Letter 24654

New Stainless sink showing rust signs after and hour or so  

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We just purchased a new Stainless Steel sink about a week ago.
If we leave any metal Utensil or pot in the sink for about one hour or more, when we return there is a rust spot where the item was.

We did not have this issue with the other stainless sink and was wondering if we purchased a low quality sink, should look for something else or is there another explanation?

Brian Foster
home owner - Fairfax Station, VA, U.S.A.

You have created a galvanic couple, or a "mini battery"! When you put your metal utensil into the sink, as long as it is a moist environment, you will generate an anode and cathode. The anode will oxidise (rust) and the cathode will release minute amounts of hydrogen (virtually undetectable, so don't worry). Which is which will depend on what you put in your sink. However, this problem is probably made worse by having a cheaper sink than some others. I would suggest a stainless steel of type 18/8 would be better (and brighter) than many others. The solution is simple - if you put things in the sink, wash them up immdeiately and don't use it as a storage area.

Trevor Crichton R&D practical scientist - UK

Thanks for the info Trevor.
Is there a thought on why in less than an hour it would occur?

As I mentioned this was a non-issue with the old sink. Could it be a coating on the sink that is not good? Thx BF

BF
- FFX Stn. VA

Trevor,

Wanted to let you know.. the builder was trying to put in a cheap one.. Brought up the information on the 18/8 and other stuff.. They came back and replaced it with a new better sink that is fine now.. thanks for the info. It gave me a good place to start looking with regards to the stainless.

BF
- FFX, VA