Have you recently noticed a small crack or chip in your bathtub? Even if it seems like it only impacts the bathtub’s surface, a small crack can eventually lead to a damaging leak. Regardless of where the crack is located, water may seep out of it, which could damage the materials on your bathroom floor. Getting cracks fixed quickly is necessary to keep repair costs low.
Why Cracks Occur
Cracks can develop in bathtubs for many different reasons, the most common of which involves dropping a shampoo bottle. If you have younger children, a crack could form when one of their toys hits the side of the tub. When you first look at the damage, you may only see a small dent or divot. What appears to be small now can quickly grow larger. Even a minor dent weakens the material’s surface and increases the chances of a crack developing. Whenever something heavy is dropped in or around the tub, inspect the area of impact to determine if any damage was done.
You should also avoid using abrasive cleaners in your tub. Certain cleaning products can weaken your bathtub’s integrity by disintegrating the gloss and finish that have been applied to the tub. Over time, moisture will get into the material, which causes crack formations to occur. When you’re cleaning your bathtub, you should be certain that the cleaning solution you use pairs well with the bathtub’s material.
Another reason why cracks form is because the bathtub doesn’t have enough support. If your bathtub is comprised of fiberglass construction, this material is known to be highly flexible. While the material’s flexibility has its advantages, it’s possible for the material to bend when a weight is applied to it. If you want to maintain your bathtub’s structural integrity, make sure it has the right amount of support. Professional plumbers can inspect your bathtub to determine if additional support is necessary.
Understanding the Crack Types
Regardless of the material your bathtub’s made of, there are two crack types that may develop, which include stress cracks and hairline cracks. Both types should be repaired quickly to ensure damage is kept to a minimum.
Stress cracks regularly occur when a large object is accidentally dropped onto the bathtub’s surface. Even if you drop a relatively small shampoo bottle, the way the bottle lands could result in a small crack forming. In most cases, these cracks will be surface level and shouldn’t lead to leaks unless additional damage takes place. However, you might want to consider obtaining repair services if there are numerous stress cracks in your bathtub.
As for hairline cracks, they take place when consistent damage is applied to an area of the tub. As mentioned previously, if a toy routinely hits the side of the bathtub, a hairline crack could occur. Over time, a small crack could grow larger and eventually form into a big crack, which is why repairs are oftentimes needed.
Damage Caused by Cracks
Bathtub cracks can lead to several issues, which include everything from mold accumulation to water damage.
Mold Accumulation
If a crack in your bathtub is no longer surface level, there’s a good chance that moisture will be leaking from the damaged area. Many bathtubs consist of cushioning materials below the bottom of the bathtub that should limit the amount of water that reaches the floor. However, a common issue that occurs because of the cushioning materials involves mold development. When mold spreads throughout a home, it can negatively impact a person’s health by making respiratory issues more likely.
Mildew and moisture are also appealing to millipedes and cockroaches. If you find that your bathroom has a relatively stale and pungent odor, it’s possible that mold has grown beneath your bathtub. In this scenario, it’s likely that cracks are present in the tub.
Unstable Surfaces
If you notice a small crack but don’t fix it, the crack will likely widen, which often leads to the surface weakening over time. If this happens, you may notice that your bathtub is slippery when you stand in it, which can make it more difficult to get in and out of the bathtub. To keep unstable footing from happening, small cracks should be addressed immediately.
Water Damage
The main reason to have a small crack repaired before it gets worse is because a crack that gets below the material’s surface can result in water leaking from your bathtub. Since you can’t see directly under the tab, you might not even notice that the materials below are becoming damaged.
If you don’t identify and fix these leaks quickly, they may eventually cause the foundations of your bathroom to begin rotting. Homes that are built with timber are at high risk of experiencing costly issues when cracks form and water leaks. Along with the possibility of your floor falling through, there’s also a chance that termites will get into the rotting wood. These insects search for wet wood, which is what they’ll find if your bathtub starts leaking.
When a foundation’s materials become wet, the entire area becomes more dangerous to live in. Along with the possibility of expensive repairs, injuries can also happen depending on how weak the floor has become. Repairs to the area could take months.
Keeping Cracks at Bay
There are several things you can do to keep cracks from developing in the first place. If you’re having a professional plumber install a new bathtub for you, ask them if it comes with proper support. If these supports are correctly installed, crack formation is much less likely.
You should also stay away from any harsh cleaners, the primary of which is bleach. You can substantially lower the chances of a leak by being extra careful when picking up your shampoo. If your children are playing in the house, consider keeping the bathroom doors nearly shut to avoid incidents where objects hit the tub.
How to Repair Cracks
The only way to obtain a long-lasting solution for a crack in your bathtub is to seek crack repair services from a professional plumber. Other solutions won’t last as long and may end up causing more damage to the bathtub itself. When you call a professional plumber, they’ll take a look at the crack to determine what caused it and how to repair it. The professional you hire can help you understand more about the repair process and how long it will take.
If you spot a crack in your bathtub, our experts at High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offer efficient repair services. Once we’ve found the crack and inspected the rest of the bathtub, we’ll restore the bathtub’s integrity to ensure that additional water damage doesn’t occur. We have been in the plumbing business for more than 10 years and have ample experience in dealing with bathtub cracks and similar issues.
Along with our plumbing repair services, you can also request our drain cleaning, water softener, water heater, and plumbing inspection services. Our team can repair sewer lines and water lines as well. Call High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today to request our plumbing repair services for your Denver, CO home.
