Chrome plated bath tap bubbling and pitting

[Adam78]

I have a Bristan Chrome Plated Quest Bath Shower Mixer tap and the cold tap seem to be pitting and the base appears melted or oxidised. any one ever seen this before. Tenant says it's occurred naturally. Anyone seen this before and why or how it may have occurred? What I do recall is that the plumber applied some stixall sealant under the base of the tap to prevent some water leak we noticed. I wonder if the sealant has had some corrosive effect on the chrome. I've read some polymer sealants have too much acid. Unsure if stixall sealant has that?

 

[Swwils]

It's a cheap tap why even bother investigation

 

[foxhole]

Harsh cleaning materials destroy cheap taps quickly.

 

[Adam78]

It's a cheap tap why even bother investigation

Its £120 (£288 RRP) plus labour to fit...not exactly cheap to fit in current climate. I've had cheaper taps than that which have lasted years. If its cheap why do they give 10 year guarantee https://www.bristan.com/products/bathroom-taps?code=qst bsm c

 

[fixitflav]

Its £120 (£288 RRP) plus labour to fit...not exactly cheap to fit in current climate. I've had cheaper taps than that which have lasted years. If its cheap why do they give 10 year guarantee https://www.bristan.com/products/bathroom-taps?code=qst bsm c

You haven't said when you bought it, but if within the 10 years presumably you'll claim on the guarantee?

 

[Adam78]

You haven't said when you bought it, but if within the 10 years presumably you'll claim on the guarantee?

Guarantee can be invalidated if harsh chemicals were used. Plus it still cost me money to have it refitted.

 

[Madrab]

The finish usually comes with a 10Yr guarantee from Bristan but as suggested if the tenant has been using anything harsh to clean, that will typically eat the chrome and unless you told them not to then not a lot you can do.

For £70 though, what do you expect? How old are they? I'd be more worried about the silicone that's split behind it. It'll cause more damage through water in the long run.

 

[Adam78]

The finish usually comes with a 10Yr guarantee from Bristan but as suggested if the tenant has been using anything harsh to clean, that will typically eat the chrome and unless you told them not to then not a lot you can do.

For £70 though, what do you expect? How old are they? I'd be more worried about the silicone that's split behind it. It'll cause more damage through water in the long run.

From where do you get them for £70?

 

[Rodders53]

Surely rentals nowadays will either have have to meet the need for thermostatic bath/shower mixer taps on a replacement, or a dutiful Landlord would not want to take the risk of scalding someone without the thermostat?

The current Bristan retails in Screwfix for £120 (£100 ex vat) and the trader price from another outlet may well be £70 ex? https://www.cityplumbing.co.uk/p/bristan-quest-bath-shower-mixer-tap-chrome/p/147889

Perhaps someone can suggest a superior tap make for the rental market?
I know the only Bristan (sink) tap we have I regret buying and fitting (myself, DIY).

 

[Madrab]

From where do you get them for £70?

Apologies, I was looking at the separate Quest bath taps, not the mixer

 

[Swwils]

Fit the even cheaper tap you mention

 

[jeff the gasman]

These things happen. Don’t blame your tenant. Expensive doesn’t mean quality!