Bathtub and Shower Repair: Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Common Issues

For most homeowners, the bathroom is more than just a functional space. It’s where we prepare to greet the day and where we get ready for bed. It should be a relaxing and comfortable space, and damaged fixtures can work contrary to that goal. But beyond aesthetics, a broken bathtub or shower can be a safety hazard or put your home at risk of a water leak or water damage. 

Fortunately, with a little DIY know-how, you can manage a shower or bathtub repair without the help of a professional contractor. In this article, we’ll run through some common problems that afflict tubs and showers, and we’ll share some information to help you resolve them.

 

Common Issues in Bathtubs and Showers

Bathtubs and showers are somewhat prone to wear and tear because they are fixtures that we use heavily and they’re continually exposed to moisture. Some problems are plumbing related. Others are defects with the fixtures themselves. Here are the most common issues.

• Clogged drains. Everyone has dealt with a drain clog at some point. Hair, dissolved minerals, soap scum, are other kinds of residue build up over time. 
   
• Leaky faucets. Poor seals and gaskets can lead to an unwelcome drip, drip, drip from your showerhead or tub faucet. 
   
• Mold and mildew. Humidity and moisture create an ideal environment for mold and mildew. Tubs and showers are commonly afflicted. 
   
• Poor temperature control. Most people have experienced showers that don’t get hot enough or, conversely, run too hot. Temperature swings can be an issue too. This is typically not a problem with the shower or tub directly but with the water heater or broader plumbing system. 
   
• Chipped or cracked tubs or tile. Impact force or significant temperature swings can cause cosmetic damage to your shower, tub, or surrounding tile. 
   
• Undesirable water pressure. Some homeowners complain of showers with insufficient water pressure. On the other hand, you might experience pressure that is too high, making a shower uncomfortable. 
   
• Peeling or disintegrating caulking. If your shower is older, you may notice damaged or discolored caulking between the tiles or where the basin meets the floor and walls. 
   
• Pooling water. If your tub’s drainage slope is off, water may pool in the tub instead of flowing down the drain.

Fixing Common Bathtub Issues

The average layperson has the tools and skills required to manage the most common bathtub and shower problems. Here’s how you can get your bathroom back in working order.

• How to fix drainage problems:

If your tub’s drainage is too slow, you likely have to remove a clog. Remove the drain cover and use a plumber’s snake or even a simple wire hanger to fish out any clumps of hair or other debris. If the problem persists, you can try plunging the drain or using a drain-cleaning solution. You can create your own solution by pouring about a half of a cup of baking soda down the drain, then following that with a cup of vinegar and finally some boiling water. Chemical cleaners are an option, but they tend to be hard on your plumbing system and aren’t great for the environment. 

• How to fix water temperature and pressure problems:

Undesirable water temperatures can be due to incorrect settings on the water heater or shower cartridge. First check your water heater’s thermostat. Most experts recommend a setting of between 120 and 140 degrees. You may want to skew cooler if you have young children or others in your home who could risk scalding themselves.

If your thermostat is set to an ideal temperature, check your shower cartridge, which is responsible for blending hot and cold water. An older valve may be faulty and should be replaced. Some showers also have safety devices to prevent scalding. If your shower has one such device, check the settings to see if it needs to be reset or recalibrated.

If your shower’s water pressure isn’t where you want it, first check the control on the showerhead itself, if applicable. Other explanations for poor water pressure include partially closed water meters or water shutoff valves, malfunctioning pressure regulators, leaky or clogged pipes, or municipal water disruptions. Most of these require adjustments to equipment that are hard to reach or demand more advanced plumbing knowledge. In some situations, homeowners may not be permitted to access or adjust equipment that is responsible for the home’s water pressure.

• How to fix a crack in a bathtub:

A small bathtub hole or crack can often be remedied with a repair kit. Depending on your tub’s material, you may need epoxy, porcelain, or acrylic repair materials. Defer to the manufacturer’s instructions, but most repair jobs first involve thoroughly cleaning the area around the chip, crack, or hole with a sponge and cleaner suitable for removing grease, grime, and soap scum. You may also need to sand down the edges of the damaged area. Next, mix the compound per the manufacturer’s specifications and apply to the crack or hole with a brush or knife. Multiple thin coats may be necessary, though remember to allow each coat to thoroughly dry before applying a new one. Finish the job by sanding the filler compound with fine-grit sandpaper. 

• How to fix a leaky shower head or faucet:

Fixing a leaking faucet or shower head usually involves replacing a worn seal behind the fixture. Remove or disassemble the fixture with the appropriate tool, which may be an adjustable wrench, Allen wrench, or screwdriver. Inspect the seals, gaskets, O-rings, and washers for signs of deterioration of damage. These parts wear down over time, particularly in homes with high levels of dissolved minerals in the water. Replace the parts as needed and reassemble the fixture.

If the seals are in good shape, you may need to replace a worn shower cartridge. This is typically set behind the shower handle or control plate.

Finally, another possible cause of a leaky or dripping shower head is the accumulation of minerals on the showerhead itself. Remove the showerhead and immerse it in a vinegar solution for at least half an hour. Use a rag and some warm water to remove any mineral residue still clinging to the fixture.

• How to fix damaged tile or caulking:

To replace a shower tile, first use a grout saw to cut around the affected tile. Be sure to wear safety gear to protect your eyes and hands. Then use a hammer and chisel to carefully remove the broken tile in piecemeal fashion. Use gentle pressure and start from the middle of the broken tile to avoid cracking the adjacent tiles that are still intact. 

Once the tile is removed, clear out as much substrate as possible before applying mortar in an even and level layer. When the mortar is dry, apply the adhesive and firmly set the tile in place. Apply the grout along the tile edges, wipe off excess, and seal per the manufacturer’s specifications.

To repair caulking around your shower or tub, use a putty knife or other sharp tool to remove the existing caulk. Be careful to not scratch the tub. Clean and dry the area thoroughly before applying caulk with a caulk gun in a single, even, fluid motion. Use your finger to smooth the caulk into the joint, and consider using painter’s tape to maintain clean and even lines.

• How to clean a dirty shower:

Scrubbing mold and mildew from a shower takes some old-fashioned elbow grease, but there are a few tricks to make cleaning a shower easier. Apply a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to the affected areas and let sit for several minutes before scrubbing away with hot water. You can use bleach to make short work of particularly stubborn spots.

When to Call a Professional

Try as you might, some bathtub and shower issues require the attention of a pro. Here are some scenarios that will likely require a call to a plumber or contractor:

• In-wall plumbing leaks or burst pipes
• Extreme mold growth in walls, ceilings, and under floors
• Improperly leveled or poorly sloped tubs and shower pans
• Tub or shower chips and cracks that are exceptionally deep or take up a wide surface area
• Water pressure problems stemming from the municipal supply or the home’s main water valve

Of course, all DIY projects are dependent on your personal skill level and comfort. Trust your gut and call a professional when you feel like you’re in over your head.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for a Lasting Repair

Some everyday maintenance can help keep many tub and shower issues at bay. Here are some tips:

• Regularly clean your shower or tub and wipe it down after every use.
• Use a drain cover and clean the drain periodically to avoid clogs.
• Clean shower heads and handles to avoid mineral accumulation.
• Keep your bathroom well ventilated when running a hot shower to keep humidity levels in check.

And don’t forget to call on your home warranty provider to help maintain, repair, or replace covered fixtures or systems in your bathroom — or anywhere else. Learn more about Liberty Home Guard’s plans by calling (833)-545-5590.