Repair A Cracked Bathtub

Replacing a cracked bathtub can cost thousands of dollars, but repairing a cracked bathtub is an inexpensive DIY project. In this post, we’ll go over the step-by-step process of fixing a bathtub crack, then we’ll help you prevent the problem from happening again.

Overview

To repair your cracked bathtub, you’ll need to buy a bathtub repair kit. Note: the following tutorial is specifically geared toward repairing a plastic or fiberglass bathtub. If the bathtub you’re trying to repair is made out of cast iron, this isn’t the tutorial for you.

There are several different brands of bathtub repair kits available on the market today. The procedure outlined in this tutorial could vary depending on the brand you purchase. Always check with the instructions in the repair kit before getting started with the patch.

Process

1. Pick up a bathtub repair kit from the hardware store or home improvement center. Make sure that the kit you buy will repair tubs made from plastic or fiberglass (which ever material was used to make your bathtub). Match the color in the kit to the color of your bathtub, and determine whether or not your kit includes everything you need to fix your bathtub. If you need to purchase more materials to fix your bathtub, now is the time to make those purchases.
2. Clean the area around the crack in the tub. Dry the area thoroughly before continuing.
3. Sand the crack in the tub and a 1 inch radius all around the crack.
4. Cut a piece of mesh to fit over the crack, if necessary. Your kit will specify how large the crack must be in order to justify use of mesh.
5. Mix the epoxy and tinting materials as instructed in the kit. Individual kits may vary. Some kits will have you mix the epoxy and tint together in a dish, other kits may include a baggie for mixing.
6. Spread the epoxy over the crack. Move quickly because the epoxy will start to harden, probably in a matter of minutes after being exposed to air. Use a wooden stick or a putty knife to spread the epoxy.
7. Place the mesh over the epoxy (if the mesh is justified). Lay the mesh flat over the wet epoxy.
8. Place more epoxy over the mesh. Smooth the top layer of epoxy so that the edges of the epoxy will dry smooth. Allow the epoxy to dry.

For more information, check out this video that shows the step-by-step process of patching a bath tub:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKNtMgPahtc

Tips and Suggestions

Repairing the bathtub won’t be adequate if the bathtub doesn’t have the support it needs to prevent this from happening again. You can install support by spraying the underside of the tub with expandable polyurethane, which is also available at hardware stores and home improvement centers.

To do this, simply purchase a couple cans of expandable polyurethane, access the under side of the tub and spray There may be a panel in the wall you can use to access the tub. If not, you may have to reach the tub from the basement or crawl space.

Follow the instructions on the can of polyurethane to use it properly. Keep the polyurethane away from the tub’s drain so you or future plumbers can work on the drain when necessary. Note that polyurethane continues to expand for hours after it’s been sprayed in a space, so even if the polyurethane doesn’t look like it’s going to fill the space beneath the tub, give it time before spraying another can.