Why Do Bathtubs Crack & What To Do About It?

A bath is meant to be a relaxing activity to help you unwind at the end of a long day. But what happens when you notice a large crack running down the center of your tub? This is anything but relaxing. While not a major cause of concern, cracks need to be addressed to stop further damage from happening. Before jumping right to replacing your older bathtub, consider refinishing it. To learn what caused your bathtub to crack and what you can do about it, keep reading!

Common Causes of Bathtub Cracks

Cracks can form in your bathtub when heavy items are repeatedly dropped onto it. Think large bottles of shampoo being knocked over, or your child slamming toys onto the side of your tub. Every time something heavy comes into contact with your tub, small divots and dents are created. Over time these will grow into larger, more noticeable cracks. While it can be tricky to monitor dropping things, try not to slam things into your tub as best you can.

You might not know it, but the cleaning products you use on your tub could be weakening it. Highly abrasive cleaners like bleach will actually erode the finish and gloss of your bathtub, causing moisture to leak into the material which can cause cracks. Be sure that the products you are using to clean your tub are meant for the material your tub is made from.

A lack of support could also be causing cracks in your bathtub. Certain materials used for bathtubs are very flexible, fibreglass is a great example. As it is so flexible, this means it will bend if weight is placed on it. Without proper supports in place, this can cause the material to crack. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that your tub is installed with proper support. While you may not have been there while your tub was first installed, you can hire a plumber to assess the situation to make sure everything is well supported.

Why Should You Fix Bathtub Cracks?

Besides being an eyesore, leaving cracks in your tub can actually lead to bigger problems. Each crack lessens the structural integrity of your tub. This means that if you leave cracks, they will slowly get bigger and bigger until one day your tub could crack right in half!

Leaving cracks in your tub will also allow for water to seep in. We know that when water gets into places it shouldn’t be, mold isn’t far behind. To avoid a bathtub that has a mold issue, be sure to fix minor cracks when you notice them.

Types of Bathtub Cracks

There are two main types of cracks that could occur in your bathtub:

Stress Cracks

Stress cracks form when a heavy object is dropped onto the surface of your tub. These cracks can form when you accidentally drop a bottle of shampoo for example. Typically these cracks are only surface level and are not cause for major concern. If your tub is old and has many visible stress cracks, you may want to consider hiring a pro to repair them for you.

Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks are a result of consistent damage. If you have a young child that always bangs their toys along your tub, you could see hairline cracks from this. Constant or recurring damage will lead to small cracks that will turn into big cracks. This is why it’s important to repair sizeable cracks when you first notice them.

Costs of Fixing Bathtub Cracks

Cracks are common in bathtubs, so there are easily accessible options to fix them. While you can go to your local hardware store and pick up a kit, they are not as high quality and long-lasting as having a professional do the work for you.

While it will be more expensive to hire a pro to fix your tub, the results are worth it. You can expect to pay a handyman about $65 an hour.  A plumber can range anywhere from $60 to $260, depending on their skills and experience. The good news is that by having a pro there, they can handle your current issue as well as discuss maintenance tips and provide future project advice.

Below are the average costs of Bathroom Renovation services across different cities in Canada:

*Costs based on 5095 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022

The biggest benefit of hiring a pro to help you with this issue is the peace of mind knowing the job has been done right. You don’t have to worry if you did everything correctly because all the work will be done by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. Be sure to get multiple quotes from pros so you know you’re not only getting the best price but working with someone you feel comfortable with.

How to Maintain Your Bathtub

Keeping your bathtub crack-free can seem like an impossible feat, so there’s no point in holding yourself to those standards. Instead, with proper maintenance and care, you can ensure there are fewer and less severe cracks in your tub.

If you’re having a new tub installed, make sure it’s done with proper supports in place. This is the biggest thing to ensure you have a bathtub that lasts. Also, avoid using cleaners with heavy abrasion as this will damage the finish on your tub and weaken it. If you’re unsure of the right products to use, you can always hire a cleaning company that will take care of this task for you.

Last but not least, remember to be gentle with your tub. Do not throw items around or smash them down. Keep an eye on your kids while they play in the tub to ensure they’re not being too rough. If your bathtub is chipped beyond repair and you’re wondering what to do with it, check out this article all about what to do with an old tub. If your bathtub is beyond repair, feast your eyes on one of these luxurious bathtubs that will enhance your bathroom.

If you have any concerns about your bathtub, you can always reach out to a plumber. Whether you have questions about the support and material of your tub, or you want a solution for your cracks, a licensed plumber will be happy to help. Remember to be kind to your tub so you can keep relaxing in it for years to come.

Article Updated June 2022