FAQs

The 39" Transfer Shower and the 63" Roll-in Shower are barrier-free to allow for easy entry and exit. Both are spacious and include an easy-to-clean bottom surface. In addition, both fixtures feature a low, accessible, molded-in shelf along the back wall, providing a generous amount of easily reached storage space to accommodate toiletries.

Both showers are functional, durable, aesthetically appealing, affordable and easy to install. Moreover, there are no costly floor modifications required for installation of either unit. To view all the styles and options available, go to our online catalog.

What is the difference between a right-hand and left-hand bath?
When looking at a whirlpool or bath, you must establish the reference point, which is the entry side or threshold. Standing at the entry side of the whirlpool or bath, the drain location determines whether the unit is right-hand or left-hand.

Are STERLING faucets easy to install?
Most STERLING faucets have the same installation process as most competitors, however our Progression™ kitchen and bath faucets feature our patented EZ Install™ top mount system. Virtually all the work is done above the counter. In addition, the mounting hardware and supply lines are all pre-assembled, saving time and money. Assembled. Ready to install. Right out of the box. Progression faucets are also engineered for durability and long-lasting performance.

Which STERLING faucets are being discontinued?
The discontinuation will be across the entire STERLING faucet line, including:
Nova™
Starfl
Gemini™
Tribute™
Eminence™
Progression
Bath and Shower Drain
Miscellaneous Accessories

Why is STERLING discontinuing their faucet product line?
In efforts to respond to what our customers value, Kohler Company has made a strategic decision to eliminate the existing STERLING faucet line, and in turn, enhance the Kohler branded product offerings.

Why should I look at KOHLER® branded faucets now that STERLING faucets are being discontinued?
Now that STERLING faucets will no longer be available, KOHLER branded faucets offer the widest selection and highest quality for the best value.
Kohler Kitchen Faucets
Kohler Bathroom Faucets

Standard toilet height is around 14 1/2" from the floor to the bowl rim, without a toilet seat. In recent years toilet bowl height has increased to assist people with sitting and standing up, for the benefit of taller people, and those with physical handicaps and/or the elderly. The newest and most popular height is typically around 16 1/8" floor to rim. The standard ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) height toilets must have, a 17"-19" floor to bowl rim height, including the seat.

You should also consider the toilet rough-in from the wall, which is commonly 12". Other rough-ins in older homes can be 10" or 14". This is important as many toilet models are available in 12" rough-in', but if you have a unique rough-in (10" or 14"), your selection of style may be limited. Of course, Sterling offers toilets in many styles, rough-ins and heights, for most any installation.

What are the rough-in sizes for STERLING® toilets?
Sterling manufactures 10", 12" and 14" rough-in toilets.

What is the difference between a 10-inch, 12-inch and 14-inch toilet rough-in?
In order to determine your rough-in dimension, please measure from the center of your toilet bolt holes to your finished wall. Most of our toilets are manufactured to accommodate a 12" rough-in model toilet. If, however, you find yourself in a situation where you do not have enough space to install your tank onto your bowl because the wall is in the way, the solution is our 10" rough-in toilet. Alternately, if you feel as if your toilet is sitting in the middle of your bathroom because you have a gaping space between the back of your tank and the wall, a 14" rough-in toilet may be a better choice.

Why do toilets operate on 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush)?
The National Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandates that all toilets sold in the United States effective January 1, 1994 shall be 1.6 gpf maximum. STERLING toilets meet local and national water conservation and plumbing code requirements. In fact, we also apply stringent internal testing and quality control requirements for all our toilets, to ensure you receive the best possible performing products, every time.

How do STERLING low-consumption toilets work?
The hydrodynamic design maximizes the force of gravity to provide one-flush performance in our low-consumption toilets. That means that one flush is all it takes to effectively cleanse the bowl - or Sterling will repair or replace the toilet.

Unlike most other low consumption toilets, performance is not adversely affected by low incoming water pressure. With the STERLING 1.6 gallon toilet, a powerful surge of water is directed into the trapway to begin the siphoning action. The standard float and flush valve system eliminates the problems associated with other designs - so a clean, quiet, trouble-free flush is ensured every time. The three-bolt mounting system attaches the tank to the bowl for a secure, level installation. Click here to see diagrams of toilet operation.

What is a Sanitary Guard?
Not commonly found on most toilets, this design element actually raises the back edge of the toilet bowl and helps prevent any light waste from collecting under the tank where it connects to the bowl.

How do I know if my toilet seat is round-front or elongated?
To determine if your toilet is round-front or elongated, measure the distance between the center of the bolt holes (which connects the seat to the bowl) to the front rim of the toilet. If it measures approximately 16 ½", your toilet is a round-front. If it measures approximately 18 ½", it is an elongated model. You'll need this information when replacing your toilet seat.

Does Vikrell material come in various colors?
Most showers, baths, bath/showers and whirlpools come in a choice of colors including: White, Kohler Almond, and Kohler Biscuit. Kitchen Sinks and Lavatories are available in White, Almond, Almond Granite and Grey Granite.

Where can I purchase STERLING products?
Our plumbing fixtures are available through one of the industry's most extensive networks of more than 700 wholesale plumbing distributors with over 2,000 locations throughout the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Additionally, our plumbing products are sold through select retail and. Please refer back to Where to Buy, which will provide you with a searchable database of our distribution network.

How can I purchase STERLING parts?
STERLING service parts are available at our many dealers, wholesalers and retail outlets throughout the United States and Canada. If you need to purchase a service part for your STERLING product, simply identify your product, and then contact your local authorized STERLING dealer or wholesaler for pricing and availability. STERLING products are extremely reliable, and we also carry parts for old and discontinued popular products.

Does Sterling sell product directly to consumers?
Sterling sells our products exclusively with our network of wholesalers and retail outlets throughout the United States and Canada. You will always obtain the best competitive pricing by contacting our local business "partners." Our business "partners" stock and sell most of our products in each local market. For a dealer or wholesaler near you, please refer to Where to Buy.