small crack in shower base

aussieorchid · #1 11th Aug 2007, 11:16 AM

I noticed there is a small crack about 1inch long in the acrylic shower base. Is there something I can use to repair it to prevent it leaking and the crack spreading. The crack is to one side of the base not in the middle. It does not appear to be leaking yet as it is upstairs and the floor below looks dry. I am not sure how it was installed as we have only owned the house 8 months. I am hoping to avoid replacing the whole thing as I do not think the budget came cope with it just yet.

If it does have to be replaced does anyone have any ideas on what sort of price we would be looking at for a 900 x 900 base plus installation (not sure I would be confident enough to do it myself)

Master Splinter · #2 11th Aug 2007, 06:50 PM

My 'fingers-crossed-and-hope-it-works' fix would be to fill the crack with epoxy adhesive (Araldite).

Crack needs to be clean (no soap scum or other residue) to make sure the adhesive sticks well. Personally I'd vee-out the crack with a Dremel to make sure the surfaces were clean and would give a good surface for the adhesive to bond to. Yes, it won't be an invisible repair. Some plastics won't glue well.

Check out the boatbuilding threads on how to repair fibreglass hulls, you are doing much the same thing, 'cept the shower wont be sinking to the bottom of the ocean if the fix doesn't work!

After that....you are most likely looking at putting in a new base - I'd say cost would be in the region $300-$500 if it is a fairly simple job to $2-$5,000 if things have to be ripped out - such as rotted floor joists and you have to re-tile and all that fun stuff.

aussieorchid · #3 12th Aug 2007, 12:25 AM

OK looks like the cross your fingers and see method it is. Thanks for the help.

scottyb · #4 12th Aug 2007, 03:08 PM

It might be worthwhile calling a couple of bath restoration/resurfacing companies and asking if they can help - we had a crack (on the top edge) of an acrylic spa bath repaired by one and it seems to be a good job.

bpj1968 · #5 13th Aug 2007, 10:03 AM

It might not be leaking and may never leak.

Try Silicone sealant.

Not sure about acrylic, but the follwoing is how I replaced a fake marble one
I think a base is only about $150 - 200. Not that hard to replace. Remove the bottom row of tiles (Hope you can find replacements) The tiles overlap the top lip in the walls. Lift up base, which should be on a mortar bed. Clean up flooring and a new mortar bed and place teh base on top. Slap on some new tiles and regrout and done.

My current house in teh en-suite had a base that had heaps of crazing and cracks. I don't think it leaked. I only used it once before I realised taht teh O ring in the tap was cracked and leaking. A lack of 10 cent piece and 2 minutes, work caused massive amounts of water to come out the handle, some of which made it's way into teh wall. Rotting the studs, floor and floor joists.

The previous owner "fixed" the problem. Left the O ring and instead screwed some more chip board flooring under the rotten stuff!!!

Only cost a few $1000 to Rebuild the wal, and plaster and replaced the floor and repaired the joist and replaced shower base. Also included a new vanity, flickmixer taps and and retiling the whole room to update it. Did it all myslef and and would hate to know how much to pay someone else

aussieorchid · #6 13th Aug 2007, 09:26 PM

OK I have gone for the epoxy adhesive option. I had some in the house that was a clear setting one. I taped around the crack to keep the epoxy adhesive from gpoing everywhere. As soon as I spread it I removed the tape so the edges would smooth out. So far so good. It has had 24hrs drying so I will keep an eye on it and see how it holds up. Thanks to everyone for the advice. If I can get another 12 months or so out if it I will be happy even if I have to reglue every few months or so.