A plumbing fixture is any permanently (or semi-permanently) installed device that supplies water and/or drains waste water. Common examples include faucets, sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, and bidets. Fixtures are typically selected during the “finish” phase of a project, after the rough plumbing locations are set.

Rough-in is the stage where supply lines, drains, and vents are run and “stub-outs” are positioned for future connections. Finish plumbing happens later when visible fixtures (faucets, toilets, sinks, shower trim) are installed and connected.

Planning tip: keep a simple fixture schedule/checklist for each room (kitchen, baths, laundry) so rough-in locations match the fixtures you intend to use.

• Single-handle: One lever controls flow and temperature.
• Double-handle: Separate hot/cold handles.
• Pull-down / Pull-out: Sprayer integrated into the spout for reach and cleaning—popular in kitchens.
• Touchless/Sensor: Activates via motion; great for hygiene and water savings. See our guide: Touchless Faucet Basics.
• Deck-mount vs. Wall-mount: Mounted on the sink/counter vs. mounted to the wall.
• Aerator: Tip insert that mixes air into water to reduce splash and flow.
• Spout reach/height: Dimensions that affect usability and clearance (e.g., filling tall pots).

For brand picks and installation tips, explore our Faucets category.

• Drop-in (top-mount): Rim rests on the countertop; straightforward install.
• Undermount: Mounted below the counter for a clean edge and easy wipe-downs.
• Vessel: Sits above the counter—design-forward look, common in powder rooms.

Material choices—stainless, fireclay, cast iron, composites—affect durability and maintenance. See Sink Materials Explained.

• Two-piece: Tank and bowl are separate; common and often easier to service.
• One-piece: Seamless tank+bowl; sleeker and easier to clean.
• Dual-flush: Two buttons/levers for partial or full flush to save water.

Also note comfort height bowls, gravity vs. pressure-assist flush, and bowl designs. Browse our Toilets guides for recommendations and comparisons.

• Shower valve: The in-wall control that mixes and routes water.
• Trim kit: The visible parts—handle(s), escutcheon, diverter—that attach to the valve.
• Thermostatic vs. pressure-balancing: Technologies that maintain steady temperature.
• Rain showerhead: Wide, gentle spray pattern; often ceiling- or wall-mounted.
• Handheld: Detachable sprayer on a hose; helpful for rinsing and cleaning.
• Body sprays: Additional jets mounted at torso height.

Before buying, confirm trim compatibility with your in-wall valve. See Shower Valves 101 and Plan a Multi-Head Shower.

Low-flow fixtures meet efficiency limits for gallons per minute (gpm) or gallons per flush (gpf) while maintaining performance. Look for certifications (e.g., WaterSense in the U.S.). You’ll see these on faucets, showerheads, and toilets. For practical picks, check our Water-Saving Fixtures roundup.

A fixture schedule is a project list of every plumbing fixture and its location, model, and finish. It aligns design choices with rough-in positions and avoids costly rework.

Typical inclusions: kitchen sink and faucet, prep/bar sink, bath vanity sinks, shower system(s), tub filler, toilets, bidet (if any), laundry and utility sinks, and exterior hose bibs. Download our printable checklist to plan each room.

• Ceramic/Vitreous China: Smooth, easy-clean; common for toilets and bath sinks.
• Fireclay: Dense, chip-resistant; popular for apron-front/farmhouse sinks.
• Cast Iron (enamel-coated): Extremely durable but heavy; used in tubs and some sinks.
• Composites/Stone Resin/Quartz: Blend of stone and resin; modern look with good scratch resistance.
• Stainless Steel: Kitchen favorite; corrosion-resistant and lightweight.

For room-by-room picks, see Kitchen Sink Buying Guide and Bathroom Sink Styles.

Yes. Mixing finishes is a modern look—just keep some elements consistent (e.g., match all shower trim, or coordinate faucet and cabinet hardware). Focus on plating quality and corrosion resistance. For inspiration, browse our Bathroom Finish Ideas gallery.

• O-ring/Gasket: Elastomer seals preventing leaks at joints and cartridges.
• Cartridge/Ceramic Disc: Faucet internals that control flow and temperature; wear here often causes drips.
• Hard water scale: Mineral buildup that clogs aerators and showerheads; periodic descaling helps.
• P-trap/S-trap: Curved drain section that blocks sewer gases with a water seal.

See our quick fixes in How to Fix a Dripping Faucet and Descale Aerators & Showerheads.

Most fixtures connect via standard threaded or compression fittings, so the in-wall supply type (PEX, copper, CPVC) doesn’t usually limit fixture style. However, adapters and crimp/press fittings differ by material, and your installer may prefer one system over another. Learn more in Supply Line Types: PEX vs. Copper.

Accessible design often favors lever handles, higher “comfort-height” toilets, curbless showers, and properly placed grab bars. Clear floor space and reachable controls are key. See our planning guide: Designing an Accessible Bathroom.