I just had a home built. Before we moved in one of the subs used muriatic acid on the ceramic tile to remove residue. The day this occurred all of our appliances showed “rust” on the exterior. After several days, our light fixture started to show rust/corrosion. After 2 weeks we notice our exterior door latches starting to corrode/rust. Our contractor is working to replace the doors of the refrigerator, light fixture and latches. But it has been suggested to us (not by the contractor) that there good be damage to the interior of the appliances, walls with the wiring, etc. What would be a course of action to make sure that these areas are checked for damage? Should the appliances be replaced?
Thank you for any advice.
Linda
Replies
Mason's have traditionally used muriatic acid to remove spots and I've seen tile guys do it but not recently. Did he have the bottle inside and was he using it straight? Did he leave the bottle in the house?
Muriatic (hydrochloric) acid is hydrogen chloride, a gas, dissolved in water. It will come out of solution, particularly as the water evaporates, which is why you can smell it. Any water on nearby surfaces, or in damp conditions, can have the hydrogen chloride gas dissolve in it, which is why nearby things corrode. I've had the stuff offgas from a closed bottle, which is why I now keep it in a covered bucket with some water & sodium bicarbonate in the bottom to dissolve and neutralize any gas that escapes the bottle.
To have had that much impact, I would think the sub used way too much and didn't rinse afterwards, or they spilled some. Once vented and dried out, it should be gone. The grout may hold onto some until dry, as would any spill on wood, like the subfloor. Ask if they spilled. Keep the windows open while the weather is still nice. Muriatic acid is best used outdoors only, or with very good ventilation until everything is dry. Vinegar is better indoors - while it is also volatile, I've not seen it cause corrosion.
If the appliances work and you can't see any corrosion, they are probably fine.