rust spots appearing in stainless steel sink

[oldmisery]

I have been told that the rust spots in my s/s sink are caused by having a plastic washing up bowl in the sink. It seems to me to be a ludicrous statement bearing in mind that my previous s/s sink held plastic bowls for some 25 years. However, I would hope to disprove this statement with help from someone with a metallurgical background. I would point out that the rust spots centre around the waste outlet where the bowl fails to come into contact with the sink.
The whole theory seems to be a ploy to avoid replacement whilst under warranty.

[Old_Geezer]

That would be my suspicion too. In any case a sink should be capable of handling plastic bowl use. I'd threaten to take them to the small claims court if I were you. Tell them you've taken advice from "Citizen's Advice", and are giving them fair warning to cover the warranty within 14 days (or something like that) else you'll be taking out a claim.

[Old_Geezer]

As I read it back, I think maybe I ought to have said write to them. Difficult to show a verbal statement proving you have allowed them fair time to fix something.

[oldmisery]

Many thanks Old Geezer, I'll try your suggestion out.

[vulcan]

I once received a memo from a manager stating " From now on all written and verbal quotations must be shown to me before the customer receives them "

[MalcolmY]

As a long since retired metallurgist I am absolutely sure that a plastic bowl in a stainless steel sink would not, of itself, cause the rust spots. However, (there's always a however, isn't there?) it is possible that something, for example, tea, that has been in the bowl and then tipped down the sink could be the cause of the rust spots. If the rust is confined to the waste outlet area it is possible that this part of the sink isn't actually s/s but is a chromium plated insert and this will certainly, over time show some pitting if tea / tea bags are allowed to remain in contact with it for any length of time.
In any case, any rust or discolouration can easily be removed by light rubbing with a green scouring pad with a dab of Cif. Even a small drop of Domestos, well rinsed off, will work wonders.
But a plastic bowl causing rusting? No, Never!

[oldmisery]

Problem solved . The company concerned are installing a new sink at no charge. Many thanks for all your responses.