Bathtub repair

[KatyMan]

Hi all.
We're buying a new house and it's currently under construction, nearly complete. When the builders put in the fittings in one of the bathrooms, they nicked the bathtub pretty good, there are 4 or so gouges in the enamel (or whatever the covering is), all deep enough to show metal, one of them about the size of a half dollar. My question is, is this something that should be repaired, or should we insist the bathtub be replaced? I'm of two minds, one, if it can be repaired then no problem, but on the other hand, I don't like paying for a new house with a bathtub that is basically like having one from a scratch and dent store. Can anyone shed some light or give some advice?

thanks!

[CC]

1. I would insisted on the tub being

replaced. If they did that much visible damage how much more damage is there that you can't see? With new construction you have every right to be very picky about everything that goes into your house.

[Stinky The Clown]

2. New Tub. Do not settle for anything less.

You say it is down to bare metal. That means the tub is either steel or cast iron (more likely the latter). In either case, the issue is the same. The finish is "porcelain enamel" .... essentially a high fired glass. It can not be repaired. Period. Any sort of touch up is far softer and prone to early chip out or wear, depending on where it is.

Assuming your builder still has a crew on hand, this is not a simple job, but neither is it too hard. But it will involve several trades. Be careful of who he gets to repair the tile that will, without a doubt, get damaged in the removal and replacement.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

3. Given the extent of the damage you described,

I would agree you should most likely have that bathtub replaced. However that damage came about, it is clear that the installer or a workman simply moved on saying nothing about the damage to the construction super, general contractor,the builder or whom ever heads up the project.

Any visible metal showing in your tub in not acceptable.

For future reference, yes there is repair kits for minor dings. American Standard as a matter of example makes kits for their products. If you were to think about it, how many different shades of white is there? This is to say color matching is the key to hiding flaws.

Simply say other than that bathtub everything seems fine at current, but that bathtub is not acceptable, what are you going to do about it ?

In addition, when I install bathtubs as part of a remodel, say tile for example will fallow tub installation ,what you do is throw something soft such as carpet padding or a blanket in the tub ,than place a plastic remodeling liner over it. The tub remodeling liner is the shape of the tub and protects the finish from damage while work progresses. It stays there until the the work is completed . I would have to assume the damage was done after the completion of the installation because only a blind fool would install a defect such as you described.

Confront who ever you write the checks to in just the manor I suggested and I am sure it will all work out just fine.

Good Luck and enjoy your new home.

[Warpy]

4. Add my name to the new tub chorus

because any repair will only be temporary.

They will kick and scream about this because replacing the tub generally means replacing the tile surround, too.

[yy4me]

5. New Tub, no matter what they say about patching. The patch is

temporary, at best. You will regret in a few years that you did not insist that they put in a new tub. It will be a pain to have it ripped out and replaced but far better than having to do it in a few years because the compound came loose and the spray stuff they put on wears out. Rust will start to show up and you will have no recourse after the fact.

[KatyMan]

6. Just thought I'd update

We only had a small issue getting the builder to replace the tub, but they did in the end. I think the fact that I called several times about it and then the builder finally went out to the house and had a look did the trick. Thanks to all for your advice!