We hired a plumber to change out old sink and tub fixtures. When he was trying to take out the old drain he said when he got it loose it just popped up and chipped my tub. Our tub was basically in excellent shape for 25 years old - no chips or scratches and perfectly clean. The plumber said things like that happen all the time and it is not their responsibility. I said well if that happens all the time you should have warned me that could happen and I would have said leave the old drain in we will work something else out. I think the plumber should pay for the chip being fixed in our tub. What is your Opinion?

I agree with you. He's a professional, and has admitted that he knows mistakes happen. So he should have taken precautions, such as lay down a towel to prevent chipping in case he drops something. In my experience just in the past 5 years:

1. We rebuilt a bathroom, and plumber who was working on the new shower valve dropped it, and it caused a chip in a granite seat we have in the shower. He paid to fix it.

2, An electrician dropped a piece of a chandelier as he was trying to hang it, and the piece broke. He paid for the replacement piece.

3. A painter was up on a ladder in our front hall and knocked into the globe of our hallway light fixture, breaking it. He paid to replace it.

However, in each case we were not jerks about it, and worked with the tradesman on how to rectify the situation. For the chipped granite we were OK with grinding and repolishing it, as opposed to a complete replacement. For the chandelier, since it was an antique it was impossible to get a direct replacement part, but we found a piece in an antique store that was close enough, for about $75. So for your bathtub I think he should repair the chip on hs own dime, but you should be willing to work with him on how it's done.

Got a picture? As ebaines said if its just a small chip, be reasonable, as a cosmetic fix is cheap, but maybe imperfect.

Search Results for bathtub chip repair at The Home Depot

Especially if he did a good job on what you contracted for. You could almost do it yourself for $10 bucks worth of epoxy, and some sandpaper.

Best have an idea of the costs in your mind before you demand a fix. Yeah he is responsible for any damage done, but redoing the whole tub may be out of line.

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he said when he got it loose it just popped up and chipped my tub.

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That is probability exactly what happened. When you work with old stuff things get fused together. Not caused because he did something wrong or was careless. Stuff happens.

You say that the tub was clean, no dents scratches or chips. However it is 25 years old. Surly all the glazing has worn away, diminishing its appearance and making it hard to keep clean.

Rather than trying to repair the chip I would propose that he replace the tub and you pay his cost for the tub. That way you get a new tub at a greatly reduced cost. He doesn't have to pay for something he feels he is not responsible for.

With a little flexibility and a little compromise both sides, you can continue your business relationship on good terms.

Sorry it happened - but, It can be repaired. There are companies that refill chipped tub surface and buff it out to match existing... Replacing the tub may be a bid deal... Try to have it fixed and split the cost with the plumber

Good luck

Milo