Alsons fixtures

We are planning to use Delta plumbing fixtures in our remodel. A retailer has suggested we substitute Alsons as they make Delta faucets and showerheads. I couldn't find much on the web about Alsons quality. Can anyone help out?

Global conglomerat = Masco> plumbing products>Alsons>Delta.

Something with the Alsons brand name is probably a generic, maybe the identical product to the brand name Delta product, maybe not. Probably does not carry the Delta Lifetime Warranty.

I see a lot of shower heads with the Alsons brand, but not familiar with who sells valves under that brand.

Looks to me like Alsons primary focus is shower heads and hand held showers. Their shower valve does not look like a Delta valve to me. http://www.alsons.com/custom/showervalves/Default.aspx
Both are owned my Masco, but that does not mean that the Alsons parts are the same as Delta.

I'd say that of you want Delta then you should stick with Delta for the Valve and faucets at the least. Delta parts are easy to find when you need them. Since Jimbo mentioned it, I did not see any mention of a warranty on the Alsons web page.

Also, avoid Delta at Big Box Stores. These look the same as fixtures found in real plumbing shops, but have cheap insides. Pay for the quality. This is not just Delta, most all of the manufacturers make cheap lookalikes for the big discount stores. That why you'll never find Toto toilets in them. Toto won't play their game.

Gary Swart said:

These look the same as fixtures found in real plumbing shops, but have cheap insides.

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I don't know how much of this is the case. They definitely have models produced specifically for the big box stores. I think it has more to do with making it difficult to do price matches between stores. I don't think that they cheapen the rough-in or the cartridge. That leaves the trim and they may cheapen the trim some. They do still carry the lifetime warranty though. Going to a plumbing supply should give you a larger selection of models to choose from.

I agree with carlh on this often-debated subject. In my observation, the basic guts of faucets are not different. Most will include a plastic pop up with the box store version. Some brands, notably american standard, have some very different model names and numbers in the box store that are exclusive. Differences are in the trim and accessories. In the case of Delta, a 100-DST is the same no matter where you buy it. In the letters after the main model, are variations affecting spray hose, finish, etc. which can vary a lot.

The issue of qualitiy control for the store shipments is also hotly debated. We won't resolve that question in a short post like this!

The shower valves look like Danze or something similar, whose brand name slips my mind right now. Why is trying to get you to change? Does he not stock Delta, or does he make a higher profit with Alsons. Other than those two reasons, I would NEVER try to change a customer's mind, since I know WHO he will blame if he is dissatisfied with the ultimate outcome of the job.