we have a crack in our bath, it is not cast iron, can it be resprayed, or filled in.Any Plumbers ?

Answer 1

All I can suggest is to purchase a fibre glass repair kit from Halfords and remove the bath panel and repair it from underneath. a lot of baths today are fibreglass moulded and yours may be of this material.

Answer 2

If it is acrylic or fiberglass, it could probably be repaired with an automotive fiberglass repair kit from a hardware or Home Center. The problem is that it won't match the color. If the crack is in the bottom of the tub, it was probably caused by not having a mortarbase installed under it during installation. Acrylics flex when a person steps into the tub and if no mortar base, it will flex and crack. Mortar base is simply a five gallon bucket of premixed mortar poured onto a sheet of plastic and the tub set into it. It forms a solid base. Spray foam will not work as it will "give" when pressure is put on it. Most people I have heard about that tried to recoat the tub surface were not happy with the results. It is a lot of work and instructions must be followed completely. Even then, it will never be like a new tub.

Answer 3

Obviously, you do not want to remove the tub or you would not be seeking alternatives. Unfortunately, there are few alternatives that will guarrantee success. However, even I would be willing to try something alternatively before the task and expense of replacing the tub unit.

First, consider what made the crack possible and it surely will reveal the tub bottom was un-supported at the time of installation.

You should look to see if you have access to the floor below the tub...perhaps from under the floor or from the plumbing end of the tub. If you have underfloor access your can enlarge the hole in the floor and slide in wood below the tub bottom to a snug fit supporting the tub botton and then proceed to the tub repair.

If unable to achieve underfloor access then you will have to cut a hole of about 2 -1/2 inches thru the tub bottom and insert 4 pieces of 2 inch plastic pipe under the edges of the tub bottom and then a fifth piece in the centre. These pieces should touch the floor below and also the underside of the tub bottom with just about half the tube tops exposed after slipping them under the edge of the tub bottom.. You can then fill these plastic pipes with sacrete mortar which comes in small tubs and found at Lowes or Home Depot. Do not allow the mortar above the bottom surface of the tub bottom.

After a day or so needed for the mortar to set and dry, clean the plastic of the tub bottom of a large area around the crack real clean with water first and then with paint thinner. Do not use soap or foam cleaners. Do not use acetone as a cleaner because it will eat the plastic.

Next, you will need some automobile body repair fibreglas cloth and a quart can of epoxy resin. Pre-mixed is best and if not found at an automotive supply store than can be found at a swiming pool supply store. At a swimming pool supply store you may find epoxy resin to colour match your tub or close to it.

Next, cover the tubes of mortar with cloth and not allow any cloth edges to rise above the tub bottom. Pour in a liberal amount of epoxy over the cloth and immediately cover that with a piece of cloth placed inside the tub and large enough to extend three inches beyond the crack ends and outside the hole you cut. Then, add a puddle of epoxy in the centre above the cut hole and work the epoxy out beyond the edges of the cloth using a spatula. Follow instructions on the can for timing to add one and two more coats as well as for complete drying times.

When finally complete, the repair can be covered with a non-skid tub mat.

I have done this four times and even now, after many years, the repairs have held with no further maintainance required. It may seem like a lot of work but certainly will cost less than the thousand plus dollars for tub replacement.

Answer 4

I have same problem with my bath. I have applied a product called plumbers goop or just goop, found at Walmart or many hardware stores. I cleaned crack area with carburetor cleaner then applied a coat of the goop. It is clear and blends well. Have only had it on week so far so can not give you an idea of how long or if it will last at all. But thought it worth a try due to cost of alternative. I have used this goop on plastic drain pipe 5 years ago and it is still holding but just do not know how well it will last in high traffic area such as bath tub...

Answer 5

UK. Yes there are companies that can respray baths snd carry out repairs. it will be dependant on the severity of the damage. Look in yellow pages, there should be a section for it (there are a number of franchises that do this) talk to them and a get an idea of costs before you proceed.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

it much cheaper to replace ..you cant mend it permantly..and spraying cost more than a new bath