Mansfield is certainly a reputable product, made in the USA for almost 100 years. Like American Standard, they have good, better, and best toilets. The Alto Model 3173 is in the middle of the product line, and would be comparable to a mid-grade American Standard.

"I noticed the bathroom sink stopper is made of plastic." "We chose quality Moen faucets..."

I looked at the specs for two inexpensive Moen faucets:

• Moen Welton with "non-metal push-down"
• Moen Conway with "non-metal pop-up type waste assembly"

I then looked at the specs for a pricier Moen faucet:

• Moen Doux with "metal pop-up type waste assembly"

So it appears the cheaper faucets come with "non-metal" (i.e., plastic) while the more expensive ones come with metal. I'd check the specs on the Moen website for the faucet models you bought. I'd expect that the plumber installed whatever came in the box, not that he was some kind of metal drain thief.

"Is the Mansfield 3173 a decent substitute?"

CR didn't test the Mansfield 135-3173 but it did test the similar 137-160 which uses even more water and it was dead last in the ratings.

The Toto Drake CST744S is a great toilet (seat is extra):

• Amazon
• Home Essentials Direct (I have not used this company)

We went with the Moen Gibson line of faucets and the specs on that line are for a metal pop up drain assembly. That's strange!! I'm really curious how we ended up with plastic!