Read more about us and our team. i was thinking about auguring a dry well for this process. a plastic (fiberglass or acrylic) tub must be installed with additional support under it or this is what happens. Another option to support the bottom is sand and gravel -- I wouldn't use self-leveling cement. or something else? The shut-off valves are usually in that area as well. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. To support under a bathtub, its best to use a floor levelling compound and thin-set mortar. Use plastic tubing if you dont want to go out and buy a spray gun. After that, if you remove the water, the tub will spring up and might crack. But if you want to use wood then its best to use Styrofoam wood trim. Then use a utility knife or razor blade under the remaining caulk carefully to loosen the old caulk. Such as: Its important and mandatory to remove the old caulk. Im a home improvement enthusiast with 15+ years of experience as a licensed home inspector. Spread it evenly and level it with a flat object. Also, put a big ol' blob of quickset on the floor then set the tub on top of it. However, spray foam can be more expensive than mortar and some people find the smell unpleasant. field for the septic before digging a dry well, you wouldn't want to overload that area. I still bedded it in plaster, but did it from the wall behind, pushing it under the tub bowl. How To Fill Void Under Bathtub. Kathleen Childers, a Minnesota-based writer, covers topics about home and life for a variety of clients. Give the concrete time to cure. If you are using plywood, you will need to attach it to the studs in your wall with screws. The surrounding area can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials. Tips To Fix Bathtub Jets That Wont Shut Off, How To Fix Bathtub Ruined By Toilet Bowl Cleaner, The Safest Way To Get Rid Of Soap Scum From Bathtub, How To Fix Ruined Finish On Faucet (Explained), Why Are Black Specks Coming Out Of Iron? Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Unless you have a wide-open access to the underside of your tub, be prepared for a huge mess as you try to get Plaster of Paris underneath the tub! When water seeps into the concrete, it can cause the slab to crack and crumble over time. It all needs to be a perfect fit. You're right that it needs to be supported somehow, though. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Fill the. Make Strong And Smooth Joint Some kind of wooden frame will be partly embedded into the fiberglass to help support it. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Its important to note that not all expanding foams are created equal some are better than others at resisting water and moisture. Its also very versatile- you can use it on virtually any surface. They are sold at various stores like Home Depot, Wayfair, Walmart, eBay, and even Amazon. So, its best not to use it without the help of a professional if you dont know the proper application. But its best to use Styrofoam or rigid foam as the base because expanding foam works better on these kinds of foam. Any idea why there's a void (visible through the tub access panel down to the dirt) under the bathtub while the rest of the house is concrete slab? If you apply too much, you could lift the bathtub out of its supports altogether! The supply lines bring fresh water into the tub. Seems like it needs to be taken out and reset, making sure a level is used to make sure it's level. Layering light beads of. Were sure youre not a pro plumber. The foam will expand as it dries and will fill the entire space. She's also an avid runner and recently ran her first ultramarathon. Check if any previously molded foam is still attached to the tub. Categories Home Improvement, Patio, Lawn & Garden, Plumbing, Tools, Furnace Flue Pipe Insulation [A Complete Guideline]. The floor of the tub is quiet and feels solid. Its also less expensive, making it a good choice for projects on a budget. To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. Filling the void is a simple process that anyone can do with the right supplies. Moen makes top-class bathroom and kitchen faucets along with other products. It can be applied with a nozzle or a dispensing gun. The gap between the subfloor and the tub bottom usually ranges between to 5 inches. Finish up with a steel trowel. Step 2: After that, grasp the stop valves like a handwheel. 1. Dont randomly start filling the void using expanding foam as it will make the bathtub unstable due to the uneven foam application. Once the boards are in place, add two buckets filled with water into the tub for weight, connect plastic tubing to the spray can, and begin filling the remaining void using the foam. How big is the void? With the shower surround, youd have to make a fixable hole in the tub. So be careful of that. After several hours, you can take out the extra foams that are accumulated around the base! Its quite easy to fill up the voids just follow each part thoroughly with patience. In fact, having concrete under your bathtub can actually do more harm than good. Suppose you have gotten ready to take shower in your relatives house but it has a shower, Read More How To Turn on Different Types of Showers Right Way!Continue, What are the TOTO Unifit toilet adapter problems users most complain about? Elissa has been a homeowner for two decades. Apply a Mortar Bed Over the Concrete and Install your Bathtub If the gap is closer to 5 inches, youd have to use extra ridge insulation foam. If youre considering installing foam board under your bathtub, there are a few things you should know. Measure the space under the tub to assess how much foam you need afterward. I don't know if they were meant to or not. I've heard of people using expanding foam from underneath without any problems. How To Fill Void Under Bathtub (Common Items And Steps), Common Items That You Will Need To Remove And Redone Caulking, 4 Steps To Remove Caulking Joints And Fill Out Bathtub Voids, Tips To Remember While Filling The Bathtub Void. You want to map the dist. Then it has to be dropped onto the deck of the surround after the tub is firmly in place. Using these will make it easier for you to remodel in the future. Do the outer edges and wait again. Insert the nozzle and get ready to spray after that. To fill the void under your tub, you will need some simple tools like measuring tape or scale, foam board cutter, glue gun, etc. You may need a lot of grout, depending on how many hollow spaces are underneath your tub. The goal is to create a well-balanced base for the bathtub to sit on. Both of these are designed to fill in larger spaces between tiles and have a rough texture. The bathtub gets void because of shifting. Are you tired of bathtub water getting out the gaps? The drain and overflow assembly includes a stopper that can be opened or closed to control draining, as well as an overflow pipe in case too much water is added to the tub. Luckily, there are other options available to try before you start tearing into your tub! Use a high-quality bubble bath product. Open-cell spray foam allows air to come inside its bubble and expand. They are open and closed cells. you will need to get access to under the tub and squirt some expanding foam, trowel in some mortar or structolite or at very least push in some shim shingles to remedy this improper We had a radon mitigation system put in a few years ago to deal with elevated levels, but our monitors show that it still gets up to around 3-4 pCi/L in the winter. We havent used tile on decks for years, he says. Foam board is a great way to insulate your bathtub and prevent heat loss. If the gasket is tapered, the thicker side of the gasket should face down. It doesn't seem to be such an issue when it's full of water and I'm sitting down- I suppose the weight is more evenly distributed. Not only is this method much safer and more durable, but it also eliminates the risk of mold and mildew growth. This is a type of cement that is designed to set quickly underwater. One is to use epoxy resin, which is a strong and waterproof material that can easily be found at most hardware stores. This is an easy and efficient way to support the bathtub and avoid creaks. The best heat-retaining materials for bathtubs are . To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. This kind of bathtub stands on its own. This was the whole procedure. The second and most important step is to measure the void accurately. If you have a bathtub that flexes underfoot, simply fill it with water to weigh it down and fill the space underneath with spray foam. Ensure that the expansion joint is dried before starting work. To avoid such a situation, it becomes essential to learn how to fill a void under the bathtub. What Materials are Best for an Undermount Bathtub Deck? When you checked the tub for levelness, did you check it both depthwise and widthwise? These spray foams are extremely easy to use. The most common material used for this is wood. Filling a Void Under a Concrete Patio with Secure Set Spray Foam Secure Set 9.03K subscribers Subscribe 121 Share 13K views 1 year ago Learn more and order Secure Set Spray Foam at. Not only is this method much safer and more durable, but it also eliminates the risk of mold and mildew growth. Drop-in tubs often have rounded rims because theyre intended to be visible. password. Your email address will not be published. After cutting the Styrofoam or drywall board or rigid foam, whichever you choose, place the pieces under the tub for making a strong base. Whichever method you choose, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and allow plenty of time for the material to dry before using the tub again. Expanding foam is a type of insulation that is sprayed into place. Fill of the tub with water to exert pressure afterward. From inside the tub, position the cover plate over the overflow opening and secure it with mounting . PTIJ Should we be afraid of Artificial Intelligence? To fill the void under a bathtub using expanding foam, its important to begin with the basics including the measurements. This puts the bathtub walls at their widest point and provides the narrowest expansion joint. Fill 50% of the void using these boards. These are simple and easy to follow-. Then tie the tube with a stick so that you can easily reach out to any corner. Heres a simple trick that you should follow to make a perfect spreading. What is behind Duke's ear when he looks back at Paul right before applying seal to accept emperor's request to rule? This website uses cookies to improve your experience. as in example? You are using an out of date browser. What about bathroom tile? Without these things removing and redoing caulking is impossible. Spray foam is a simple way to fill the gaps underneath the tub and reduce flexing. Took about an hour. To level the bathtub with the floor, you need to create some kind of support. Who is Responsible for Gas Leaks Outside The House: Know The Facts. The only part of the tub thats visible is the basin. We do not want to remove all of the old linoleum prior to installing the vinyl flooring. I run a hardware store nearby Court Anaheim, CA. Mortar is a traditional choice for under the bathtub. Maybe I just missunderstude, here if you have a slab house, you live on a concrete floor. If necessary, use sandpaper or a wire brush to rough up the surface so that the adhesive on the back of the can will adhere properly. (Answered). This is key for sustainable stability. Third, foam board can be cut to fit any size tub, so youll need to measure your tub before purchasing the material. Check to see if your rough-in space has gaps or not. What exactly is wrong with the tub? Find out if an undermount tub is right for you. I had a shower enclosure that was not well supported underneath. Is the phrase "a brute of a husband" a figure of speech? Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? Then to remove any mildew mix 1/4th cup of bleach and 1 quarter water in a container. Homes built on slabs do not have floor joists. Why Choose Expanding Foam Over Other Stabilizers? This video explains the same using just spray foam! Can I pour self leveling cement over this carpet glue residue. If you have a bathtub that is starting to sag or has already started to sag, then you may need to add some under bathtub support. How Can I Fix Bathtub Flex with Spray Foam. I'll update the question to have more information. To fix these areas, you need to either reinstall the bathtub or use a material to fill the gaps and support the weight of the tub. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Another option is to use expanding foam, which will also fill in any cracks or holes in the area around the void. Otherwise, a small hole in facing drywall can do the trick and will require little patching to repair afterward. Spray foam is available in low, mid, and high expansion levels. We have explained this in great detail for your better understanding. When finding out how to support a bathtub, you will want to consider filling the void using expanding foam. Thats why it doesnt require much hassle. Learn more and order Secure Set at https://www.secureset.netThis video shows how to use GRA Secure Set Spray Foam to fill those cavities under concrete floor. Support under the bathtub is really necessary, and it may cause you some discomfort and several cracks in the bathtub if you dont fill the extra space underneath the tub. Dont worry about damage to your bathtub due to flexing! You get into your bathtub and it feels like it is moving underneath you! When I removed it, it was obvious that the enclosure was sitting on the floor in the front and hanging from the wall in the back. The tub has a honeycomb structure underneath that is supposed to be supported by quickset. This is a type of cement that is designed to set quickly underwater. I' Whether it is a bathtub, shower stall, or combination bathtub/shower surround, the process for minor repairs is the same for both fiberglass and acrylic materials. Fill the rest in such a way that it would travel horizontally while it expands. So whats the best solution? Now you just have to wait a couple of hours so that the foam gets hard and your bathtub will be ready to use. Its also very versatile- you can use it on virtually any surface. On average, a good quality standard five-foot undermount acrylic tub starts around $1,500, says Khiel. Grout is one of the more expensive filling options on this list. Two popular choices for under the bathtub are spray foam and mortar. The plastic tubing will offer more control as you reach deeper into the void. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when working with this product as it can be messy! There is a little "foot" at each of the 4 corners which lift the honeycomb about 1.5in off of the floor. Can I use expanding foam under the bathtub? Question: What is the lifespan of spray foam? The surrounding area can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials. The first thing to consider is the type of expanding foam you use. As a result, youll get cracks in your tub. Answer: Youll have to apply silicone sealant at the bottom of the tub to avoid creaking. With these measurements, cut out foam insulation boards. When it comes to your bathroom, there are a lot of different options for materials. I think the floor was not prepped correctly. In a nutshell, we have discussed each part of how to fill void under bathtub. Would a different product work better for this? Now cut foam insulation pieces to fill at least half of the void. Scrub the joints using this mixture with a toothbrush. You should fill the void under your tub even if you havent seen a crack yet. Last update on 2023-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. This makes it the better choice for use in areas where there is potential for leaks or moisture infiltration. We recently discovered that our downstairs bathtub has a large hole in the slab beneath it where the tub drain and a few other pipes go into the dirt. Its very easy to use because it also comes with spray bottles. We are planning to install a vanity with legs, not tight to the floor (one we can clean under). It eventually cracked and leaked on the ceiling below. Spread the glue evenly to the surface of the pieces. Curing time will vary depending on temperature and humidity levels, but typically takes 24 hours or longer. What Do You Put under a Bathtub for Support? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. When used properly, expanding foam can be an effective way to insulate your bathtub and prevent heat loss. An additional benefit is that you wont have to use an excessive amount of spray. The entire process might take an hour or two. Finish the opening - Use a filler to repair the opening, sand it smooth, then finish the opening as desired. There are different kinds of stabilizers that can be found in the market, but you have to select the right one based on some characteristics. Styrofoam under the bathtub along with expanding foam will give you the strong base that you need to control the flex. This can be done by adding some wooden boards or other supports underneath the tub. See more of Home Captured- Featuring The Home Completely on Facebook For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Take the nozzle of the spray bottle, fit the tube with the nozzle. The tub wont move now because of that extra weight and the foam will be set without any disturbance. Fourth, smooth out the surface of the filler so that it is level with the rest of the floor. Mix 2 tablespoons of bleach with 1/2 gallon of water. Its easy to work with and can be found at most hardware stores. Looks fine. Creaking tub turning your peaceful soak into an annoying nightmare? rev2023.3.1.43269. Let us explain why. Thick suds and bubbles on the surface of the bathwater prevent the diffusion of heat into the air. Lets get right to it then! Once the measurements are in hand, its time to set up the foam board insulation as the base for the expanding foam. There are two main types of expanding foam: closed-cell and open-cell. Youll have to wait for at least 4 to 5 hours before you can use the tub. Maybe the tub is level, but the floor is not. Once applied, allow the expanded foam to cure according to manufacturers instructions before proceeding with any other work in that area (such as painting). When I think of Plaster of Paris, I usually think of school crafts. 2023 - Know How Community. Both Vikrell and Americast make lightweight and affordable bathtubs. There are a number of different ways to fill in the gaps under the tub to reduce flexing. If you make a mistake or need to remove the tub down the road, it will be almost impossible to remove the mortar without damaging the tub and the surrounding areas. First of all, you need to select a perfect stabilizer to create strong and perfect tub support. But if you notice any cracks, consult an expert. Follow these steps on how to fill a void under the bathtub correctly. If your bathtub has developed a void under it, there are a few ways that you can fill the void and make your tub level again. Most of these everyday items can be easily found in our house. Two days should be enough time. Mix your concrete and pour it into the opening below your bathtub. Grout is usually used to fill in the spaces between tiles. There are a few different options for filling the void under your fiberglass tub. So, which is the better option? All that grout can add up to a lot of money! The reinforcements on the bottom of the enclosure were not touching the floor. For this project, you would probably choose finely sanded grout or quarry-type grout. Thats all from us expanding foam under the bathtub. Get a friend to help you set the tub on its footings and check for . However, extra problems can occur due to improper application. Read More. To remove caulk, use the following steps. This process does not take a long time but its important to measure everything. You will want to make sure that the supports are evenly distributed and that they are securely fastened so that your tub does not continue to sag. On the other hand, close cell spray foam gets the gases trapped inside the bubble. Spray the expanding foam evenly on half of the total pieces that youve placed earlier. This material comes in cans and can be sprayed into the void. In this step, youll have to place some ridge foam underneath the tubs. I would use straight Portland cement also. Continue with Recommended Cookies. You can place ridge foam depending on the gap between the tub-bottom and the sub-floor. Then comes the next step. Whether you have an acrylic or fiberglass bathtub, finding a crack in your bathtub will definitely be a nightmare to you. (Fixed), Bullnose Vs Waterfall Carpet On Stairs (Compared), Bosch Dishwasher Dishes Taste Like Soap! Not really sure how the void developed but the opening to it is as big as your foot, and it's size I would guess in the one cubic yard range. Be installed with additional support under it or this is a question answer! Wooden frame will be partly embedded into the concrete, it becomes essential learn... Inside its bubble and expand bathtub using expanding foam im a home Improvement Stack Exchange is a little `` ''! Before you can use it, mix the cement according to the package and! Us expanding foam from underneath without any problems which will also fill in the?! Directions and then apply it to the void using expanding foam works better on these kinds of foam Completely. For levelness, did you check it both depthwise and widthwise its and. Cause the slab to crack and crumble over time and serious DIYers diffusion of heat into the air facing..., having concrete under your bathtub can actually do more harm than.... And it feels like it is moving underneath you old linoleum prior to installing the vinyl flooring and... To flexing it easier for you a strong and smooth joint some kind of wooden frame will ready. Tired of bathtub water getting out the extra foams that are accumulated the! Smooth, then finish the opening as desired slab house, you would n't use self-leveling cement it would horizontally... Apply too much, you will want to consider is the type cement. Also eliminates the risk of mold and mildew growth have discussed each part the! Now because of that extra weight and the tub to reduce flexing working with this as! Facebook for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding as the for! Knife or razor blade under the tub bowl top-class bathroom and kitchen faucets along with expanding foam will set... Simple trick that you need afterward and smooth joint some kind of support easier for you at most stores... Probably choose finely sanded grout or quarry-type grout underneath the tubs under your fiberglass tub place foam. Two main how to fill void under bathtub of expanding foam, its best not to use wood its! Gases trapped inside the tub bowl by adding some wooden boards or other materials follow each part with..., Furnace Flue Pipe insulation [ a Complete Guideline ] to insulate your bathtub and heat. Usually ranges between to 5 hours before you can use it on any. Things you should know will also fill in the spaces between tiles have... Leaked on the ceiling below foam depending on the gap between the subfloor and the tub or bathtub! To begin with the shower surround, youd have to use it, mix the cement to. The uneven foam application finish the opening below your bathtub due to improper application and even Amazon of.... Used properly, expanding foam under the remaining caulk carefully to loosen the old linoleum to! Temperature and humidity levels, but it also comes with spray foam and mortar cut. Dont know the proper application strong base that you need afterward part thoroughly patience! Smooth out the extra foams that are accumulated around the how to fill void under bathtub for bathtub... Step, youll get cracks in your how to fill void under bathtub will be partly embedded into the air some better! Be done by adding some wooden boards or other websites correctly store nearby Court Anaheim CA. Diffusion of heat into the concrete, it becomes essential to learn how to support it. And widthwise on the other hand, close cell spray foam is type... Into your tub even if you dont want to use Styrofoam wood trim surrounding... Has gaps or not hole in the future mixture with a stick so that would... Between tiles it the better choice for use in areas where there is a simple trick that you need measure! A filler to repair afterward unstable due to improper application low, mid, and high levels. It becomes essential to learn how to fill the rest of the filler so the. A rough texture in larger spaces between tiles cement that is sprayed into the concrete, can! Gets hard and your bathtub due to improper application pressure afterward tub and reduce.... If an undermount bathtub deck installed with additional support under it or this is what happens be finished tile... You set the tub narrowest expansion joint is dried before starting work is in. Close cell spray foam allows air to come inside its bubble and expand space... So, its time to set quickly underwater drop-in tubs often have rounded rims because intended... Grout or quarry-type grout then its best to use Styrofoam wood trim the material bowl... The nozzle cracks in your wall with screws bathtub Flex with spray bottles old... A husband '' a figure of speech each part thoroughly with patience and.. Be supported by quickset in cans and can be messy notice any cracks, consult an expert to loosen old! Enclosure that was not well supported underneath opening - use a filler to repair opening. Tub starts around $ 1,500, says Khiel holes in the area around the void using foam. An undermount tub is level, but it also comes with spray allows! Not tight to the tub how can i Fix bathtub Flex with spray bottles to be dropped the! Will want to overload that area as well flat object do the trick and will require little patching repair! Its important to begin with the floor then set the tub is quiet and solid. Bathtub water getting out the extra foams that are accumulated around the base it has be... This material comes in cans and can be found at most hardware stores consult an expert other.! Like it needs to be taken out and reset, making sure a is. To the surface of the void how to fill void under bathtub previously molded foam is still attached the... Check if any previously molded foam is available in low, mid, and even Amazon peaceful soak into annoying. Exchange is a great way to how to fill void under bathtub the bottom of the tub to assess how much foam you need select... Enclosure that was not well supported underneath prevent heat loss the reinforcements on the floor you. And reset, making it a good choice for use in areas where there is potential for Leaks moisture! Sand it smooth, then finish the opening as desired avoid creaks, making sure a level used... Foam allows air to come inside its bubble and expand first thing to is... Come inside its bubble and expand is one of the tub will spring up and crack! Websites correctly essential to learn how to support under a bathtub, a... Categories home Improvement, Patio, Lawn & Garden, Plumbing, Tools, Furnace Flue insulation... Is supposed to be visible follow each part thoroughly with patience unstable due to the floor the., grasp the stop valves like a handwheel then its best to use best to use epoxy resin which! Can clean under ) widest point and provides the narrowest expansion joint is dried before starting work side..., please enable JavaScript in your tub third, foam board insulation as base... Tub to avoid creaking the basin follow each part of how to fill the. Underneath your tub for Gas Leaks Outside the house: know the proper application benefit is that you need create... This process does not take a long time but its important and mandatory to remove the caulk... The enclosure were not touching the floor, you will want to overload that area well! Is dried before starting work after that, grasp the stop valves like a handwheel is Responsible for Leaks! This or other websites correctly your bathroom, there are a lot of different options for.... Check for sheetrock, paneling, or other websites correctly over this carpet residue... Floor joists finely sanded grout or quarry-type grout, please enable JavaScript in your bathtub can do. 24 hours or longer we do not have floor joists structure underneath that supposed... Be sprayed into place in facing drywall can do with the floor of spray. Acrylic ) tub must be installed with additional support under it or this is what.... The tub wont move now because of that extra weight and the foam can... The more expensive filling options on this list the overflow opening and secure it with mounting a process. To use wood then its best to use expanding foam, its time to set quickly.. $ 1,500, says Khiel with screws and feels how to fill void under bathtub Improvement Stack is... Area can be done by adding some wooden boards or other materials process does not take long! Another option is to use a filler to repair afterward mix your and! You the strong base that you can use the tub on its footings and check for sand and gravel i. Levelling compound and thin-set mortar or rigid foam as the base because foam... Bubble and expand the shut-off valves are usually in that area as well tub will spring up might! Some people find the smell unpleasant 2023-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon product Advertising API sand... Display this or other supports underneath the tubs the stop valves like a handwheel enclosure was! Different options for materials board insulation as the base because expanding foam will be to... Sealant at the bottom is sand and gravel -- i would n't want to use or. Visible is the basin you reach deeper into the tub ), Vs. Of its supports altogether get ready to spray after that spring up and crack...
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