It definitely sounds like mold. We have the same problem in our shower. I use a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water to clean it. Unfortunately, without regular bleach cleanings, the mold will begin to grow again. You will need to continue to run your "bleach baths" every so often to keep the mold at bay. As for the filter, if you can remove it from your tub, I would soak it in a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water. If not, fill the filter area with the mixture and let is soak for 15 minutes before you run your bleach bath. Mold sucks, but with proper maintenance, it can be controlled. Good luck!

The original tub I removed from a 2nd floor bathroom was 60"x30"x14"...which means all the plubing is 15" from the studs (to be 1/2 way of 30"). The new tub I am looking at is the Toto 1525LP (60x32x16), which means I would have to move the plumbing over another 1" (to make it 16" from the wall). The problem: I really really don't want to cut into the ceiling below to move the plumbing an 1". However, I do recognize that the Toto is a solid choice for a tub. Option 1: Cut into the ceiling from the 1st floor, and move the plumbing. And given the way the joists run, I would have to make the holes in them a little larger..which adds to the fun. Option 2: Look for a tub that is just as good as the Toto, but has a 30" width, with a 16" height. This isn't our Master bath and we are trying to stay on budget. I choose the Toto based upon reading the forums here and really am looking for a 16" height tub. I am willing to move the overflow PVC as that doesn't require cutting into the ceiling of the 1st floor. Thoughts or suggestions? Aaron

Since it's on you, I'd go after Kohler again. Simply start anew. Get a written diagnosis from the second evaluator. Send it to Kohler and start a warranty claim. Pretend it's the first time you've called them. 1) Tub was purchased from _____ on ____. 2) Tub was installed on ____ by a licensed plumber in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. 3) Within days of the installation a squeaking noise was heard. 4) You had two people come out and diagnose it as a delamination. Include the written report from the second person. 5) State what you want: A new tub. I'd also contact the point-of-purchase. They sold you a bad tub. As a follow up to the initial phone call claim with them, include the written delamination assessment made by the second evaluator. Send them the same info noted above. Written letters and emails start the paper trail. Phone calls are great to "shake the tree", any time you talk to anyone note the day, time, person you spoke with, case/claim number if they assign you one, and take brief notes of the conversation. Kohler is usually pretty good about claims. Best thing I can offer is to be calm but firm in your conversations, be businesslike. And keep good notes. When I've dealt with things like this, I've kept my notes in a document file on my computer. If I talk to someone new, I'll email them the file while I'm on the phone with them. Depending on the situation I might password protect it or convert it into a pdf file before sending it so it can't be muddled with by the recipient. No, I've never done or had done a gel injection. I've never heard of it being done. Not saying it won't work. But I've never had a tub delaminate! As a bit of a last resort, talk to your GC. If Kohler is claiming the tub was installed incorrectly, that falls back on him and on his plumber. You might be able to get separate letters from the plumber and the GC saying that the tub was installed IAW the manufacturers instructions and that they agree with the evaluation that delamination as a result of a manufacturing defect are the cause of the squeak. Again, all that is based on the tub having been installed correctly. ie, it's not a drop-in tub that is being supported by the rim instead of by the base/feet for example. Again, good luck.

Ventilation. I'd look into getting a ceiling ventilation fan like you'd use in a bathroom -- the trick will be whether you have space in the ceiling below the deck to run the ducting. Otherwise, open a window??