[LivermoreCA]

I had a new tub and tile surround installed over a month ago. The valve and fixture is new. It has been over a month and every time the tub is turned on the water pours out rusty for the first second or two. It runs clear after that, but the next time the tub is used it's the same rusty burst. How concerned should I be and what can be done?

[hkstroud]

Rust would not be from valve, its brass. You must have galvanized pipes.

[LivermoreCA]

Perhaps I do. I don't know. The house is about 10 years old if that's any clue. This was not happening until the faucet and valve was replaced nor does it happen on any of the other faucets in the house. What should I do?

[massplumber2008]

I've seen this a number of times over the years. I'm pretty sure that the plumber used a black STEEL nipple for the tub spout. Here, plumbers almost always stub the tub spout out of the wall using a steel nipple (or copper tube), but it needs to be replaced with an all BRASS nipple during the "finish phase" of the project.

Have the plumber come back and remove the tub spout and replace the steel nipple to a brass one... pretty sure this is the issue!

Mark

[LivermoreCA]

Thanks Mark. I sent a message to my contractor to see what he will say. He had told me he had no idea and thought it couldn't be from his work. I'll bet you are right on this.

[massplumber2008]

It's really a simple mistake all in all. Here, I think a lot of plumbers let their apprentices trim out the tub finish and that is what I bet happened here...apprentice may have hurried and just didn't know any better or didn't notice!

Let me know the end result, OK?

Thanks!

[LivermoreCA]

I will let you know what happens. What I'm afraid is going to happen is nothing. I sent a message to the contractor but he's already been paid and I haven't heard back. I suppose I'll have to hire someone else and if it's not urgent then who knows when that will happen.

[massplumber2008]

Most contactors that I know would be embarrassed by this and would be very quick to fix it...give them a chance to respond.

If you don't get a positive response, I would suggest that you mention the "RUST RING" that is starting to develop in the new tub... ;) I bet that will get his/her attention!

Pop back as you deal with this... glad to help!

[LivermoreCA]

I wrote to the contractor again including the above exchange. I'll post any news... thanks again for your help, at least now I know what will fix it. I am worried about rust damage to the new tub.

[massplumber2008]

A rust stain will appear, but it will take quite awhile (months), so don't worry too much!

My bet is that the contractor will respond in a positive manner and fix this up quick!