Cracked Bathtub - DIY Suggestions

CrankyCarrot on 04/07/2019 - 20:59
Last edited 04/07/2019 - 21:00

Fellow bath enthusiasts —-> I need your help!

Had a massive crack appear in the back of the tub recently and I'd really like to get it fixed up. Lots on Google about patching things up, but I'd still feel more confident running by the specifics with anyone on here who's had a similar situation. It's a fibreglass tub that currently looks like this:

http://tinypic.com/r/oribl2/9
http://tinypic.com/r/ape2h3/9

A few sites say to drill holes at each end of the crack to prevent it getting bigger, like backburning, which I have a drill ready to go for first. Also stopped by Bunnings and bought a couple of (returnable) items already:

http://tinypic.com/r/2qchzk7/9

If I'm good to go with this stuff, fantastic. Otherwise I was going to see what Mitre 10 has later. One site suggested buying "Cramer Bathtub repair kit," available in Aus from them for $70 odd, ie this:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Cramer-Kitchen-Bath-Repair-K…

Now to bathe in the wisdom of OzBargainers. Is all the above the correct course or…?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • mbck on 04/07/2019 - 21:38
    +2

    Have you tried the instant noodle trick?

  • AustriaBargain on 05/07/2019 - 00:19
    +1

    Why did it crack, a tub should be able to hold the weight of a person standing in it. If it cracked once it could crack again, maybe some support part of it that you can't even see has finally given in.

    • Niroshansira on 05/07/2019 - 00:56

      Coludn't take it anymore..

  • GoldenDragon888 on 05/07/2019 - 05:49

    I have waited for this moment. The answer is FLEX TAPE

    • CrankyCarrot on 05/07/2019 - 22:49

      Hmmm, JonTron lost weight.

  • RockyRaccoon on 05/07/2019 - 06:54

    Like Austriabargain says, a bigger concern is why it’s cracked, it would have lost support under the tub, which given where it is may indicate a problem with the floor. This could be water damaged and rotted away. Can you get under the house to check, or look at ceiling below if it’s upstairs.

    • CrankyCarrot on 05/07/2019 - 18:40

      I rent, and the tub installed was likely pretty cheap to begin with.

      It's a ground floor unit with parking underneath. Access to the underside is very limited within the unit but I could walk down to the parking area and see if there's a gaping chasm.

      As far as the cracking was concerned, it just happened one night as I leaned on it. I presumed that's just what happens eventually with old and cheap plastic/fibreglass tubs. Is there supposed to be concrete or sand or something back there to support it typically?

      • singlemalt72 on 05/07/2019 - 19:36

        I rent

        Call agent/landlord, have it replaced or repaired by them.

        • CrankyCarrot on 05/07/2019 - 20:12

          It's an informal rental arrangement. No RE Agent. It would be better all around if I could just get it repaired myself.

          • Euphemistic on 05/07/2019 - 22:10

            @CrankyCarrot: No lease! *** half the ozbargain community runs screaming from the building ***

          • GoldenDragon888 on 05/07/2019 - 22:13

            @CrankyCarrot: Dis you pay bond?

            • CrankyCarrot on 05/07/2019 - 22:49

              @GoldenDragon888: Yeah, much less than a standard amount though. I'd rather stay on good terms with the landlord and not leave them in the lurch with this, IF it can be fixed for a reasonable figure, ie $150 or less.

              • RockyRaccoon on 06/07/2019 - 08:10

                @CrankyCarrot: If you have such relationship with the landlord (which is BTW great)

                Discuss it with them. Unless you are massively overweight its a problem with the installation. Either originally or through decay.

                Most likely its decay (see the article linked below)

                They need to know, then they need to decide what is the best fix they are comfortable with. Repair or replace.

                There is nothing stopping you from saying you will repair it for no charge as your contribution/gift etc etc if they decide that is what they want, but let them decide.

                There is a good deal of info here rather than me repeat it.

                https://www.badeloftusa.com/how-to-guides/bathtubs-cracks/

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