Greater London · England

Bath and surface repairs in IG1

Live in IG1? We cover Ilford, Loxford and Cranbrook and the rest of the district, repairing in place.

How bath repair works in IG1

Whatever has happened to the bath, we aim for the same result: a smooth, solid repair that blends in. We prepare the area properly, fill and shape it, then match the colour and gloss so it’s level with the surrounding surface. We are frequently asked to fix chips under the taps and chips caused by builders, in roll-top & freestanding, whirlpool & spa baths and cast iron enamel.

It’s a tidy, low-fuss visit. We confirm the time with you beforehand, cover and mask the work area, then carry out the work, which usually takes two to three hours for most chips. If anything looks different from your photos, we’ll talk to you before going ahead.

  1. Dust sheets and masking go down around the bath.
  2. The damaged area is cleaned, keyed and degreased.
  3. Filler goes in and is sanded flush once it has set.
  4. Colour and gloss are matched to the surrounding surface.
  5. We clear up and give you the curing time, normally until the next day.

What it costs in IG1

Repairs from £95, with every job priced individually. No two jobs are quite the same, so we price each one individually. The size and type of damage, the material and access all play a part, and doing several things on one visit costs less than separate visits.

Why choose Surface Doctor

  • CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor accredited
  • Colour mixed on the day to match
  • Work done at your home or business
  • Every repair guaranteed for a year

Get a quote

Call 0345 017 0787 or use the quote form. With a clear picture of the damage and one of the whole bath, we can price the job without visiting.

Local landmarks in Ilford

Locally, our jobs take us to homes close to Great Spoon of Ilford pub, The Ursuline Academy Ilford and South Park and the streets around them. You’ll also find Winston Way Academy (under half a mile east) and St Alban's Church (within half a mile south). Ilford has its own railway station: Ilford station. Nearby you will also find East Ham (2.1 miles south-west) and Barking Community Hospital (1.8 miles south-east). For a walk, there’s Hollow Pond and Ripple Nature Reserve.

When we’d advise against a repair

A repair isn’t always the answer, and we will tell you before we start. We cannot fix:

  • A bath worn all over, where resurfacing makes more sense
  • Metal that has corroded all the way through
  • A bath that moves underfoot, until its support is fixed

DIY kit or professional repair?

You can buy a DIY kit for most repairs, and they can tidy up a tiny mark. The trouble is colour and preparation: kits come in a few standard shades, and without proper cleaning and keying the filler often lifts.

A kit can be fine for a tiny mark out of sight. For damage in plain view, cracks, holes or rust, or coloured finishes, it’s worth having it done properly.

Should you replace it?

Cast iron baths especially are worth keeping: getting one out, particularly from an upstairs bathroom, is a big job, and a like-for-like replacement can be expensive. A repair keeps it in place.

Questions to ask before you book

  • Who turns up on the day
  • Aftercare advice
  • What preparation is included
  • How changes to the job are handled

Work for landlords and builders

We regularly work with letting and managing agents. Just send pictures, the address and how to get access and we’ll arrange it.

Rented homes see more wear and tear, and replacing things at every changeover adds up. Repairing between tenants keeps the property presentable for less.

Aftercare tips

Most damage we see is avoidable. These habits help:

  • Avoid scourers, wire wool and gritty cream cleaners
  • Don’t leave a fresh chip for long
  • A dripping tap stains enamel, so fix it early
  • Cover the bath during DIY or decorating

Treat the repaired area like the rest of the bath: warm water, washing-up liquid and a soft cloth. Avoid scourers and gritty cream cleaners.

Tape over a fresh chip or crack until it’s repaired, to keep water out. Remove it before the repair.

Common questions in IG1

Can rust on a bath be repaired?

Yes, it’s one of the most common repairs we do. We take it back to sound metal, seal it, fill it and match the colour.

Will the repair show?

We aim for a repair you cannot easily find. How well it disappears depends on the condition of the rest of the bath, and we will tell you what to expect.

Is it messy?

We protect the room with dust sheets and masking first, and we clean up when we’ve finished.

Is there a call-out fee?

Travel is included in the price, and we charge the same wherever you are.

What do you need from me?

Just pictures, your postcode and a contact number. On the day, access to the room.

When can you do it?

We’ll give you dates with your quote. If it’s urgent, say so and we’ll do what we can.

Is a bath repair durable?

It should, as long as the bath is firm and the area was prepared well. It’s covered by our one-year guarantee.

CHAS accredited contractor and Constructionline logos SafeContractor, SMAS Worksafe and Builder’s Profile logos

About our accreditations · Every repair comes with a one-year guarantee.

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