Updated July 25, 2025
If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, the choices for all your new fixtures and plumbing upgrades can be incredibly overwhelming. Modern fixtures can have features that didn’t exist just a few years ago, like motion-detecting faucets. While they’re handy, cool, and modern, they might not be the right fit for your needs, vision, or budget.
The Thompson Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical team can help you pick the right plumbing upgrades for your needs in Southern Utah. Our remodeling experts aren’t just skilled and experienced plumbers, but also designers who can balance your practical needs with the beautiful aesthetics you’re looking for in a stunning bathroom remodel.
Many current bathroom trends, like open shelving, floating vanities, and streamlined fixtures, require concealed or relocated plumbing. We handle those adjustments with precision, making sure everything behind the scenes supports the finished product.
But for the fun part — choosing the actual plumbing upgrades and fixtures to include in your bathroom remodel — read on!
Toilets: Comfort, Style, and Water Savings
Showers get all the love, but toilets can be beautiful and stylish, too! While they aren’t the most glamorous part of your remodel, they make a big impact on comfort, aesthetics, and of course, water usage. There are several styles to choose from, and the right one depends on your goals for space, design, and convenience.
Popular toilet options include:
- Standard two-piece toilets – Reliable and budget-friendly, with a separate tank and bowl. They make it easy to repair and replace individual parts.
- One-piece toilets – Sleeker, with fewer seams and a more modern look. Often easier to clean, but typically more expensive.
- Wall-mounted toilets – Great for modern bathrooms and saving floor space. Require a concealed tank and wall support.
- Comfort-height models – Slightly taller than standard toilets, making them easier to use for adults, seniors, or people with mobility issues.
- Dual-flush toilets – Offer two flush options (light and full), saving water with every use.
We help you choose and install a toilet that’s the best style based on your budget, bathroom size, and water-saving preferences. Modern water-saving models give you all the flushing power you need with far less water usage.
Older toilets used six to seven gallons of water per flush, which is an incredible amount of water, especially over the course of months and years. Modern, efficient types can use as little as 1.28 gallons without compromising on function.
Showers: Features That Match How You Live
Today’s showers go far beyond a single showerhead and a curtain. Whether you want something simple or a full spa-like experience, it’s important to pick features that match how you plan to use the space and the level of luxury you’re seeking from the end result of your bathroom remodel.
When designing your new shower, consider:
- Fixed showerheads – Mounted to the wall or ceiling, available in styles from basic chrome to rainfall heads.
- Handheld showerheads – Useful for cleaning, rinsing, or accessibility. Many setups include both fixed and handheld options.
- Shower panels or body sprays – Provide water from multiple angles. Great for custom, high-end designs, but require more plumbing work and water flow capacity.
- Thermostatic valves – Maintain steady water temperature and prevent sudden changes in pressure.
- Walk-in shower designs – Open, doorless options with custom tile work for a seamless look.
If you’re replacing a tub with a shower or enlarging the footprint, we’ll help you consider layout, drainage needs, and what types of valves and heads are compatible with your desired features. You can also include luxurious add-ons like multiple showerheads, benches, integrated shelving, and others.
Bathtubs: Finding the Right Fit
Not every remodel includes a bathtub—but if you have the space and enjoy soaking, there are many styles to consider. Your choice will depend on the size of your bathroom, the look you want to achieve, and how you plan to use the tub.
Common tub options include:
- Standard alcove tubs – Fit between three walls and are great for combined tub/shower setups. Practical and space-efficient.
- Freestanding tubs – A bold visual statement for larger bathrooms. Available in classic clawfoot or modern minimalist styles.
- Drop-in or deck-mounted tubs – Installed in a framed surround, often used in corner or elevated designs.
- Soaking tubs – Deeper than standard tubs for full-body immersion, perfect for relaxation.
- Whirlpool or jets – Include jets or air bubbles for a spa-like experience, but require additional plumbing and electrical considerations.
We’ll help you determine if your bathroom has the space and structural support for your preferred tub style, and ensure all the plumbing connections are properly configured.
Faucets and Fixtures: Style and Function
Faucets are one of the easiest ways to tie your bathroom design together. Choosing the right shape, finish, and mounting style helps create a cohesive look that matches your other hardware and design details.
Key faucet styles include:
- Single-handle faucets – Simple, modern, and space-saving. Ideal for small vanities or minimalist designs.
- Two-handle faucets – Offer precise temperature control and a more classic or traditional appearance.
- Widespread faucets – Separate hot, cold, and spout components. Best for larger sinks or statement pieces.
- Wall-mounted faucets – Installed above the sink rather than on the counter. Pairs well with vessel sinks and floating vanities.
Finish options include polished chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and more. We’ll help you match your faucets with your shower trim, towel bars, and lighting to keep everything consistent.
Want to make things a little more modern and luxurious? You have options like auto-shutoff and motion detection for hands-free use. These features come with additional maintenance and electrical considerations, but our team can help you understand them so you’re empowered to make the best choice for your remodel project.
What to Consider When Choosing Fixtures
With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few questions to guide your decisions:
- What’s your total budget?
- How much space do you have for each fixture, and what’s the total square footage of your bathroom?
- Are you planning on expanding the size of the bathroom itself?
- Do you prefer a traditional or modern aesthetic?
- Are you remodeling a master bath, guest bath, or shared family space?
- Are water efficiency and accessibility priorities for you?
- How important are luxurious modern features like built-in bidets for toilets, hands-free faucets, and tub jets?
We can walk you through each of these questions to help you choose products that match your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.
Working with Thompson During Your Remodel
Choosing the right plumbing fixtures is about more than picking something that looks good. It’s also about making sure your choices are practical, durable, and compatible with your home’s plumbing system. Whether you’re upgrading one bathroom or several, once you’ve chosen your fixtures and designs, our installers will integrate everything perfectly with your main water lines, sewers, and other components of your system.
Whether you’re upgrading one bathroom or several, we’ll provide input on fixture selection and install everything to code. Our detail-oriented experts work quickly without ever cutting corners, so you won’t be calling for toilet or pipe leak repair a few months after we install your fixtures and plumbing.
What to Ask Before You Remodel
Before finalizing your remodel plans, consider the following:
- Is your current water pressure strong and reliable?
- Are fixtures being moved, or staying in the same place?
- Do your chosen fixtures require special plumbing or valve types?
- Is your drainage system ready to handle new flow demands?
- Do you want hidden plumbing lines for a cleaner aesthetic?
Answering these questions early helps avoid costly surprises during construction. We’ll tailor your installations in a way that addresses these potential issues from the start, leaving you with a perfectly functional new bathroom.
Ready to Start Your Remodel?
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, let us help you choose the right plumbing upgrades. We’ll review your layout, discuss your preferences, and make recommendations that balance function and style within your budget range. Contact us to speak with the Thompson bathroom remodeling team today. We’ll help you build the bathroom of your dreams!
