Hi everyone,
My plumber installed my whirlpool tub about two years ago with no morter bed underneath. It does rest on the factory supports, but the floor of the tub flexes a little too much for my liking. I have done a search of past discussions and have noticed most of you recommend a product called structolite and or gypsolite. My question: can these products be installed after the tub is in place? I have two access doors for the motor and plumbing. My feeling is the product would not conform to the shape of the tub and would want to fall away especially in the back of the tub as I am trying to pack it. Anybody do this?
Thanks,
Wolfman
Replies
Without seeing the situation, it's difficult to offer specific advice about the products you've mentioned. So I'll suggest a funky carpenter fix.
I've installed a few spas so I know this will work. May not be as nice as you'd like but it'll solve the problem fairly easily.
First, locate the spots in the tub floor which flex, from underneath through the two door openings. Find the center of flex, between the supports.
Make up a T out of two 2X4s or whatever works, something that can rest on the subfloor, snug between the supports and extend up to fit snug under the center of flex. When you've got it fitted properly, apply some construction adhesive to the points of contact and put it in place. This is assuming that it's too tight to reach in there to use screws or nails.
Make Ts for each center of flex. I'll bet there's really only two or three, right?
Try some medium expansion foam (Great Stuff Blue Can for windows and doors) should solve your problem.
http://www.josephfusco.org
Thanks for your replies. I think I will give the foam a shot.
I brought this issue up in a continuing ed class I take every year to maintain my plumbing license. Large room full of licensed plumbers many of whom had faced this issue before. They recommended the spray foam but emphasized very strongly that you MUST fill the tub with water before spraying or the foam will lift the center of the tub and cause it to not drain correctly.------------------
"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."
Been there for the expanding foam. I filled half full and it moved out of level. Thankfully not enough so it still drains but enough that it made tiling a little tricky to hide the mistake. Came out ok in the end but.........
FILL IT FULL!!!!!!"No doubt exists that all women are crazy; it's only a question of degree." - W.C. Fields
I've used the spray foam, a mortar bed is better, but for your situation I'd use the foam. Please heed what Shelternerd said, fill the tub with water. We fill the tub with water when using a mortar bed as well.If you didn't have time to do it right the first time, how come you've got time to do it over again?