Cracked sink

europa

I bought a utility sink on eBay a little under a month ago. It has just been fitted and i have noticed a crack. I am unsure whether the crack was there before or has happened during installation, but, even if the latter, the sink was marketed as a "tough sink" and has a ten-year guarantee.

Problem i have is that, given it's been installed, it can't easily be returned - it would be costly for me to have removed and refitted.

I contacted the seller, who has replied as follows:
I am surprised too because I haven't seen the crack in this place yet. Usually it's damaged during the delivery because they put something heavy on it. Since you didn't notice it immediately we can't be sure. Anyway, the delivery company changed their policy and they pay only 25 pounds for a damaged parcel. Our producer for sure won't accept this as a warranty issue... I would like you to be satisfied so I can offer you an exchange. Send us the broken sink (only the sink without accessories and we will send you a new one immediately but I will have to ask you to cover the cost of delivery and send us the return label.

Any thoughts on what i should do?

pinkshoes

Seems fair to me!

You needed to examine it carefully before installing, and perhaps there is a possibility that you cracked it?

The refitting costs are entirely your fault for not examining the sink before installing.

How much is it going to cost to send back?

europa

Yes, as i said, i don't know whether it was cracked before or after installation. But the issue is that it is marketed as a "tough sink", and such cracks should not happen.

As i also said, it's already been installed, so the cost of paying someone to remove and refit the replacement is prohibitive.

spadoosh

Are you planning on using the cracked sink then?

Dont think you can pursue more from the seller. I think youre lucky theyve offered to replace it.

As for being a tough sink its a matter of perspective, it might survive 1 million plate drops on it yet when you drop a combi drill on it it might crack. By not knowing what caused it, its hard to say it didnt match up to its tough description and therefore unfair on the seller for them to pay up. I'd be speaking to your fitters though, surely they wouldve noticed fitting a cracked sink? And i wouldve thought they wouldve thought what the point in fitting a cracked sink, best let the customer know.

theonlywayisup

I think the seller is being very fair.

A sink may be described as "tough" but that will be for the manner in which it is used and not an indicator that it will survive rough installation or damage in transit.

europa

Fair enough. Builders can always glue it i guess - the crack is at the top (so not a big issue as long as it doesn't propagate), but i need to ask how it happened (assuming they caused it).

spadoosh

europa wrote: »

Fair enough. Builders can always glue it i guess - the crack is at the top (so not a big issue as long as it doesn't propagate), but i need to ask how it happened (assuming they caused it).

It doesnt connect to any holes does it, either tap holes or the fixing bolts?

europa

Here is a pic: https://photos.app.goo.gl/We9sUMcpzNUss61U2

Seems it did happen when they were fitting it, but not due to dropping sth on it. As i said, it's not a biggy right now, but, if that crack spreads downwards, i will have a problem.

DoaM

europa wrote: »

Here is a pic: https://photos.app.goo.gl/We9sUMcpzNUss61U2

Seems it did happen when they were fitting it,

Therefore the fitters are liable for rectifying the problem ... suggest to them that they remove the sink and pay for the return to the supplier, then refit the replacement. That way "you" are covering the "cost" of the replacement and the fitters are paying for the removal, refitting and transportation.

The alternative is that they need to source and fit a replacement.