How To Fix a Crack in a Bathtub in Oak Leaf, TX

A 2022 QS Supplies survey discovered that people in 44 American states preferred baths over showers, including in Texas. If you fall into this category, you want a bathtub in good nick and the ability to take advantage of dependable plumbing services in Oak Leaf, TX, as needed.

Knowing how to fix a crack in a bathtub is one thing, but actually doing a residential bathtub repair yourself can prove to be quite a challenge. Plumbing problems can also ruin your baths, so why not call someone who knows the ins and outs of fixing cracked bathtubs, cleaning drains, and everything in between? A plumbing company like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing & Drain Services of Duncanville can do all of these tasks for you. 

In the meantime, you might like a general idea of what a DIY bathtub repair could entail. Here is how to fix a crack in a bathtub in Oak Leaf, TX.

Identifying the Type of Bathtub You Have in Oak Leaf, TX

Which type of tub do you have in your home in Oak Leaf, TX? That’s a crucial piece of information if you’re going to decide how to fix a crack in a bathtub.

Several popular types that might fit the description are fiberglass, porcelain, and acrylic. Unsure which type of tub you have? Knocking or pushing on it could reveal the answer:

• If it makes a dull thud when you knock on it, it indicates a fiberglass tub. 
• If it sounds metallic, it suggests a porcelain tub. 
• An acrylic tub, meanwhile, will have a slight give to it when you push on its side.

Your plumber will use the type of bathtub to determine which material will best fill the crack and seal in your relaxing baths again.

Sanding the Crack in Your Bathtub

No matter what type of bathtub you have, there’s a process involved in fixing it properly. For example, you must start fixing any crack as follows:

• Clean off the area surrounding a crack.
• Sand the rough edges around a crack.
• Continue to sand the crack until it feels as smooth as possible.

If you immediately fill the crack instead of sanding it, you could end up with noticeable damage later. Taking the extra time to sand your bathtub will make all the difference.

Filling the Crack in a Bathtub With the Right Material

Once the plumber is finished sanding your bathtub, it will be time to fill the crack itself. The right material depends on the type of tub, as mentioned. 

For example, if you have a fiberglass tub, a crack will usually respond best to epoxy fillers. Acrylic tubs call for specialized acrylic fillers during these delicate bathroom tub repairs. A plumber may even shop around for a repair kit made for your specific type of tub, which should provide additional instructions. 

Letting a Bathtub Dry and Sanding It Again

Knowing how to fix a crack in a bathtub in Oak Leaf, TX, also requires some knowledge about application techniques. 

After securing the right filler material for a crack in your bathtub, the plumber will fill in the crack completely and use a putty knife to smooth it out. Giving your tub more than enough drying time is important for this filler to set well. After that, the plumber will sand the crack again until it looks and feels nice and smooth.

When you reach this point, your tub should start looking like its old self. The crack you stared at just a few hours ago should be a distant memory.

Applying Bathtub Repair Paint To Finish the Job

Sanding your bathtub means you shouldn’t see a crack anymore. However, you will know where it was since the filler you put into it won’t necessarily match the rest of the tub. Fortunately, bathtub repair paint is an easy solution.

A single coat on your tub in Oak Leaf, TX, will do the trick. Your bathtub crack repair area should now look the same color as the rest of the tub!