How to repair acrylic bathtub that creaks?

2/17/2015 at 10:51:04 AM

Hi Dave,

It sounds like the tiles are rubbing against the tub. The tub is flexing due to poor installation. They have to identify where the noise is comming from and rdmove the tiles that are causing the noise and re install them back but they either have to be shorten or the back edge has to be bevelled.

I hope this helps.

2/17/2015 at 3:38:12 PM

Hi Dave,

It's probably the acrylic rubbing against a stud. He did the right thing in trying to spray foam to stop the movement. Another option is to open the wall from a room that backs on to the tub than you can get in there to spray foam, or shim.

2/17/2015 at 5:43:14 PM

Hi Dave

Another area to investigate is the flooring. Are there tiles rubbing against the base of the tub? Were floor tiles install after the tub was installed?

You may be able to get silicone caulking in the gap to alleviate the creaking. Pry it the gap open gently, install the caulking, let it dry before removing the pry bar.

Cheers

Dave

2/17/2015 at 9:23:15 PM

David,

It's a tough one the answer without pictures. The tiles should be okay unless they are over an area of the tub lip that isn't secured to the wall properly. Also,as Dave mentioned, look at the floor where the two surfaces meet and see if anything looks out of place. Sometimes it is quite obvious, Another items is that most acrylic tubs recommend that there be additional support between the tub and the subfloor. Several manufacturers suggest sand (in bags) or concrete to assist the support of a tub full of water plus a person of average weight. All are possibilities but go through the process of ilimination with the easiest first, and see if you can locate the problem.

Best of luck.

Mark

2/18/2015 at 10:39:51 AM

Sounds to me that the sub floor was not secured properly.

2/23/2015 at 9:49:17 AM

I think either the bathroom floor very weak and needs to be screwed, or the subloor is not thick enough should be 1.25 inches.

Or probably the tiles touching the bathtub. And that can cause the creaks. You must have at least .25 inch gab and fill it with silicon.

And probably the bathtub is sitting loose and not screwed to the studs.

Some bathtubs needs a bed of mortar underneath.

Hope this will help.

3/24/2015 at 8:56:35 PM

Thank-you to all the contractors who took the time to reply. The information you shared was very helpful and I really appreciate your input.

8/20/2017 at 8:32:33 PM

The correct answer is as follows, before you install an acrylic or fiberglass tub you need to put plastic on the floor under the tub then pour concrete. "Then install the tub" try reading the directions on the tub box. This is standard on these tubs. As they will flex because of the poor nature of the material used in making them.