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Publication #FCS5234-03

Making Simple Repairs:Bathtub and Shower Cracks1

Mary N. Harrison2

Cleaning mildew, replacing tile, repairing wood rot behind the tub or shower wall all can cost you money from your security deposit. Avoid this loss with a few simple precautions.

Supplies Needed:

  • Waterproof grout – powder form

  • Plastic sealer – pre-mixed

How To Fix

Prepare the Surface

1. Remove the old crack filler from the crack. Use a knife, small flat-head screwdriver, or grout remover.

2. Wash the surface to remove soap, grease, and dirt.

3. Dry the surface well before making repairs.

Using Grout

  • Put a small amount of grout in a bowl.

  • Slowly add water and mix until you have a thick paste.

  • Put this mixture in the crack with a putty knife or similar tool.

  • Press the grout into the crack.

  • Smooth the surface with your finger or a small cloth.

  • Wipe excess grout from the wall and tub with an old cloth or sponge before it gets dry.

  • Let the grout dry well before anyone uses the tub. (The grout will last much longer and resist mildew better if it is sealed.) To seal paint the grout with a grout sealer after it has dried. For best results use two coats of grout sealer.

Using Plastic Sealer

You may use a plastic sealer instead of grout in the crack between the tub and wall. Plastic sealer comes in a tube ready to use.

  • Squeeze the sealer from the tube in a small ribbon along the crack.

  • Use a putty knife or spatula to press the sealer down to fill the crack.

  • Smooth the surface. Work fast, the sealer dries quickly. You can use the shower or tub almost immediately after finishing.

  • Keep the cap on the tube when youre not using it.

Your Reward

  • A better looking bathroom.

  • Prevention of water damage to wall structure.

  • Helps prevent mildew.

  • Good maintenance will help you get your security deposit refund when you leave.

Footnotes

1.

This document is FCS5234-03, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, University of Florida. Publication: May 2002. Revised: December 2005. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Mary N. Harrison, professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.