I installed a vanity top 2 years ago supplied by a reputable local fabricator. Cust. just called to say those dreaded spider lines have appeared around the drain. I know this was a problem years ago but I thought the technology had changed to prevent this. The drain was installed with a standard rubber gasket supplied by the tap manufacturer and plumbers putty. Just enough torque to seal but IMO not too much. Any ideas as to cause.?…..anyone else still seeing this problem with new installs ?
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Dunno. We have two one-piece Corian vanity tops, installed in '76, that still have no cracks or other major problems. And judging from his work elsewhere, the plumber wasn't all that careful or expert.
Yup, know a bunch of folks who are trying to decide if they just want to replace the top, replace the vanities (mid-line) with something similar, or to do a full bathroom revamp. These are all in the 8 to 15 year-old homes..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
If plumber's putty was used, that may be the problem. Clear silicone is the recommended sealant.
I'm not sure that plumbers putty would cause cracking but it will stain. I do know the acrylic products we install say you can't use any cleaning products that contain amonia as it will make the top layer of acrylic brittle and crack. They say you can tell as it spider webs. DanT
I'm sure that most of you folks know this, but a lot of vanity tops sold now aren't "solid surface" but really just a plastic coating over some sort of base (just hardboard in the really cheap ones). These will look like **** in 5-10 years, as the coating cracks, but they look nice and glossy when first installed. Most true solid surface materials will be less glossy and not quite as eye-catching to start with (though I personnally detest the look of the glossy stuff).