You may want to get a pro to refinish tub

Q: I hope you can help me. I have a blue porcelain bathtub. The bottom drain where the water goes out is all rusted and the blue porcelain is rusted terribly and chipping away. Is there any way I can repair it? I called a plumbing service and they said yes, they can repair it and put in a new drain plug, at $92 for the first hour, plus material and parts. I will make some more phone calls before deciding. I do not think the color can be matched. What would you suggest? — Sandie, via e-mail

A: Calling a few more plumbers for estimates is a very good idea. They may all charge the same rates, but at least you’ll have a better handle on the cost of a professional tub repair. Be sure to get a written estimate from each company and, of course, don’t agree to any work until you’ve completed the estimate process.

In addition to plumbers, look up a few bathtub refinishing services. These professionals specialize in reconditioning porcelain tubs to look like new. They will likely replace the rusted drain as part of the service and repair the chipped porcelain and match the color as closely as possible. The service will probably recommend that you have the entire tub refinished. This costs a few hundred dollars. However, completely replacing a tub can cost a couple of thousand dollars, so refinishing is desirable in this case. Again, get estimates from several refinishers beforehand.

At this point, do-it-yourselfers have to decide whether to do the repair themselves or let the professionals do it. A professional repair is costly, but a reputable company will do it within a few hours and guarantee its work. A do-it-yourself repair will save labor costs, but can be difficult and time-consuming for inexperienced homeowners — especially the refinishing part, where strong fumes from the overcoat fluid can be overwhelming. Any problems after-the-fact will also have to be addressed.

If you decide that doing the repair yourself is the way to go, pick up a book on bathtub repair and refinishing at the local bookstore and read it cover-to-cover before beginning. You’ll need to purchase the right tools for the job (including protective masks for the refinishing fumes), have detailed instructions on applying the overcoat, and have an idea of what to do if something doesn’t go right. Heck … even if you go with a professional, purchase a book anyway. You’ll be able to ask knowledgeable questions during the estimate and throughout the repair, and that can save a few bucks by itself.