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49thparallel_gw

Drilled Hole in Granite and Hit Cast Iron Sink

49thparallel
11 years ago

After installing our granite counters, our granite guy had to return and drill a hole for the air valve since it's required by code for the dishwasher. Unfortunately while doing so, he measured incorrectly and managed to only drill half-way into the pre-cut holes on our cast iron under-mount sink and the other half of the hole bit hit the rim of the sink. We probably wouldn't have even known about it had my wife not asked him about the iron stains in the sink, since it was new. He then admitted that they were from hitting the sink with the bit and shaking it out in the sink and that some Barkeepers friend would remove the stains. He also left the core from the granite in the sink as well, which got me fairly upset. After contacting Kohler about the sink, they told me that the warranty would now be void since drilling into the cast iron can cause rusting and may eventually crack the enamel. Needless to say, I was angry over the carelessness and also noticed that the plumber had to then shim the air valve since the nut for the bottom of the valve only sits on half the sink hole and cannot sit flush on the bottom of the counter as in a proper install. Anyway, my contractor and granite guy have both reassured me that they stand by their work and would guarantee it themselves and in the event of a problem they would fix it. My concern here, though, is if they are no longer in business if a problem does develop down the road and the sink is not underwarranty, I'll be left holding the bag. I'm also concerned about having the shim on the air valve and if that's now more susceptible to water getting in under the counter if the valve does backup and more susceptible to rusting. Anyway, I would appreciate any well-informed advice. It sickens me to think about having to replace the granite if needed since it's a fairly unusual shade of Venetian Gold, as well as the undermount sink . I'm also concerned that replacing granite may end up damaging counters or floors since it's a new build.Thanks in advance.

Comments (6)

  • Fori
    11 years ago

    I would insist on new granite and a new sink. It's gonna rust! A shimmed air gap? No no no.

    With luck you might be able to get another slab of granite from the same batch.

    You really really really shouldn't accept it. And if the cabinets are damaged when it's redone, don't accept that either.

  • robin0919
    11 years ago

    ditto!!

  • ILoveRed
    11 years ago

    "Anyway, my contractor and granite guy have both reassured me that they stand by their work and would guarantee it themselves and in the event of a problem they would fix it"

    I wouldn't wait for a problem to arise.

    I don't know enough about the air valve to comment on the granite.

    His liability insurance should cover the damage I would think. I would insist that the sink be replaced.

  • _henry Henry
    11 years ago

    I would want the builder to leave me with a house that had all manufacturers warranties intact. You pay for the warranty as part of the price of the product. It's a form of insurance. In my opinion, the builder guaranteeing his shoddy
    work is no substitute for the OEM warranty.

  • mrspete
    11 years ago

    Count me in as another "ditto".

    If I screw something up myself, I'll suck it up and blame myself. But if I hire someone to do it, I expect it to be RIGHT. Not halfway right, not "if there's a problem, I'll come back". RIGHT.

  • User
    11 years ago

    As a possible compromise that would let all be equally unhappy..... ;) The fabricator should purchase you a new sink. Then they should take the granite plug that they drilled out and epoxy it back in place. When the sink arrives they should drill a new hole further back to avoid the rim. It will NOT affect the structural integrity of the sink or faucet mounting. Epoxy is stronger than the granite is. You may see a very small "shadow" where the cut line is, but if they only missed by a bit, you really shouldn't even see that at all if the color match on the epoxy is good.