Steel bath disaster

[Flo-Jo6677]

We had a steel bath installed in October. I have put this particular bath in 4 projects over the years and love it. When it was delivered the bath had a chip along the outer rim which would be the side that goes against the wall and wouldn't be visible. The store ordered 3 replacements and they all had chips in varying places, the original one was the lesser of evils. We agreed to a discount (that hasn't yet been given) as we were working to a time frame frame and had all the trades lined up. The store manager commented that she thought the stock was being recalled. Since then it has been a bit of a disaster. A chip appeared under one of the handles. Then about 6 weeks ago I noticed an area of rust on the bottom. I thought we had scratched it somehow but couldn't understand how. Then to my suprise a couple of weeks ago another area of rust appeared in the same position but on the other side. I contacted the store but they haven't been helpful. I also sent pictures to the manufacturer. They are saying the bath could have been dropped or it could have happened by overtightening the legs. Has anyone come across this? I can't see how you can over tighten a leg set by hand, tight enough to cause microfractures in a steel bath? I also have the most conscientious plumber so find it hard to believe that's an option.

 

[cross thread]

Do the marks line up with the legs ?

 

[JohnD]

I had one that chipped where the brackets for the legs were welded on. This happened in the months after fitting. With the first chip I thought something must have fallen into the bath, but with the second one I realised the cause. I put a dab of Humbrol enamel on each spot and the damage was imperceptible, lasted for years.

I suppose it was a hidden manufacturing defect.

The manufacturers and retailers are probably aware of it, because they likely get a lot of complaints.

Was it a major UK brand?

 

[Mike13]

built in stress from the enamel coat cooling unevenly due to the extra mass around the feet perhaps?

 

[Flo-Jo6677]

I had one that chipped where the brackets for the legs were welded on. This happened in the months after fitting. With the first chip I thought something must have fallen into the bath, but with the second one I realised the cause. I put a dab of Humbrol enamel on each spot and the damage was imperceptible, lasted for years.

I suppose it was a hidden manufacturing defect.

The manufacturers and retailers are probably aware of it, because they likely get a lot of complaints.

Was it a major UK brand?

Thank you, it sounds exactly where we have the issue. I'll have a look at humbrol.

 

[Flo-Jo6677]

I had one that chipped where the brackets for the legs were welded on. This happened in the months after fitting. With the first chip I thought something must have fallen into the bath, but with the second one I realised the cause. I put a dab of Humbrol enamel on each spot and the damage was imperceptible, lasted for years.

I suppose it was a hidden manufacturing defect.

The manufacturers and retailers are probably aware of it, because they likely get a lot of complaints.

Was it a major UK brand?

It's a German brand.

 

[Flo-Jo6677]

Do the marks line up with the legs ?

It's in line with the legs but the legs are further out to the side. It seems to be where the rubber part the bath sits on.