Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Pin-sized spots on nickel plated faucet?

2005

I recently bought and installed a bright nickel plated bridge faucet in my kitchen.
I noticed tonight that the base of the faucet has developed what look like tiny spots of rust on the finish. The finish feels rough when I run my finger across.

I have no dishwasher, so there isn't a chance that dishwasher powder got on the faucet. I've not used anything acidic around it, and I've only used a dampened soft cloth to wipe it (no Windex or other cleaners). What could have caused this? What can I do to remedy the problem? I have not yet contacted the retailer.

Thank you in advance for considering my question -

Barbara Cornelius
Consumer - Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Faucets should be solid brass (IMHO) and then this can never happen. That base is perhaps nickel plated steel and apparently the plating was poor quality at least on the one piece that got shipped to you and it's rusting. It should be replaced under warranty, again IMHO.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005

2005

Hi - thanks for your response. I tested the base with a magnet, and it doesn't stick. Is this a reliable test as to the metal content, that it's definitely not steel? I don't know how to test to see if it's definitely brass, though.

The retail company sent me a new faucet - and it's worse than the first! I think their finishing technique must be faulty - the gooseneck part had a gouge that was plated over, and the base is covered with white-ish spots that won't come off. And I've not even installed this yet!

I'm going to have a local guy replate it for me and I'm writing off this retailer. Thank you again for your reply to me.

Barbara Cirnelius
- Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

First of two simultaneous responses --

If it's non-magnetic then it's not steel. It's probably zinc diecast, which is non-magnetic, and which usually corrodes with white pits and growths that people sometimes mistake for salt or water hardness--maybe that's what you are seeing in the replacement unit.

Personally I despair, in this age of supposed quality assurance, that so much absolute junk is offered for sale, and that poor engineering is the norm on high volume items. This fellow sufferer was condemned to preparing a family thanksgiving dinner in a waterless kitchen due to a ludicrous design :-)
The $.02 o-ring is "captive" inside the sprayer, not a replaceable part. So the fixture supplier ended up sending two complete sprayer assemblies under warranty, absorbing the FedEx charges, plus a lot more, but not in time to save Thanksgiving, a flooded, water-damaged, cabinet, and the customer's good will. But I doubt that they learned that o-rings are not supposed to be captive.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005

Second of two simultaneous responses --

Obviously the plating on the fixture is not done properly. I would take it to a reputable plater and get it done. You may also consider chrome since it will hold up much better in a bathroom environment.

Francis Deguire
- St. Louis, Missouri, USA
2005

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: