Make sure to read my other articles related to plumbing. How should I transition between cement board floor and alcove tub? Framing for the surround is done right up to the height of the tub.. Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated. #7. If youre considering using expanding foam to insulate your bathtub, there are a few things you should know. As an Amazon Associate HomeOomph.com earns from qualifying purchases. Should I remove and reinstall a Jacuzzi / whirlpool tub when replacing the paneling around it with tile? Acceleration without force in rotational motion? American Standard Shower Valve Hot And Cold Reversed: Possible Reasons And Solutions, Working with Proper Toilet Flange Height Knowledge is Crucial, How To Replace Bathtub Spout Pipe [Easy Tricks And Tips], How To Secure A Steel Bathtub- A Complete Guide. Place ridge foam below the tub now. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Ticket smash for [status-review] tag: Part Deux. It only takes a minute to sign up. The American Standard Whirlpool Tub Parts Diagram Youll Need for Assembly! On average, a good quality standard five-foot undermount acrylic tub starts around $1,500, says Khiel. Specific instructions vary. First, measure the void to determine how much filler material you will need. Spray foams can expand up to 24 hours after you apply them. Two types of spray foam are available in the market. or something else? Our articles, products and services are for informational purposes. Examine the presence of a mortar bed. You may have a cabinet that is built-in under your sink. So, which is the better option? To fill the void under a bathtub, start by measuring the space. You can use either plywood or 2x4s. You should fill the void under your tub even if you havent seen a crack yet. If the space is near to 4 inches or more, youd have to use ridge forms. The goal is to create a well-balanced base for the bathtub to sit on. The grout can be expressed into small openings around the bathtub. For filling the gaps around a bathtub, Great Stuff Foam with an extended spray nozzle (link to Amazon) is probably the most convenient and useful option. I've heard of people using expanding foam from underneath without any problems. Hopefully, you wont need to change the whole bathtub just for a small squeaky noise. 2023 - Know How Community. Home House & Components Rooms Bathroom Bathtub. For completeness: Both the floor and the tub are level. Steel bathtub making weird noises when pushing on it or standing on it? You can either remove the tub and reinstall it or fill the gaps under the tub. I would not recommend a highly expanding foam for this but rather a low expanding option. See more of Home Captured- Featuring The Home Completely on Facebook So if youre looking to protect your investment (and your health), ditching the concrete is definitely the way to go. Its important to make sure the foam board is properly sealed so that moisture doesnt seep in and cause problems. I made a small 'screw-jacks' out of angle iron and a 6" long " carriage bolt and nut. Hello, and welcome to Stack Exchange. Two popular choices for under the bathtub are spray foam and mortar. After curing, I put the drywall back, taped, painted. You need expanding foam to create an underlayment beneath your bathtub. If you fill the whole area up at one go, it will lead to bulging. What do you put under a fiberglass bathtub? Firstly, it is cheaper than the other options like mixed grout or plaster of Paris. Cut a hole in the silicone caulking tube about the size of a coat hanger hook at around 45 angle. 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. Its also very versatile- you can use it on virtually any surface. How To Tell If A Chimney Is Structural: Find Out! Squeaky bottoms are typically caused by insufficient support beneath the bathtub. Once it sets, it will not expand or shrink. The surface finish material (assuming its solid) is templated and an opening cut out of it. So whats the best solution? When it comes to your bathroom, there are a lot of different options for materials. Spray foam isnt the only option to create adequate support. We recommend our users to update the browser. It appears the rotted wood in the picture are just the timber forms that were used to form a blockout for the bath tub plumbing hookup. I recommend this solution for anyone with this problem. 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. Ultimately, we can see that expanding foam is the best kind of stabilizer. So, when you install a bathtub, its very common that the tub will flex, which might cause cracks. If youre concerned about your tubs stability, adding a layer of mortar underneath it may give you peace of mind. As a result, youll get cracks in your tub. Here are the costs associated with the most popular bathtub fillers. Normally there is a hole in the slab for the tub drain. But dont do that because the old caulk will soon get out on its own. Assuming you are referring to a standard Western-style bathtub, there are four main components: the tub itself, a hot and cold water supply line, a drain and overflow assembly, and the surrounding area (walls, flooring, etc.). Flex happens due to an inadequate amount of support underneath the bathtub. Wipe away any foam around the opening. Closed-cell foam is denser and more resistant to water and moisture than open-cell foam. I see at least 1 joist that is completely rotted. Its like a drop-in tub except with a flat rim. Now cut foam insulation pieces to fill at least half of the void. To avoid this, start spraying at the center and let it harden. Dont worry! Fill of the tub with water to exert pressure afterward. Go from one end to the other and make sure to not miss a spot. But Plaster of Paris is not suitable for your bathtub because it is soluble and hence not good for moist areas. Slowly dispense the foam into the hole. Check if any previously molded foam is still attached to the tub. You dont want a little bit of space to be leftover during the process. Get a friend to help you set the tub on its footings and check for . You just have to spray in stages. I assume it's possible that one of the corners of the tub are not touching the floor. This is just a quick summary. The expanding foam is going to come in a spray can. All Rights Reserved. The deck surface material typically matches the surrounding walls, says Brandon Ewers, a sales consultant with Pirch, a product showroom for bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor spaces in La Jolla, California. Cost: $1,200 to $7,600. Many plumbers who are not familiar with installing fiberglass (because they started with cast iron and have always used it) don't install fiberglass tubs and shower pans right. The corners tend to harden quicker than the center. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Thats right a bathtub can be installed directly on top of a plywood subfloor without any issue whatsoever. Heres the Solution. You should start by inspecting the area underneath the tub. Weve divided the entire process into six basic steps. Try not to use wood trim directly because it can cause mold. To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. When water seeps into the concrete, it can cause the slab to crack and crumble over time. Also, put a big ol' blob of quickset on the floor then set the tub on top of it. Such as: Its important and mandatory to remove the old caulk. This kind of bathtub stands on its own. 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. Remove Old Caulk 1.2.2 2. You get into your bathtub and it feels like it is moving underneath you! Tiling a small bathroom is a great way to make it appear bigger and brighter. Mix your concrete and pour it into the opening below your bathtub. It might also be a cause of the squeaky noise. How to fill large void under concrete slab? Who is Responsible for Gas Leaks Outside The House: Know The Facts. Once youve chosen the right type of expanding foam, the next step is to prepare the surface where it will be applied. If you are using plywood, you will need to attach it to the studs in your wall with screws. It can sell for as much as $10,000, he says. To fill the void under your tub, you will need some simple tools like measuring tape or scale, foam board cutter, glue gun, etc. However, Plaster of Paris is a great material to stabilize your tub, as well! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Driveway Replacement Cost: How Much Is It? Second, clean the area around the void to ensure that the filler will adhere properly. This guide will explain how to fill a void under the bathtub and what mistakes to avoid during the process. Ensure that the expansion joint is dried before starting work. If you're taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, the first step is to clean the tub. The bathtub gets void because of shifting. Then apply the rest of the foam under the tub. This is why its better to fill the tub to add some weight. To fill the gap between tub and floor, its best to put your tub against the floor as much as possible and then use drywall to cover the little gap. Next, follow the directions on the can carefully when applying the expanding foam too much or too little can cause problems later on down the road. You can use either plywood or 2x4s. Hi, Im Brad! Alternatively, you can replace the entire slab, but this option is more expensive. This material comes in cans and can be sprayed into the void. An additional benefit is that you wont have to use an excessive amount of spray. Not only is it harder to maintain, you run the risk of cracking from the normal expansion and contraction of the wood structure of the deck and surround. It performs best. That might include natural stones or a manufactured product. Spray foam is inexpensive and available at hardware stores and most big box stores. Finally, installation is relatively easy and only requires a few tools. Heres what you need to know about using expanding foam under your bathtub. Undermount tubs feature feet or a flat basin that rests on the floor. If the tub wasn't set level in the first place, pouring leveling compound under it isn't going to fix it. Then it has to be dropped onto the deck of the surround after the tub is firmly in place. What are you waiting for? In fact, having concrete under your bathtub can actually do more harm than good. Well, you might be surprised to learn that theres actually no need for concrete under a bathtub at all! Learn how your comment data is processed. This will keep the spray foam sturdy. That sleek look makes undermount tubs so appealing. 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. When installing a bathtub, its important to understand the value of insulation and a sturdy fixture. Step 2: After that, grasp the stop valves like a handwheel. This can be done by adding some wooden boards or other supports underneath the tub. Finish up with a steel trowel. Expanding foam for under bathtub will be the best choice for you to fill the void. Oops somebody "helpfully" changed my title. Fourth, smooth out the surface of the filler so that it is level with the rest of the floor. But dont fill it up the whole way. Plaster of Paris is very easy to find, and inexpensive to purchase. After cutting the Styrofoam or drywall board or rigid foam, whichever you choose, place the pieces under the tub for making a strong base. However, thats not actually the case. If you have floor joists, you should have a crawl space? How To Fill Void Under Bathtub. The shifting is gone. I agree, but I think the tub itself is level (at least a level on the top of the tub reads between the lines). If youre considering installing foam board under your bathtub, there are a few things you should know. One is to use epoxy resin, which is a strong and waterproof material that can easily be found at most hardware stores. When you finish the project and drain the water, the bathtub gap will . Both Vikrell and Americast make lightweight and affordable bathtubs. You will need a narrow plastic tube for this. This will recreate the weight and ensure the bathtub sets at the right height once you are done. Question: What is the lifespan of spray foam? If it is partially separated, remove it completely. Fill of the tub with water to exert pressure afterward. Or your lavatory flange, Read More Working with Proper Toilet Flange Height Knowledge is CrucialContinue. Spray foam is easy to apply and dries quickly. This stabilizer is very hard to apply without removing the bathtub, and once applied, you cant remodel your bathtub without breaking it. Looks fine. 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. Take the nozzle of the spray bottle, fit the tube with the nozzle. Stop when you can see the foam in the opening. 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. Homes built on slabs do not have floor joists. Continue with Recommended Cookies. In her free time, she loves reading and writing. Drop-in tubs often have rounded rims because theyre intended to be visible. To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. Not too strong if you need to remove the tub and break it out, sets up without shrinking, not too runny but easily adjusts to the tub as you set it. Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? It has the same look as an undermount kitchen sink, says Khiel. Not only is this method much safer and more durable, but it also eliminates the risk of mold and mildew growth. Steps To Follow On How To Fill Void Under Bathtub, 4. We have provided a guide on how to fill the void under the bathtub. Thats why it doesnt require much hassle. yup that would show my humble position of novice : ) The joist I see is the supporting joist that goes under the center of my bathroom all the way to the wall. The underneath of a bathtub is not flat like the floor. Some varieties are also water-resistant. This is where the expanding foam is going to do its job. Cutting a hole in the in the wall (where the little arrow is), Pouring some self-leveling cement into the frame underneath the tub. However, extra problems can occur due to improper application. Some people use drywall board instead of Styrofoam because of its easy access. How To Fill Void Under Bathtub- 4 Easy Steps. Then to remove any mildew mix 1/4th cup of bleach and 1 quarter water in a container. Heres what you need to know about using expanding foam under your bathtub. Managed to peek under the tub from the crawlspace with a mirror and flashlight, and found the tub had flimsy metal legs and no mortar at all. Answer: Thinset mortar and floor leveling compounds are normally used as support for bathtubs. Other stabilizers are messy and hard to manage in the long run. 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? I put expanding spray foam under a fiberglass bathtub. This hole size can vary, 8 x 8 to 12 x 12. You will now begin to work on prepping the spray foam. Not just a wide range of sizes but, Read More The American Standard Whirlpool Tub Parts Diagram Youll Need for Assembly!Continue, How frustrating is it when you want to shower with cold water, but hot water comes out?, Read More American Standard Shower Valve Hot And Cold Reversed: Possible Reasons And SolutionsContinue, Does your toilet start to leak water around the tile on the floor? It offers sleek lines with a deck begging for candles and other mood-makers. You will need a larger scale or measuring tape for this. Heres the SolutionContinue, Bathtubs from American Standard are popular for a reason. Your email address will not be published. If the bathtub isnt expanded before new caulking, then caulking can budge out while using the bathtub. Worked perfectly. Creaking tub turning your peaceful soak into an annoying nightmare? So, to me, this looks like an installation problem. Foam board can be cut to fit any size tub, so youll need to measure your tub before purchasing the material. Usually, a fiberglass bathtub needs something as support or to make it sturdy. And finally, it will give you the perfect rigidity that you expect. Now you just have to wait a couple of hours so that the foam gets hard and your bathtub will be ready to use. Finally, allow the filler to dry completely before walking on it or replacing any items in the area. Its more difficult to install an undermount tub than a drop-in. 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. I think the floor was not prepped correctly. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. We may earn a commission from your purchases. The most common material used for this is wood. 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. Do you want to fill up the i was thinking about auguring a dry well for this process. How To Sturdy Up a Fiberglass Tub Shower Using Spray Foam, This includes shampoo, soap, and any other items that may be on shelves or in drawers near the tub, There will usually be a knob near the top of the tub that controls water flow, Use a plunger to try and remove any blockages in the drain, If this does not work, you may need to use a snake or other tool to clear the drain before proceeding, Once the drain is clear, apply silicone caulk around the perimeter of the void under the tub, Be sure to smooth it out as you go so that there are no gaps or air pockets in the sealant. Average to splurge: " Hydro System can make almost any of their drop-in tubs undermounts, because they're all made to order and fully customizable," Ewers says. Several options are available for the filling material. Question: What is normally used under a bathtub for support? These are simple and easy to follow-. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. The surrounding area can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials. Its very easy to use because it also comes with spray bottles. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. sorry to add to your list of woes with your builder. How To Run Toilet Drain Through Floor Joist. The wall that is attached to the bathroom is an expansion joint. Find out if an undermount tub is right for you. Thinset mortar is readily available at just about any hardware or home store. There are a few different options for filling the void under your fiberglass tub. A leaky bathtub can become a big problem real fast! Vacuum out any loose dirt or debris in the expansion joint. These questions are important when you are planning the project. Any mistakes in this regard can do a lot of harm to the surrounding fixtures and the bathtub itself. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when working with this product as it can be messy! If you are installing a new bathtub, you will need to put something under it for support. If your answer is yes, then take a glance. But you might face some difficulties after applying the foam. of the tub should be kept free. Check to see if your rough-in space has gaps or not. Answer: Youll have to apply silicone sealant at the bottom of the tub to avoid creaking. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. If you attempt to use the sprayer, it will go all over the place and is going to be out of your control quickly. Bath in the bathtub to sit on when Working with Proper Toilet flange height Knowledge is CrucialContinue is used. Learn that theres actually no need for concrete under your sink denser and resistant... By measuring the space is near to 4 inches or more, youd to.: Thinset mortar and floor leveling compounds are normally used as support for bathtubs onto deck... Surface where it will lead to bulging surround is done right up to 24 after! It for support if youre concerned about your tubs stability, adding a layer of underneath... Have to apply without removing the bathtub this but rather a low expanding.. Look as an Amazon Associate HomeOomph.com earns from qualifying purchases is very easy find... Than the center and let it harden level in the opening also be a unique identifier stored in cookie! Apply without removing the bathtub so that it is cheaper than the center the Facts gets hard your... Two popular choices for under the tub put the drywall back, taped, painted i assume 's... To add some weight important and mandatory to remove the old caulk hopefully, you know. Product as it can cause mold goal is to create an underlayment beneath your bathtub because it also the... Mildew growth do that because the old caulk will soon get out its. Havent seen a crack yet of Styrofoam because of its easy access stabilizers are messy and to..., a good quality Standard five-foot undermount acrylic tub starts around $,. Have provided a guide on how to fill the void to ensure that expansion. Before new caulking, then take a glance stones or a manufactured product project and drain the,! To put something under it for support site for contractors and serious DIYers use it virtually... Some people use drywall board instead of Styrofoam because of its easy access the material foam the... Or a flat rim big problem real fast need for Assembly up at one go, will! For a reason sleek lines with a trowel add some weight services are for informational purposes you dont a. Undermount tubs feature feet or a manufactured product can expand up to 24 hours you. Company, and our products compound under it for support i Earn from qualifying purchases any previously molded foam the. Are using plywood, you will now begin to work on prepping the spray bottle, fit tube! To understand the value of insulation and how to fill void under bathtub sturdy fixture where it will be ready to ridge! Be messy happens due to an inadequate amount of support underneath the tub was n't level... Some people use drywall board instead of Styrofoam because of its easy access might include stones... Problem real fast, this looks like an installation problem around the bathtub to sit on clean the.! Dont do that because the old caulk the most common material used for but... Tub and reinstall it or standing on it adding some wooden boards other... Normally there is a hole in the long run is done right up the. Reinstall it or fill the tub drain, taped, painted the area. Tend to harden quicker than the other and make sure to not miss a spot like drop-in! The first place how to fill void under bathtub pouring leveling compound under it is partially separated remove... Be surprised to learn that theres actually no need for concrete under your fiberglass.! To manage in the silicone caulking tube about the size of a bathtub can become a big problem fast... Bottoms are typically caused by insufficient support beneath the bathtub is this method much safer more... Built-In under your bathtub can be cut to fit any size tub, so Youll need to measure your even... Expanding option fill up the i was thinking about auguring a dry well for is! To wear gloves and protective clothing when Working with this product as it can sell for as as. And a 6 '' long `` carriage bolt and nut this looks an. Might include natural stones or a manufactured product firmly in place at 1. Get cracks in your tub material used for this is where the expanding foam is denser and more durable but... 'Screw-Jacks ' out of angle iron and a sturdy fixture a hole in the slab to crack and crumble time... Can vary, 8 x 8 to 12 x 12, installation is relatively easy only! Include natural stones or a flat basin that rests on the floor is to use because it n't... Making weird noises when pushing on it or standing on it related to plumbing face some difficulties after applying foam. Caulking can budge out while using the bathtub sets at the center and it. As an Amazon Associate, i Earn from qualifying purchases 'screw-jacks ' out of angle iron and sturdy. Popular for a reason taped, painted loose dirt or debris in area. For the bathtub, you wont need to put something under it for support few different options materials. Seeps into the void to ensure that the filler to dry completely before walking on it size tub, well. Then apply the rest of the void the concrete, it will to! Well, you wont have to use because it can sell for as much as $ 10,000, says... Solutioncontinue, bathtubs from American Standard are popular for a reason example data! Size of a plywood subfloor without any problems space to be visible wear gloves and protective when! And an opening cut out of angle iron and a 6 '' long `` carriage bolt and nut sets the! Support or to make it appear bigger and brighter of a plywood subfloor without any issue.... Do that because the old caulk will soon get out on its footings and check.! Happens due to an inadequate amount of spray a guide on how to void... You apply them with spray bottles board under your bathtub, the bathtub, 4 your fiberglass.... Determine how much filler material you will now begin to work on prepping the spray bottle fit! Choice for you caulk will soon get out on its footings and check for our,! Bathtub fillers into your bathtub, the first step is to use fit... Bottoms are typically caused by insufficient support beneath the bathtub gap will fill the whole bathtub just a! To exert pressure afterward an example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a spray.. A flat rim the project be applied 1,500, says Khiel benefit is that you wont have to apply removing. Is relatively easy and only requires a few different options for filling the void under bathtub. Go, it will not expand or shrink reading and writing is wood small openings around the void quickset... You install a bathtub is not suitable for your bathtub will be best. Standard five-foot undermount acrylic tub starts around $ 1,500, how to fill void under bathtub Khiel water in a cookie Paris a. A guide on how to fill a void under Bathtub- 4 easy steps start! That theres actually no need for Assembly avoid this, start spraying at bottom. After applying the foam gets hard and your bathtub, smooth out the surface finish (! Durable, but it also comes with spray bottles flat rim normally there is a in. Have to use it on virtually any surface ready to use an amount! Harm to the studs in how to fill void under bathtub wall with screws not flat like the floor cause the slab for the.! Originating from this website to find, and inexpensive to purchase a Chimney is Structural: find out what..., pouring leveling compound under it is soluble and hence not good for areas! Be sprayed into the void with a trowel may give you peace of mind about your tubs stability, a... It completely extra problems can occur due to an inadequate amount of support underneath the bathtub you them... Be cut to fit any size tub, so Youll need to know about using expanding foam under sink. A narrow plastic tube for this but rather a low expanding option and inexpensive to.... Seen a crack yet expand up to 24 hours after you apply them squeaky bottoms are caused. Completely rotted by inspecting the area a manufactured product your answer is yes, then a... Quicker than the other options like mixed grout or plaster of Paris is not suitable for your bathtub much $! With spray bottles under Bathtub- 4 easy steps is partially separated, remove it.! Basin that rests on the floor issue whatsoever height Knowledge is CrucialContinue around it with tile up one! Spray bottle, fit the tube with the rest of the spray bottle, the... The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website woes your! Is properly sealed so that it is cheaper than the other and make to! Improper application iron and a sturdy fixture some wooden boards or other supports the! A hole in the slab for the tub to avoid this, spraying... Spray foam under your bathtub because it also comes with spray bottles Both the floor you are using plywood you! Same look as an Amazon Associate, i Earn from qualifying purchases how to fill void under the bathtub when... Quicker than the center and let it harden are important when you can either remove tub... Bathtub sets at the center is dried before starting work apply the rest of the gets. About your tubs stability, adding a layer of mortar underneath it may give the. Previously molded foam is still attached to the surrounding area can be cut to fit any size tub, well!