A bathtub crack can be caused by stress or harsh cleaning solutions. Repairing a bathtub is certainly something that can be done.
It can sometimes be expensive, but it is better than buying a new bathtub, which is more expensive.
Fixing a cracked bathtub will cost between $100-300 on average for a minor repair. It can cost you more depending on the degree of crack. It is advisable to repair minor cracks before they get bigger.
Can You Fix a Cracked Bathtub?
No matter the material used in making the bathtub, whether fiberglass, porcelain, acrylic, or copper. You can repair the cracks.
The best part is you will be saving a huge amount of money you would have spent on buying a replacement.
While it can be a DIY project, make sure you are up to the challenge; otherwise, call a professional.
The first thing to do is to know the bathtub material. The type of bathtub material can either make you spend more or less on the project.
You can handle repairs on bathtub materials like fiberglass, but materials like copper will require the hand of a professional.
To do it yourself, you must know the best kits. Check if it is complete when you buy it (you can get it online). Getting the best kit will make it easier to repair and give you the best result.
It is hard to decide if you want to repair or replace a bathtub. Repairs are done to cover just the top of cracks and might wear off with time, causing leakages.
The leaks, in turn, might cause the build-up of mold or mildew. You might risk your family’s health if you don’t make a replacement.
There are many reasons why you should make a replacement (check table 1), but the decision is always yours to make.
| Repair | Replace |
|---|---|
| They are affordable. | They are very expensive. |
| Installation Can be done within a day. Therefore, you don’t need to wait for days before using your tub. | You need to wait for days to have it installed. |
| You will save a lot of money if you repair your bathtub. | You will be spending a lot of money, but it is fine to make a replacement if the tub is low quality. |
| You can choose to repair yourself or call a professional. | You need to call a professional to install it. |
Repairing a bathtub is pocket friendly If your bathtub is still in good shape and needs a little repair.
But if you are dealing with a bathtub that is worn out and lost its quality, you need to rethink. Bathtubs have stages; if it has gone close to the worn-out stage, replace them. Bathtub curve (science direct)
How Much Will It Cost To Fix a Cracked Bathtub?
The cost of fixing a bathtub is between $100-$400, depending on the crack’s length, the labor cost (if you are not doing it yourself), the area you reside in, and the material.
If you are doing it yourself, it will cost less, but I will advise you to hire a professional if you can’t do it yourself.
It would be best to buy all the materials needed for the project. Some people might try to cut costs by buying some materials rather than all the materials.
While it is a good thing to cut costs for other projects, this repair requires all the needed material and in their best quality.
The cost of replacing is quite high compared to the cost of repairing. The more reason you should avoid anything that can cause damage to the tub.
Do not try to do it yourself if you don’t know how to. It is better to spend on Repairs than on replacement so make sure you repair it well so it can lay up three years and above.
How Do You Fix a Big Crack In a Fiberglass Bathtub?
Fiberglass bathtubs are very durable, easy to maintain, and attractive. Sadly, it’s susceptible to cracks like all other bathtubs.
Fortunately, you can repair these cracks by following the steps below.
#1. Step 1
A suitable kit is the first step to getting the best result. The first thing to do is to get the materials that are needed. Always ensure that the kit you want to buy is complete.
#2. Step 2
Clean the area with a sponge and cleaning solution. Rinse the area and wipe it off. Make sure you allow time for it to dry properly.
#3. Step 3
Sand the cracked area to remove open areas. Sand the area until it is uniform or close to it.
After the area has dried up, Sand the area, preferably with 80 grits of sandpaper. Every kit should come with sandpaper; ensure yours have one.
#4. Step 4
Drill a hole at the end of each crack. Drilling a hole in the bathtub is done to stop the cracks.
#5. Step 5
Check if the damaged area needs a fiberglass cloth or mesh. If not, move to the next step.
If it does, cut the size of the cloth, putting a bit of excess. Cut two or more layers of fiberglass cloth for larger cracks to get a good result.
#6. Step 6
Put on a glove. Make sure you read the instructions on the products before you start mixing.
#7. Step 7
Place a protective covering like a newspaper, heavy construction, or cardboard on the surface you will be using. Place the mixing bowl on the surface.
#8. Step 8
Measure the amount of resin given in the instructions depending on the rate of crack.
#9. Step 9
Some kits have a color component that you can add to the filler. Before mixing the color and the filler, compare the color and the bathtub.
#10. Step 10
Add the Hardener according to instructions or how fast you want it dry. Find the best Hardener to resin proportion for the best result.
#11. Step 11
Apply the mixture to the cracks. Spread the fiberglass cloth, ensure it is a bit higher than the tub and apply more mixture. Allow it to dry.
#12. Step 12
Cut any excess fiberglass cloth with a utility knife. And then sand until it is smoothly feathered.
Is It Normal For a Bathtub To Crack?
It’s normal for your bathtub to crack after a couple of years. However, bathtub cracks can result from the stress the tub gets, the bathtub material, the method of installing the bathtub, and the cleaning solution used.
Getting a long-lasting material, maintenance, and trying your best to follow all the instructions can make you avoid these cracks.
There are two bathtub cracks, the most common type being the hairline cracks. It looks like a hairline, as the name suggests.
Hairline cracks come from a series of stresses that result from banging or harsh cleaning solutions. The second is the stress cracks that normally result from the applied force.
A lack of proper support can cause cracks. The way a bathtub is installed can cause a crack in the long run.
If a bathtub is installed on a surface that is not flat and strong, the weight will not be evenly distributed and will affect certain parts, and these parts will start developing cracks in the long run.
Every bathtub has a weight limit. Some materials like fiberglass have a smaller weight limit because of their fragility, while others like copper have more weight limits.
Besides heavy objects, water and even humans can be an excess weight that can cause dents and cracks.
The type of cleaning solutions you use one a bathtub can subject the bathtub to reactions that will weaken the surface and cause cracks.
When you use harsh cleaning solutions, it washes off the bathtub’s top layer, creating a way for moisture.
These will create an environment for mold and mildew to grow by causing cracking as time goes on.
Final Thoughts
Bathtubs are prone to cracking, especially the ones made from materials like fiberglass. Replacing a bathtub will cost thousands of dollars; try your best to repair it well.
You might want to do the repairs yourself, but I’ll advise you to call a professional if you have to.
