Well, I just installed a fiberglass tub/shower and after hooking up the plumbing and turning it on I noticed a leak. After searching around for a while I finally realized the plumbing wasnt leaking but in fact there was a small hole in the bottom of the tub that must have gotten there sometime durring construction. It’s about 1/4 inch accross but the tub was so dusty that I never noticed it. So I’m wondering what the best way to patch it is. I don’t care too much how it looks, only that it seals the hole and keeps it sealed.
thanks for any ideas
Replies
Well if it is really fiberglass (and not acrylic) then I would repair the way fiberglass boats are repaired. Go to a marine store. I use Jamestown Distributors.
But you might check with the manufacturer first.
Thanks,
I'm pretty sure its fiberglass, it's definitely reinforced with fiberglass.
i had the same problem... except it was a manufacturer defect... you couldn't hardly see it... small hole in the gellcoat... if it's white ... mine was... i used a marine expoxy comes in a little tube you cut off a 1/2" roll it around to mix it and force it into the hole (used some on my alum boat and it worked with water try'n to get in held it in place for 5-10 min that was last year and it's still good) on the tub.. force it in the hole... leave it a little proud... helps to put blue tape around the area to be fixed ... the stuff sands down nice i went all the way to 1500 wet paper so you couldn't even see it ...
p
Thank you,
Sounds like good advice. I though about using silicone caulk but figured there must be a better solution. Yes, my tub is white also but in my case it's likely that I caused the hole, I just don't remember doing it : )
I assume you mean put the blue tape around the OUTSIDE of the hole to keep the epoxy from getting everywhere? (as opposed to taping over the hole first)
yes... blue tape around the hole just to keep the area around it clean... the stuff i'm talk'n about they even sell at walmart in the boat section (if your walmart has a boat section... mine sells live bait... don't think all of them do
p
I know a guy that raised three kids fixing tubs and showers.
These things get damaged all the time. Sometimes there defective, and have problems before there even installed.
Talk to your vendor, or a local plumbing supply house, and find out who fixes them in your area.
Harry
I would have rather bought a more rugged unit but it wasn't for me, it was for someone else who did'nt want to spend a lot of money. Like you said, these things get damaged easily but unfortunately the tub has been moved around so many times that I don't even know when the hole occured. I'll try to fix it myself first. since I know the owner well I'll know if the repair is holding up.
Call the manufacturer, let them know about the leak. They have a list of businesses in your area that are trained at repairing their tubs both material and color matching.
A couple of weeks ago I had one with a couple of dings in the bottom. The repair guy the MFR recommended worked his magic with color matched epoxy. $68 later you can't see the ding, even those that knew were it was...can't see it.
Hmm, for 68 bucks maybe that is the way to go.
Thanks for the info
I'm sure it was an hourly rate and he was there less than 2.