How to Repair a Crack in Your Shower Base

A cracked shower base can be easily repaired without having to replace the entire base. There are repair kits available to fill the cracks on different shower base floors, which are available in standard colors like white and almond. Following a set of simple guidelines, you will be able to fix your shower by yourself. Fiberglass is one of the most durable materials for your shower base and is easy to repair as well, once it cracks.

Step 1 - Prepare the Shower Base

Clean the shower base thoroughly by spraying the tile cleaner and leave it for a few minutes. This is to remove scum on the base. Scrub with a brush and rinse it off with hot water. Leave the shower to dry completely.

Step 2 - Survey the Extent of Cracks

With the shower clean, the cracks are entirely visible. Determine which of the cracks you will repair from the back to minimize the amount of repairs noticeable. Use the sandpaper to roughen the cracked base to ensure that the epoxy will stick well. Sweep the dust and rinse the shower then leave it to dry once more.

Step 3 - Cover the Cracks

Take the utility knife and cut the fiberglass patching material. Make an allowance of up to 2-inches in length and width, larger than the crack. Put on a face mask, check that doors or windows are open to give good ventilation, then use the utility knife to stir the epoxy and then fill in the cracks and any holes on the shower base. Pick up the patching material and place it over the epoxy.

Using the putty knife, cover the material with more epoxy until it is entirely coated. Smooth it out to level it with the existing fiberglass. Leave the epoxy to harden before you can sand it. Once you've sanded it (wearing a face mask and safety glasses to avoid inhaling any particles) clean away the dust.

Step 4 - Sealing Large Cracks

Larger cracks can be sealed with plywood. Use the epoxy to attach the plywood into the cracked space. Exert pressure until the epoxy dries up.

Step 5 - Finishing Up

Take the fiberglass gel coat, which you will match with the color of the rest of the shower base and apply it on the repaired areas using a roller. Pick up the cellophane tape and cover the cracks to allow it to harden. The shower will be ready for use in 24 hours. You can leave the tape on for a few days.

Step 6 - Shower Base Maintenance

After successfully repairing your shower base, the repair areas will be slightly visible but your shower will be in perfect condition. Cleaning appropriately with a shower cleaning solution and taking care of your drain system will see your shower base lasting a very long time.