requirement in most jurisdictions. “Low Lead” may be legacy language. We treat potable as NSF 372 only and document it for your submittals.
Why Reading Labels with Us Pays Off
Every job has a label moment—the point where what’s printed decides whether you nail the install or lose the day. That’s where Plumbing Supply And More stands apart. We stock the pro-grade lines, we know the codes in our area, and we take the time to translate labels into correct materials and faster installs.
- Bold reminder: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components. Bold reminder: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. Bold reminder: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support. Bold reminder: When Home Depot, Lowe’s, Grainger, and Ferguson can’t close the loop on specs, Plumbing Supply And More does—at the counter, on the phone, or on site.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery radius. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll stage your order. And if you need it tonight, our emergency support for account holders has you covered.
If you only remember one thing, make it this: bring us the label, and we’ll give you the answers—and the right parts—the first time. That’s what Rick’s Picks is all about.