Crack Near the Drain of Shower or Bathtub
It is very important to get cracks like this in your shower or bathtub fixed as soon as possible. Not only could it cause an injury, but the crack is only going to get worse and could cost you more money in the long run to have the shower or bathtub fixed.
Shower And Bathtub Repair
There is a big crack in the shower floor or bathtub and you're not sure how to fix it. There are a number of methods to use to address this problem. They range from patching to ripping out and installing a new shower or bathtub. It is a fairly essential repair as any water that leaks down into the gap can cause mold and mildew to form which can cause serious health problems or it can cause structural damage to the home leading to much costlier repairs in the future.
Fiberglass and Acrylic Shower and Bathtub Repair
Showers and bathtubs in general, are exposed to a lot of wear and tear where you stand. The chemical cleaners used to clean the scum off of the walls can also eat away at the shower pan as well as the weight of people standing on it every day.
Bathtub and Shower Repair Options
There are three options to repairing a shower or bathtub.
- Install a liner which will reline the entire bath area
- Remove and Install a new bathtub or shower
- Use a Fiberglass and Acrylic shower repair kit
Installing a Bath Liner
A bath liner is either a stock or custom made acrylic, plastic or PVC liner that fits into the original bathtub usually about 1/4 of an inch thick. They come in a variety of colors for those that are adventurous in decor and are easy to clean.
Because bathtubs can vary greatly in size and shape, a stock liner may not always be available, in which case a custom made liner will be needed and either the stock or the custom liners can be installed by a professional. If it is not done by a professional, one of many things can occur. It can create a space between the liner and the tub and will allow mold and mildew to grow, you may have to hire a plumber to extend your drain and overflow to fit properly, if the liner cracks or chips, the removal is not easy and in most cases are cemented to the tub, or last but not least If there's any imperfection in the fit, the liner will flex and give way when pressure is applied. That can lead to a "squishy" feeling when you stand on it or, in the extreme, another crack can develop leaving you where you started.
Removing and Installing a New Bathtub or Shower
Removing and installing a bathtub or shower can be very difficult and hazardous. No matter what the reason for replacing a bathtub or shower, it is never an inexpensive repair, but if done incorrectly, it can be much more costly.
Removal
- A bathtub is secured in place by two pieces of plumbing and is sealed to walls and the floor.
- If your plumbing does not have an access wall or paneling, you will have to remove a section of wall to access the plumbing.
- Then you will have to turn off the main water supply.
- Disconnect the drain pipe to the tub and the nut on the overflow pipe.
- Detach the hot and cold from the tub and the supply line.
- If there is a wall covering, remove 4 inches all around the tub to access the clips. If it is tile then the bottom row will have to be removed.
- Even when it is away from the wall, you may not be able to get it out of the room as most houses have the tub installed before the walls were finished.
Installation
- Once the new tub is in the bathroom, line it up with the drain pipes.
- Be sure to note the condition of the backboard of the tub to see if any of the cement backer board needs to be replaced to support the edge of the unit. Drywall will become saturated and grow mold and collapse.
- Connect the drain, overflow and water supply.
- Turn on the water and check for leaks and have a plumber repair any before continuing.
- Finish the wall around the bathtub and run a bead of silicon around the edges to seal out water.
Using a Fiberglass and Acrylic Shower Repair Kit
The repair kit is not difficult to use but the end result is often disappointing as the tints often do not match the tub or shower pan and the smell is rather strong so be sure to have good ventilation.
- Thoroughly clean the area that you are repairing. Be sure to wash all cleaning products off the area before you start repairing.
- Apply the fiberglass tape to the cracked area.
- Mix the provided resin, hardener, and tint together.
- Spread the mixture over taped area, smoothing it as carefully as possible.
- Allow mixture to harden.
- Sand the surface smooth
This is generally recommended as a temporary fix as with continued use, the crack will often become larger.
To find a trustworthy Home Repair Handyman contractor in your area for any of these bathtub or shower needs, simply enter your ZIP code. Our bathroom specialists are also available to replace shower doors or repair troublesome tracks that keep doors from functioning at optimum levels.
