A crack in the bathtub can be easy to overlook, particularly when it first appears as a small line or blemish. However, even minor damage may allow water to reach the area beneath or around the bath, while continued use could cause the crack to spread.
Some chips and areas of surface damage can be repaired at home with a suitable repair kit. However, not every crack is a straightforward DIY job. The correct approach depends on the bath material, the type of damage and the reason the crack appeared. Online bathroom retailer Plumbworld explains how to deal with a crack or damage to your bathtub at home.
Assess the damage before attempting a repair
Begin by inspecting the damaged area without pressing directly on or around it. Look at the length, depth and position of the crack, as well as any signs of leaking, staining or movement.
Do not assume that a hairline crack is only cosmetic. Some repair products are designed for chips, scratches and surface blemishes but are not suitable for hairline, structural or tension cracks.
Before purchasing a kit, identify whether the bath is made from acrylic, fibreglass, enamelled steel, cast iron or another material. Check that the product is specifically approved for both the bath material and the type of damage you are dealing with.
It is also worth checking the bath warranty, as attempting a repair yourself could affect its terms.
Avoid using the bath until it has been checked
Continuing to use a cracked bath may allow water to pass through the damaged area. Over time, this could contribute to damp, mould or damage to the flooring and supporting structure.
Keep the area dry while deciding how to deal with it. Contact a professional if water is appearing beneath the bath, staining is visible on the ceiling below, the crack is spreading or the bath feels unstable.
Prepare the surface carefully
For damage that is suitable for a home repair, preparation is essential. Clean the area with a mild, non-abrasive product to remove soap residue, body oils and grime. Rinse the surface and allow it to dry completely before applying any repair material.
Follow the kit instructions when sanding or preparing the surface. The aim is usually to create a clean area that the repair material can bond to, rather than removing more of the bath finish than necessary.
Read the product label and safety information before starting. Wear the protective equipment specified by the manufacturer, ventilate the bathroom and keep the product away from naked flames or other ignition sources where instructed.
Follow the repair kit instructions exactly
Repair kits can differ considerably, so avoid relying on one general method. Mix and apply the filler or resin according to the manufacturer’s measurements and instructions. Apply it only to the prepared area and smooth the surface using the supplied tool.
Do not add extra hardener in an attempt to speed up the process, as this could affect the strength or finish of the repair.
Allow the product to cure for the full period stated on the packaging. A repair may feel dry before it is ready to withstand water, cleaning products or the weight of someone using the bath.
Do not use or wet the bath until the complete curing period specified by the manufacturer has passed.
Once cured, follow the instructions for sanding, polishing or applying a colour-matched topcoat. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the repaired surface.
Work out why the crack appeared
Repairing the visible damage may not solve the underlying problem.
Acrylic and fibreglass baths can crack when they are not properly levelled or supported. If the bath creaks, shifts or flexes during normal use, the frame, feet or supporting structure may need to be inspected by an experienced installer.
Unless the movement is corrected, the repaired area could crack again.
Know when to call a professional
Professional advice is recommended when a crack is deep, leaking, spreading or repeatedly returning. You should also seek help when the damage is close to the waste, extends through the bath material or is accompanied by movement beneath the bath.
A compatible repair kit may provide an effective solution for minor, suitable damage. For structural cracks or problems caused by poor support, professional repair or replacement is more likely to provide a safe, watertight and lasting result.
