How to fix a hole in fiberglass tub.... or can it be fixed?

[hockeybc69]

Good grief. My sons friend stayed over today and jumped in the shower and wiped out... his knee put a hole in the side of the tub!

Is it fixable or am I stuck with a big arse tab to replace the entire thing?

[CAMAN]

Are you sure it's fiberglass and not plastic? Fiberglass can be repaired but I don't believe plastic can. Most likely you'll need to pull the tub in order to fix the hole from behind with a fiberglass patch kit that can be found at most hardware stores. From the sounds of it the hole is quite large? You may be limited with what you can do, and for sure the tub will not to look perfect. And IMO the amount of work involved in fixing it and you aren't completely assured the repair will hold up over time, I would just replace it.

[jentz]

Dont even bother trying to fix it!New tubs are cheap. I had the same thing,I repaired and within one year it started leaking.So easy to remove and replace with a new plastic type.Either way you go,make sure before reinstalling you lay down a bed of motor mix for tub bottom support.I 'd bet that is the reason it was so easy for your sons knee to go through.When you reinstall add some extra insulation especially if the tub is on a exterior wall.You will notice the difference with water staying warmer longer in winter and warmer feet taking a shower.Its a pretty easy do it yourself job.

[delcecchi]

Is a cast iron tub really that much more expensive? I also see something called ultracast that is a combo of steel and fiberglass.

[CAMAN]

Is a cast iron tub really that much more expensive? I also see something called ultracast that is a combo of steel and fiberglass.

I actually just installed an Ultracast tub in a house I'm remodeling. Never seen them before this, but it seems really well made and I really like the finish they put on it. It seems really durable.

[hockeybc69]

I found a place called Surface restorations, and they said they fix fiberglass tubs all the time and it shouldnt be an issue at all.

$250

Thats a new rod and reel. Darn it.

[CAMAN]

$250?!? You can buy a NEW tub for that!

[jentz]

$250?!? You can buy a NEW tub for that!

With a surround

[hockeybc69]

This is a fiberglass one piece shower/tub surround.

To replace it would be an absolute nightmare of a project.

The surround would have to be cut out of the sheetrock. The plumbing has no access panel.

I dont mind doing some projects around the house, but for $250 to repair it.... what a bargain in my eyes to save me MAJOR hassle in replacement.

[BLACKJACK]

I found a place called Surface restorations, and they said they fix fiberglass tubs all the time and it shouldnt be an issue at all.

$250

Thats a new rod and reel. Darn it.

Thats three new rods and reels for me!!!!

[GRH]

Surface specialist also do great work, its amazing the size holes they fix and you can not even tell.