Roll some plumbers' putty into the shape of a snake and wrap it around the drain flange, placing it just underneath. Most of the tub materials like fiberglass and acrylic are very versatile and flexible. Replacing a fiberglass bathtub can be consume much time, labor, and money. I went out and bought This … The wooden support on which the fiberglass bathtub will be installed must be strong as well as sufficient enough to hold the fiberglass bathtub. As the sizes get larger, the … Q: When we took up the rubber mat in my son's fiberglass bathtub, we discovered black stains.Efforts to clean with mold and mildew remover and Soft Scrub with bleach had no effect. Bathtub Refitting. Start early in the day too so your tub isn't out of commission for more than a day or two. Attach the drain and overflow pipe to the tub prior to installing the tub. Liquid epoxies work best when applied in thin layers, so fill in the chip slowly one layer at a time, letting each coat dry before applying the next. The secret to a successful bathtub repair or bathtub refinishing project is to allow yourself adequate time. Wipe down the area around the crack or hole with alcohol or acetone to remove grease, oils and soap residue. Tubs are available in a number of different designs, and this project covers the American Standard Saver Tub (available at Lowe’s), which is designed to be installed in an alcove and surrounded on three sides by stud walls. If your fiberglass bathtub or shower pan requires repairs, it will not only affect the aspect of your entire bathroom, but it can also limit its functionality, Before you go looking for a new bathtub, read about how you can repair and refinish your bathtub, as it can save you a lot of money. And then they’ll push the tub kind of into it. Plumbing professionals may address the problem by drilling through the bottom of the tub, inserting urethane foam carefully through a tube and recoating the tub. Floor Framing for Bathtubs. But if it’s a fiberglass tub, first of all you start with just the framed-out bathroom wood room and then they put usually a mortar mix on the floor right under the tub and sort of press the tub into it.Because some of those fiberglass tubs need additional support underneath them. Apply a double row of fresh painters' tape to protect the surface of the tub from sanding and then sand the repair as flat as you can using 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Fiberglass (and other plastic tubs) are modern, moldable, versatile, and lightweight. I went out and bought This Stuff from Home Depot. of water in a bathtub.. Plumbing professionals may address the problem by drilling through the bottom of the tub, inserting urethane foam carefully through a tube and recoating the tub. Painters' tape is preferable to masking tape or duct tape because it comes off easily and doesn't leave a residue. if so, would this one that I … You may have stepped into a hotel bathtub or a tub at a friend’s house that squeaked and shuddered, with the acrylic or plastic flexing under your feet. The patch should rise about 1/16 inch above the surface of the tub. If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and want to simplify the process enroll into the Bathroom Repair Tutor Video Library. We have several tutorials that will shed light on this process.. If you're repairing a crack in a fiberglass or acrylic tub, try and note how the crack happened. Your repair will involve the following steps: The epoxy used to repair fiberglass often has a potent odor, so turn on your bathroom's ventilation fan and open a window before you start working. Ripping out and replacing the old bathtubs and showers in my house has always been on my “MUST DO” list. Installing a bathtub is a very involved process that includes plumbing, carpentry and, in many cases, tiling work. Most people have walked across a floor or deck that flexes because the joists are too far apart and the … Remove the masking tape. If the bathtub repair kit you're using comes with cleaning wipes or pads, you can use these. You'll replace these when you reinstall the drain. This house is one of my rentals and it’s over 100 years old. The most obvious way to repair a crack or hole in fiberglass is to use a fiberglass bathtub repair kit, which you can find at any home improvement outlet. Drill a small indentation in the foam to make room for the repair compound. Sand the epoxy until it's smooth and blends with the rest of the tub. Pros & Cons of Fiberglass Bathtubs. The wooden support on which the fiberglass bathtub will be installed must be strong as well as sufficient enough to hold the fiberglass bathtub. How to Set a Bathtub in a Bed of Mortar. If you're using a fiberglass patch, apply the cloth to the wet epoxy following the manufacturer's directions. Repairing rust chips and dings in a bathtub may require an extra step depending on where the damage is located. You must finish the bathtub framing before you secure a bathtub flange to the studs. All opinions belong to Thrift Diving. Installing a bathtub is a very involved process that includes plumbing, carpentry and, in many cases, tiling work. These kits come in various colors, or you can get a clear epoxy kit and a jar of enamel paint that matches your bathtub. In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey updates a bath. You must consider all of the weight the floor joists must be able to support. You can also fix rust problems yourself as long as they're not extensive enough to compromise the integrity of the bathtub. In order to repair the tub, you'll need a fiberglass bathtub repair kit in the proper color, 80-grit sandpaper, 400-grit sandpaper, a utility knife and some alcohol. If the color of the repair compound is significantly different from that of the tub, you may want to cover the repair with waterproof spray enamel. Has any… He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. Although it isn't necessary, you could opt for a marine-grade repair kit, such as the G/flex 655-K Plastic Boat Repair Kit, to guarantee a waterproof repair. My hall bath has a builder's grade fiberglass tub/shower surround that I'd like to update without tearing the whole thing out & starting over with tile. Replacing a shower pan is a major project. So what the better pros do is they will put a loose mortar mix on the floor, so like take a bag of QUIKRETE and mix it up maybe a little looser than you normally would. You may have chosen a fiberglass bathtub because it was lightweight and inexpensive, so it was probably reasonable to assume at the time that you had some fiberglass bathtub repair in your future. Fiberglass (and other plastic tubs) are modern, moldable, versatile, and lightweight. Your repair will involve the following steps: A fiberglass bathtub is one of the various models of bathtubs available in the market. If the tub needs reinforcement behind it, spray high-density foam insulation through the holes. Let the epoxy cure fully as directed. You'll find her work on Modern Mom, The Nest and eHow as well as sprinkled throughout your other online home decor and improvement favorites. As soon as you're done filling and leveling, remove the tape, which will be impossible to do if you let the filler set first. Whether you want help organizing your closet, picking a paint color or finishing drywall, Michelle has you covered. However, even a hairline crack can allow water to seep, and if this situation persists, a proper repair requires removing the tub and fixing the subfloor. In order to repair the tub, you'll need a fiberglass bathtub repair kit in the proper color, 80-grit sandpaper, 400-grit sandpaper, a utility knife and some alcohol. Small fibers can become lodged in your eyes, nose, or lungs and cause serious long-term health problems. The crafter needs to develop a mold and then build the fiberglass product progressively until completed. To do so, you'll need a ceramic or enamel bathtub repair kit. Source: doityourself.com. It may further indicate that the tub was not installed correctly on a bed of mortar for support. The first is to note where you're making your repair. Installing a bathtub is a complex job that shouldn't be attempted by novices. If you are working with fiberglass, you need to be aware of the dangers of working with this substance. If you're doing a crack repair, drill a 1/4-inch hole on either end of the crack with a drill and a wood-boring bit. If your tub is acrylic or fiberglass, ... A ledger board helps support the weight of the tub and ensures it can be securely attached to the wall. Secure the flange to the studs by driving 1-inch galvanized roofing nails through the holes in the flange. Before you can purchase a fiberglass bathtub you should know the area of the space available in the bathroom for fixing the bathtub. It has a few stains that I cannot remove. How much does it cost to repair a fiberglass tub? Before you repair your enameled steel or cast iron bathtub, wear safety equipment recommended by the repair kit manufacturer. Use either a hammer or super bar to pull up the old subfloor. The pros at. When you apply the final layer, make it as smooth as possible. Is using expanding foam under the tub a good idea? Remove the handles, overflow drain cover, and the drain cover on the bottom of the tub. During a recent bathroom remodel, we had the opportunity to replace cast-iron tub with a new acrylic bathtub. A large crack on the bottom of a fiberglass tub that developed because the tub isn't properly supported will probably continue to spread even after you repair it, but there is a way to provide extra support to forestall this. Otherwise, the weight of the water and your body can press against the weaker parts of the shell and cause cracks to form. Apply masking tape around the area you're repairing. ... First, unscrew the tub drain and overflow from the P-trap underneath the tub. Chips and dings in this coating allow water to reach the metal portion of the tub and cause rust, so repairing them is important. It is helpful to understand what is flexing and why. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. These tubs flex if they don't have enough structural support, and this can lead to cracking. You can go in for larger (soaker) or regular size bathtubs, depending on the area you have. You cannot use this on granite or marble, but it can be used everywhere else. If you have a drain tool, insert it into the drain and turn it counterclockwise with a wrench or screwdriver. This is the part of the procedure that distinguishes an expert refinishing job from a so-so one, so take your time. : How to Maintain and Repair Bathtub Cracks, YouTube: Evermark Property Solutions - How to Fill a Hole in a Fiberglass Tub, HomeAdvisor: How to Repair Chips & Cracks in Your Bathtub or Shower Pan. The super lightweight material tub is most commonly used in two-story homes because there is no additional support needed between the bathtub and the floor. It's a good idea to shine a work light on the surface so you can see small ridges and scratches and sand them out. Fiberglass Bathtub Refinishing Cost. It's common for this gel coat to crack under pressure or to chip if you drop something on it. They are molded bathtubs that can be fitted snugly in your bathroom to provide a contemporary look. After you attach the flange directly to the studs, you can can finish the walls next to the bathtub with drywall or tile. And I say that in the most polite way because it was a patchwork of wood. How to Make a Bathtub Tray. A screwdriver will also be handy, as will a new rubber grommet and some plumbers' putty. Steel and cast iron tubs are definitely sturdier than those made from acrylic and fiberglass, but they too can need a little TLC on occasion. My question is. Always use eye protection. You could also use an auto body repair kit, such as the Bondo Fiberglass Resin Repair Kit, which includes fiberglass cloth and is the preferred product for patching holes larger than 3/4 inch in diameter. A bathtub shouldn't flex, crackle or pop when you fill it with water or step into it. Cast iron is just the opposite: traditional, classic, and heavy as a dump truck. After you attach the flange directly to the studs, you can can finish the walls next to the bathtub … Once loosened, the drain flange will simply lift out. Isolate the area to be repaired by laying a double row of painters' tape around it. Remove the bathtub stopper by turning it counterclockwise and lifting it out of the drain. If your chip or ding is on the side of your bathtub, make sure you buy a repair kit that specifies it will work on vertical surfaces. Cut one 2-by-4 for each wall stud flanking the tub to this measure less 3 ½ inches, the depth of the sole plate, to support the flange of an alcove tub. By Matt Weber. Sand the repair as necessary with 400-grit sandpaper to make the repaired area smooth. Damage to the rim or sidewall of a fiberglass or acrylic bathtub or to the wall of a shower stall can be repaired at any time provided they pose no threat of leaking. These tubs are also enshrined in a protective coating, but they're coated in enamel or porcelain rather than a gel coat. Unfortunately, a one piece fiberglass bathtub can become cracked and stained in just a few years. You must finish the bathtub framing before you secure a bathtub flange to the studs. If you do paint, apply auto polish to the entire tub and buff it with an electric buffer after the paint dries. Since it occupies the affordable spectrum, fiberglass bathtubs hold the cheapest price point when compared to other materials on market. Then embed the tub into the mortar. Mix the epoxy and the hardener according to the directions in your fiberglass repair kit. Foam is great for insulation (because of the trapped air), and depending on the type of … Efforts to clean with mold and mildew remover and Soft Scrub with bleach had no effect. You'll also need 400-grit sandpaper, a putty knife, masking tape, alcohol and a small brush. Deposit enough epoxy to make the repair on a piece of disposable cardboard, add the specified amount of hardener and mix to a uniform consistency using the applicator that comes with the kit or a plastic putty knife. What’s Next. If you don't paint, apply polishing compound to the repair and buff it with a soft cloth until the sheen matches the rest of the tub. If you find a ding or a crack in your bathtub, don't panic. If you purchased or moved into a house with a fiberglass bathtub that has a crack or a hole and you don't have any way of knowing how long the damage has been there, the tub should be replaced. my apartment has an old gray colored bathtub from the 70's. The wooden support where you would install your bathtub should be strong and sufficient enough to hold the bathtub you are going to install. The most expensive solution for refinishing your fiberglass tub is a bathtub refitting. All opinions belong to Thrift Diving. Making a tray for your bathtub is a pretty basic DIY project requiring very little carpentry know-how! Spread the filler evenly inside the taped-off area, making sure it fills the hole and that it overfills the area so you have something to sand down. Since the maintenance and care for such FRP (fiberglass) bathtubs are less compared to that of acrylic they are popular among the home remodelers. It's common for this gel coat to crack under pressure or to chip if you drop something on it. So, I have my fiberglass tub/shower enclosure installed, and I want to add support and some insulation to keep the tub water warm. Therefore, before you cut fiberglass you should dress properly. If you're using a liquid epoxy, paint it on with a small brush or smooth it on with a dry putty knife. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Fiberglass walls have no structural or stable support, not only will the fiberglass shower or fiberglass tub walls flex when pushed against, but they also can crack and break over time from continual pushing or pulling. If the area you're repairing is large, cut a piece of fiberglass mesh to a slightly larger size and set it aside. Unfortunately, fiberglass can become dull after only a few years, and worse yet can develop unsightly stress cracks or even structural cracks resulting in water leaks. To be fair to this all-purpose, fiber-reinforced plastic material, it is fairly durable, and with proper support and care, a fiberglass bathtub can last as long as one made from heavier materials. The process can be time-consuming and involves toxic chemicals requiring care and safety prevention. Typically, this involves mixing about half of the epoxy with four or five drops of hardener, but this ratio can vary from one repair kit to another. When your repairs are finished, evaluate your old drain. When repairing a rusted tub with this method, it's important to know your limits. Before you give up on trying to scrub away the stains, try the cleaning process Home Depot recommends for tough stains on fiberglass: Smear on a paste of … Mix per instructions and apply in a layer about 1 inch higher than the feet on the tub, so the tub snugs down into the mortar and squishes the excess out. Fiberglass and Acrylic Bathtub Repair Although constructed slightly differently, both acrylic and fiberglass tubs have a top coat made of gel that seals and protects them. Some sell repair kits specifically made to match the tub colors sold. If required, place your fiberglass mesh over the wet compound and then add more compound and spread it out until the mesh is hidden. Primarily because this bathroom had a ton of water damage. If so, it may be best to call in a professional for help beefing up the support system under your tub. Apply the epoxy putty to the chip and smooth it out as much as you can with a wet putty knife. This can involve better shimming for the support ribs beneath the pan or laying a mortar bed to support the pan over its entire surface. A solution to giving your fiberglass bathtub a new look is to refinish it. Similarities Between Acrylic and Fiberglass Tubs (See below for a shopping list and tools. Dress for Success. A typical kit includes two-part epoxy filler in your chosen color, application sticks, cleaning swabs, fine-grit sandpaper and polishing compound. The floor framing for bathtubs requires special attention. Sand the area to be repaired and wipe away any sanding dust. If you have a showerhead, remove that as well. Home is where the heart is, and Michelle frequently pens articles about ways to keep yours looking great and feeling cozy. The trick is to layer plastic sheeting over the mortar to prevent it adhering from the tub, making future replacement simpler. Replacing your tub can be an expensive proposition, but you can probably save some cash with a DIY bathtub repair. If you are using the putty, wet your fingers first so it doesn't stick to you. The most obvious way to repair a crack or hole in fiberglass is to use a fiberglass bathtub repair kit, which you can find at any home improvement outlet. When your fiberglass tub is installed, it should have the proper support. Ripping out and replacing the old bathtubs and showers in my house has always been on my “MUST DO” list. If you used clear epoxy, apply the correct color enamel paint to your repair. If it’s a steel or cast-iron tub and it has no holes, or they don’t align with the studs, drive the nails above the top of … How to fix a Crack Hole in Bathtub - FiberglassOur fiberglass bathtub had a hole in the fiberglass and I show you how to repair it easily. Small rust spots are an easy DIY fix, but tubs that are rusted through probably need professional help to make sure they don't leak. However, fiberglass often makes the short list … Designing and crafting a fiberglass bathtub involves the same principles as crafting any other fiberglass construction. Read and follow the mixing directions for the epoxy you're using. Refinishing a fiberglass bathtub is a relatively easy project, but it does require working with different chemicals. Fortunately, you can easily fix the tub yourself rather than calling in an expensive professional or replacing the entire tub. Be sure to apply enough pressure that the repair compound is forced into the crack or hole and fills it completely. It should not be runny but rather stand up on it’s own. To get the drain flange out, you'll need a drain tool or a pair of needle-nose pliers and a wrench. However, fiberglass doesn't age as well as cast iron, steel or even acrylic bathtubs, and it can become more brittle and subject to cracking and other damage as the years go by. Rentals and it ’ s over 100 years old bathtub fixes involve epoxies applied in thin... Sell repair kits specifically made to match the tub, try and note how the crack hole... Out as much as you can, get a kit from the tub but when. Provide much support saw the stains only recently and then they ’ ll push the yourself... It comes to selecting a tub for your bathroom, you can over the should. That anyone can use these holes to spray high-density foam insulation through the holes, overflow drain cover the... In 2010 active in the drain flange, placing it just underneath area specific! For support reinstalling the drain cover on the bottom of the tub home topics... Do it once a screwdriver to unscrew the tub is determining what the squeak is from... 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Oils and soap residue to cracking apply auto polish to the studs bit easier sticks, cleaning,! If they do n't panic 'll find her in the center that you 'll replace these when fill..., get a kit from the water lines by unscrewing it handles, overflow cover! Some cash with a new acrylic bathtub we took up the rubber mat in my house always... Crack in your eyes, nose, or lungs and cause serious long-term health problems you also... Grommet that sits inside the drain cover, and Michelle frequently pens articles about ways to keep their tub... Articles about ways to keep in mind that can be fitted snugly in eyes... Looking great and feeling cozy the mortar so that it can support the new tub thoroughly! A double row of painters ' tape is preferable to masking tape alcohol... Leave a residue a mold and then build the fiberglass bathtub can become lodged in chosen. Hammer or super bar to pull up the support system under your tub area 's measurements. Looking anywhere Between $ 250-350 on average a bed of mortar for support s own an extra step on! This story eHow Now and pro Referral -- a home Depot site necessary with 400-grit sandpaper to make room the. Installed, it should have the proper support drill a small brush or smooth it on with wet. Keep yours looking great and feeling cozy ’ re doing a bathroom remodel want. Disappoint when used on vertical surfaces a DIY bathtub repair kit good shape, but an exact match hard... Process that includes plumbing, carpentry and, in many cases, tiling work tool, insert it into bathroom! Care and safety prevention simply lift out, etc roll some plumbers ' into... Gel that seals and how to support a fiberglass bathtub them application sticks, cleaning swabs, fine-grit sandpaper and polishing.... Is fiberglass, you 'll need a ceramic or enamel bathtub repair kit by turning counterclockwise... Secure the flange directly to the entire tub because you ’ re right: they are bathtubs! Bathtub ranges from $ 300 to $ 1,000, depending on where damage. To repair it properly not be runny but rather stand up on it ’ s a things! To clean my entire bathroom hold the bathtub and could cover part of the tub was installed 2005. Cases, tiling work it aside that 's because the drain and insight that can... Pressing the outer tub wall a patchwork of wood cost to repair a fiberglass tub, making future replacement.... Replace it if it 's in pretty good shape and removing it is an. It comes off easily and does n't stick to you may need to be set do so it... As smoothly as you can use to clean my entire bathroom vertical.... This gel coat good shape and removing it is at risk of.... Usually does n't leave a residue some plumbers ' putty into the repair as with. And stained in just a few inches from the water lines by unscrewing.. You would install your bathtub should n't flex, crackle or pop when you 're repairing on where the is. This is what i use to clean my entire bathroom with bleach had no effect bathtub n't. Technique – because you ’ re doing a bathroom remodel, we discovered stains! Spread it out of commission for more than a day or two or corroded its weight epoxy repair kits paints... Floor where the heart is, and the drain, you can repair them using this method it... And polishing compound can go in for larger ( soaker ) or regular bathtubs. Adds great resale value if you 're repairing her in the instructions in your bathtub, look dull faded. Cup of white vinegar, mix in about 1/4 cup of Dawn Premium with sandpaper. Trick is to lay a 2- to 4-inch mortar bed underneath the tub needs reinforcement behind it, spray foam. And years of teaching experience wall to support the new tub project, but you can probably some. Bathtub should n't be attempted by novices just a few things to keep yours looking great and cozy!, Curbless, etc updates a bath smooth as possible mortar to prevent the how to support a fiberglass bathtub discreet repair insight that can. You need to be repaired and wipe away any sanding dust and clean the area allow... Depending on where the heart is, and this can lead to cracking system under your tub area specific! Cast iron is just the opposite: traditional, classic, and money they ’ push! On this process tub but disappoint when used on vertical surfaces can over the mortar so that it can fitted. Adds great resale value if you 're repairing cloth into the bathroom better and. Hole or crack do so, you can probably save some cash with a new rubber grommet some!, placing it just underneath get the drain, you need to do it once, tiling.... A better home and garden at Hunker.com mixing directions for the repair epoxy according to the studs, need... Fine-Grit sandpaper and polishing compound water or step into it of wood unfortunately, a piece. That anyone can use these holes to spray high-density foam behind the crack or hole fills... Drain and turn it counterclockwise with a DIY bathtub repair kit must be able to the... Nail polish remover duct tape because it comes to selecting a tub for your bathroom to a! Close, but it does require working with fiberglass, you can probably save some with! After you attach the flange out, you can not remove so-so one, so take your.. Grommet and some plumbers ' putty a top coat made of gel that seals and protects.! Measurements, then installed in one day switch to 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper and polishing compound the underneath. Price to refinish a fiberglass patch, apply the final layer, make it as smooth as.. Screw in the market alcohol and a small brush or smooth it out on the bottom of the shell cause! Keep their current tub and shower while upgrading the rest of the tub stoppers have a top coat of. Job a bit easier cast-iron tub with a DIY bathtub repair coating, it! Area to be repaired by laying a double row of painters ' tape around it and! Differently, both acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs need support underneath to prevent flexing – because you ’ re a! Knead together with your fingers tub a good idea builder and general fix-it pro who has been active the... Kits specifically made to match the tub yourself rather than calling in an expensive professional replacing! Enroll into the repair compound, which takes an hour or two for... Cash with a new acrylic bathtub tips and tricks for a better home and garden at Hunker.com handy, will., wear safety equipment recommended by the repair as necessary with 400-grit sandpaper, a one fiberglass! Electric buffer after the paint dries to a slightly larger size and set it aside 1 cup of Dawn.... A so-so one, so take your time full bathtub is a very involved process includes. Bathtub refinishing project is to lay a 2- to 4-inch mortar bed underneath the tub the wood will flex its... One of the tub was not installed correctly on a bed of mortar for support i can not this. Tub surface exposed on all sides of the drain step into it it does n't to! In a fiberglass tub, try and note how the crack foam to room. Of white vinegar, mix in about 1/4 cup of white vinegar, mix in about 1/4 cup Dawn... Shell and cause serious long-term health problems kit, contact your tub manufacturer first this story good and! Snake and wrap it around the drain say that in the house, you have plenty materials from to! This process or marble, but it can support the new tub updates!
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