Telling the difference between wear and a genuine watering can fault
Watering cans change over time. Some of these changes are normal—they happen to every can and don't affect how it works. Others indicate a real fault. Understanding the difference helps you decide whether your can needs attention.
Four types of change
We group changes into four categories: normal wear, cosmetic change, functional degradation, and physical damage. The first two are not faults. The second two may be.
Normal wear
Normal wear is gradual change caused by using the watering can. It accumulates over time and typically shows at points where you handle the can.
Examples of normal wear:
• The handle becoming shinier or smoother from repeated contact with your hands
• Edges becoming slightly rounded through regular handling
• Metal areas showing gradual surface softening
• Colour or finish gradually becoming less bright at contact points
Normal wear affects appearance but does not prevent the can from working. It is not a fault and is not covered by the guarantee.
Cosmetic change
Cosmetic changes are visible changes in appearance caused by the material itself, not by damage. They happen naturally to the material and don't affect how the can works.
Examples of cosmetic change:
• On galvanised steel: The bright metallic surface gradually turning grey. This is natural oxidation that protects the steel underneath.
• On painted steel: Paint chipping at the base or edges where the can is placed or carried. Underneath, the zinc layer continues to protect the steel.
• On brass or copper: The shiny polished surface becoming darker and developing a patina. This is natural oxidation and is protective.
• On any metal: Water marks or staining where water has dripped or dried.
• On plastic: Scratches from contact with rough surfaces. Because colour goes all the way through plastic, scratches are usually subtle.
Cosmetic changes do not affect how the can pours, carries, or holds water. They are not faults and are not covered by the guarantee.
Functional degradation
Functional degradation is a change that reduces how well the can works, but the structure is still sound and it still holds water.
Common example: the rose becoming blocked
Over time, water carrying minerals or debris can lodge in the tiny holes of the rose. You might notice:
• Reduced flow
• Spray pattern becoming uneven
• Spray coming out in drops instead of a fine mist
This happens gradually through normal use. It is not a manufacturing fault.
What to do: You can often restore the rose by cleaning it. Soak the rose in clean water, or gently clear the holes with a soft brush or cloth. If the rose is still not working well after cleaning, you can order a replacement rose.
Another example: loose handle
If the handle feels loose or moves slightly, this can happen where the handle is attached to the body. The fastening may have gradually loosened through use.
If the handle is still safe to hold, you can continue using the can. If you're concerned, contact us for advice. Loose handles are not automatically a guarantee issue—they may result from wear or handling rather than a manufacturing defect.
Physical damage
Physical damage is a change that affects the structure or ability of the can to hold water or be handled safely. It typically results from a discrete event such as a drop, impact, or freezing.
Signs of physical damage:
• Dents: Permanent deformation where the body has been struck. A small dent away from joints and handles is cosmetic, but a dent at the base, spout, or near a handle can affect stability and how the can works.
• Cracks or splits: Visible splits or cracks in the body, especially if they let water escape when full.
• Base deformation: The base no longer sits flat, or you can see it has been pushed outward or inward. This typically happens from freezing or impact.
• Spout damage: The spout is bent, twisted, or no longer aligned properly. This affects pouring and attachment fit.
• Joint separation: You can see gaps at seams, or the body is coming apart at a joint.
• Rust or corrosion: Material loss at the base or body allowing water to escape.
Physical damage is distinct from normal wear or cosmetic change. It results from impact, freezing, or mishandling, not from gradual use.
Guarantee implications: Physical damage is not covered by the guarantee because it is not a manufacturing fault. However, if the can is quite new and the damage appears to have happened during normal use rather than obvious mishandling, contact us to discuss.
How freezing causes damage
If you leave a full watering can outdoors in freezing weather, the water inside expands as it freezes. This creates pressure inside the can that is released at the weakest point.
You may see:
• The base pushed outward and no longer flat
• A split or crack appearing, often near the base
• The spout deformed or pushed outward
This is physical damage caused by freezing and is not covered by the guarantee. To prevent it, empty your watering cans before winter or store them in a frost-free place.
How to describe what you're seeing
When you contact us about a concern, it helps to tell us:
• Where: Point to the exact location. For example, "the base," "around the handle," "at the spout."
• What: Describe what you see. For example, "a dent," "paint chipping," "water marks," "a split."
• When: When did you first notice it? After you bought it, or after a specific incident?
• Effect: Does it affect how the can works, or is it just appearance? Does it hold water? Is the handle still safe to hold?
This helps us understand whether what you're seeing is normal for the material and use, or whether it might be a fault.
If you think there's a fault
If a change affects how your can works or how you can safely use it, and it's within the guarantee period, contact us with the information above. We can assess whether it might be a manufacturing defect or a consequence of use and handling.