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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

Pin-sized spots on nickel plated faucet?

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 -

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.

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.

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.

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.