By Anew Bathtub Repair
Rust can cause a bathtub to look old, dirty, and worn even when the rest of the bathroom is clean. The most common places where a rust spot may appear on a bathtub are around the drain, overflow plate, faucet area, or a damaged piece of the surface.
In case you noticed rust in your bathtub, the first question that comes to mind would probably be: Can a rusted bathtub be repaired, or does the entire thing need to be replaced?
Fortunately, there is good news. In many cases, a rusted bathtub can be successfully repaired and professionally refinished. The right approach depends on the location of the rust spots, the severity of damage, and the overall condition of the tub.
Anew Bathtub Repair is a professional service providing bathtub and shower repair and refinishing solutions for people all across Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Northern Nevada.
Why Do Bathtubs Rust?
Rust appears when the exposed metal frequently comes into contact with water and air. Porcelain, enamel, and metal bathtubs usually have a layer of coating which keeps the interior protected from exposure to moisture.
However, once that layer gets chipped, scratched, worn, or damaged, water starts reaching the metal surface causing rust to form.
Some of the reasons why bathtubs rust are:
- Damage to the coating layer
- Wear and tear
- Leaks
- Scratches caused by abrasive tools
- Deteriorating drain or overflow hardware
- Water sitting in the area
- Metal containers placed on the surface of the tub
- Abrasive cleaners used to clean the bathtub
Once rust starts appearing, it’s important not to ignore it. The problem tends to get worse over time when water is continually reaching the damaged area. Contacting Anew Bathtub Repair while the damage is still fresh will give you an opportunity to prevent a more extensive repair job.
Can Surface Rust on a Bathtub Be Repaired?
Yes, it’s possible. Minor rust on the surface of the bathtub can be professionally repaired if it didn’t create holes, leaks, or any other kind of damage.
A professional rust repair service usually includes the following steps:
- Preparation of the damaged area
- Cleaning the rust away
- Treating the exposed metal
- Reconstruction of damaged spots
- Smoothing and preparing the surface
- Refinishing the surface
It’s crucial to prepare the damaged area for repair properly since applying paint or coating on the surface won’t solve the problem if there is any remaining rust below the layer.
Anew Bathtub Repair uses professional methods to restore the surface of bathtubs if it’s possible based on the condition of the tub.
Once the repair job is done, the bathtub can have a completely different appearance without the necessity to replace it.
When Is Bathtub Rust Too Severe to Repair?
Not all the rusted bathtubs can be restored using a surface repair method. Sometimes the rust goes too deep under the surface of the tub, creating holes, causing structural damage, or spreading underneath the surface.
A bathtub needs to be replaced when:
- Rust creates holes on the surface
- There are leaks in the area
- The tub feels soft and structurally damaged
- Rust appears repeatedly despite the earlier repair
- The damage spreads under the large portion of the surface
- The metal is heavily deteriorated
- The tub is damaged around the drain or overflow areas
Only a professional evaluation will tell whether the repair, refinishing, or replacement is more suitable for the current situation.
It’s common for homeowners to be surprised to hear that their bathtub can be successfully restored once the rust damage is mainly on the surface. Anew Bathtub Repair can analyze the pictures of the damage and suggest ways to deal with it by contacting us today.
Why You Should Not Ignore Bathtub Rust
Bathtub rust isn’t just a cosmetic problem. Although it might start as a small orange or brown spot on the surface, the rust damage tends to grow when it’s wet.
Here is what you risk getting if you decide to ignore the problem of rusty bathtubs:
- Rust spots become bigger and bigger
- Surface of the tub gets heavily damaged
- Painting peels off
- You will have to make an expensive repair
- If the rust is too severe, it can cause leaks
- Surface becomes rough and difficult to clean
- The material of the tub gets deteriorated
It’s better to act quickly and ask for a professional consultation to fix the problem and preserve the bathtub.
Can Refinishing Restore a Rusted Bathtub?
Bathtub refinishing can easily restore a rusted tub if there isn’t any structural damage. But, as it was already mentioned, refinishing shouldn’t be just a coat applied on top of the rust. The damaged area should be cleaned, treated, rebuilt, and prepared for the new coating.
Here are the situations when refinishing is a great choice for your bathtub:
- It has become rusty
- There are chips on the surface
- The tub got stained
- There are scratches
- The color is no longer trendy and attractive
- It’s difficult to keep the surface clean
If the bathtub is still usable, refinishing will give it a second chance to live.
Anew Bathtub Repair helps to restore worn-out bathtubs for homeowners, rental property owners, hotels, apartment communities, and property managers all across Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada.
Repairing and refinishing the existing tub is usually quicker and less invasive compared to the removal of the entire tub.
Rust Around the Bathtub Drain or Overflow Plate
It’s very common for the rust spots to appear near the bathtub drain, overflow plate, or faucet area due to constant exposure to water.
The causes of rust damage around the bathtub drain or overflow plate are:
- Worn-out finishes
- Corroded hardware
- Leaky pipes
- Water collecting in the area
- Scratches caused by the repair of the hardware
Sometimes it’s possible for Anew Bathtub Repair to repair and refinish the damaged surface. But in order to avoid the reappearance of the rust it’s important to fix the water problem too.
Repairing the surface of the bathtub without fixing the water issue won’t help because it will only get rusty again.
Can a Rusted Porcelain Bathtub Be Repaired?
Many older bathtubs are made with the metal core inside. The porcelain or enamel coating protects the tub from moisture until it gets chipped and exposes the metal which starts rusting.
It’s possible to repair the small rusted chips and damaged surface by cleaning the area from the rust, reconstructing it, smoothening, and then finishing it with new coating. The success of the repair depends on the depth and the size of the damage.
Anew Bathtub Repair is able to evaluate porcelain bathtubs for the possibility of the repair all across Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Northern Nevada.
How to Prevent Bathtub Rust From Returning
After the tub was repaired or refinished, the right care will ensure the longevity of the new surface.
Here are the ways to prevent bathtub rust:
- Fix dripping faucets
- Don’t use abrasive powders or strong chemicals to clean the tub
- Avoid steel wool or rough scrub pads
- Remove metal cans from the tub ledge
- Rinse the tub after cleaning
- Dry areas where water often stays
- Clean the surface regularly using nonabrasive products
- Repair chips before moisture reaches the metal
- Don’t drop anything heavy on the surface of the bathtub
- Follow the recommendations of the refinishing company about the proper care of the surface
Anew Bathtub Repair suggests using gentle nonabrasive cleaners that are safe for refinished surfaces.
Bathtub Rust Repair vs. Replacement
If the rust damage is only on the surface and the tub hasn’t experienced any structural issues yet, it’s better to go with the repair and refinishing. This approach is usually faster, easier, and cheaper than removing the entire bathtub.
Bathtub replacement usually includes:
- Removal of the old bathtub
- Disconnecting the plumbing
- Demolition of the surrounding tile or wall
- Purchase and transportation of the new bathtub
- Installing the plumbing
- Rebuilding and repairing walls or floors
Compared to that, repairing and refinishing doesn’t require removing the tub from its place.
Sometimes replacement might be necessary if the bathtub has severe corrosion, active leaks, holes, or any kind of structural damage. Anew Bathtub Repair can evaluate your options to help you decide what to do with the damaged tub.
Professional Bathtub Rust Repair in Reno and Sparks
A rusted bathtub doesn’t always need to be removed and replaced. When the damage is limited to the surface, it’s possible to restore the tub using professional repair and refinishing.
Here are the services provided by Anew Bathtub Repair:
- Bathtub repair
- Bathtub refinishing
- Repair of showers
- Bathtub surround repair
- Repair of bathroom and kitchen sinks
- Tile repair
- Countertop repair
- Cracks and chips repair
- Repair of rusty or worn-out surfaces
We provide our services for homeowners, property managers, apartment communities, hotels, and real estate professionals all across Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and surrounding areas.
Before making a decision about replacing your rusted bathtub, contact Anew Bathtub Repair to discuss your options for repair and refinishing.
Need bathtub rust repair or refinishing in Reno or Sparks? Call Anew Bathtub Repair at 775-476-2639 or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rusted Bathtub Repair
Can all rusted bathtubs be repaired?
Many rusted bathtubs can be repaired when the damage is limited to the surface. Tubs with severe structural damage, large holes, extensive leaks, or badly weakened metal may need replacement instead.
Is rust in a bathtub dangerous?
Surface rust is usually more of a maintenance and appearance issue, but it can continue spreading beneath the finish. Sharp or weakened areas may also become a safety concern, so the damage should be inspected promptly.
How much does rusted bathtub repair cost?
The cost depends on the size and depth of the rust, the bathtub material, and whether refinishing is required after the repair. A professional inspection is the best way to receive an accurate estimate.
When should a rusted bathtub be replaced?
Replacement may be recommended when rust has created extensive holes, ongoing leaks, major structural weakness, or damage that cannot be permanently stabilized through repair and refinishing.
