If your bathtub appears dingy and worn – and has stains, scratches, chips, or yellowing – it might be time for something new. Beyond the aesthetic drawbacks, a damaged or cracked bathtub can also be dangerous. But buying a brand new tub can be expensive, especially after installation. If you are looking to save money but still want that bathtub looking like new, bathtub refinishing is an excellent option. Luckily, bathtub refinishing costs are quite affordable. This guide will help you learn when a tub repair is necessary, types of repairs that can be done, and what you can expect to pay.
When is it Time to Repair a Bathtub?
There are a number of warning signs that can signal to a homeowner it is time for a bathtub repair or even total tub replacement. The main signs include:
- Cracks and chips. These can be a sign that there’s too much wear and tear on your bathtub’s surface. It can also be dangerous, leading to a cut or slip when getting in or out of the bathtub depending on how deep the damage is and the whereabouts.
- Water damage, leaks or holes. If water is causing damage around the bathtub’s perimeter, it may be a sign that the tub is no longer properly sealed. Make sure to check for obvious holes if you see water where it shouldn’t be.
- Discoloration, odors or mold. When a bathtub’s surface is stained, it can mean that the seal is no longer holding up and water is seeping through. Peculiar smells or the sight of mold are also tell-tale signs that your bathtub has a water leak. These effects can impact personal health and even damage areas throughout your home.
Home renovation experts say that even though bathtubs are strong and resilient, over time it is inevitable that some issues will arrive after years of use. Luckily, they are usually easy to identify and the solutions are straightforward.
Replacing vs. Repairing a Bathtub
If there is an issue with your bathtub, there are two main solutions: repair it or replace it. Bathtub issues are not one-size-fits-all. The right remedy for you will depend on the severity of the problem, your lifestyle, and your budget.
When to Replace
For instance, if a bathtub is cracked but also old, outdated and uncomfortable, then replacing it altogether may be the best choice. For older tubs, replacement usually ends up being less expensive than the inevitable frequent repairs plumbers say would likely be necessary even after the repair.
Remember that you also have the option of a tub to shower conversion. This is a great option for those who have an outdated tub, and want to free up space while adding a new, modern shower.
When to Repair
If a bathtub is just scratched up from heavy usage and is not too old, it may be a better candidate for bathtub resurfacing. Also, if you are working with a tight budget, refinishing a bathtub is typically much less expensive than replacing the tub altogether, as long as there are not severe plumbing issues that need to be addressed
Modernize recommends sitting down with a professional bathroom remodeler to best understand your bathtub’s status and needs. A professional will be able to provide you a quote for both a repair and a replacement, so you can compare your options and make a decision.
Bathtub Refinishing vs. Repair: What’s the Difference?
The phrases “bathtub repair” and “bathtub refinishing” will often get lumped together in conversations with home contractors, designers and plumbers. You might also hear the terms “resurfacing,” “reglazing” and “re-enameling.” In reality, these projects are one in the same. Bathtub refinishing is one type of bathtub repair that involves repairing any damage, such as chips or small cracks, then using either etching or wet sanding to rough up the surface to accept the new coating.
In the process, the drain is removed from the tub and tested for leaks. If the cracks are too large or too deep, bathtub refinishing might not work. In that case, you might need to choose a bathtub liner, which fits over the existing structure.
Assuming all is well, the coating is applied to the etched surface, and you have a like-new bathtub that is ready to use within a few days’ time.
Types of Bathtub Refinishing
The type of damage a bathtub has will determine what kind of refinishing it needs. Here is a look at some of the basics:
- Cracked or chipped bathtub repair. Simple bathtub cracks and chips can be repaired through the process of reglazing. Bathtub reglazing can cover minor cracks by filling them and refinishing the surface.
- Fiberglass bathtub repair. Fiberglass tubs are trickier to reglaze than bathtubs made from other materials. But it can still be done. It’s worth noting that reglazing a fiberglass tub is considered a facelift, not a permanent fix.
- Porcelain bathtub repair. Porcelain tubs are ideal candidates for reglazing. They are typically made of cast iron and have a thin porcelain layer on top. Reglazing a porcelain bathtub can extend its life by about a decade.
How Much Does Bathtub Refinishing Cost?
Bathtub replacements cost anywhere from $800 to $12,000, depending on the type of tub you choose. On the other hand, bathtub refinishing is much more affordable, ranging from about $250 to $2,000. Prices range by region and the level of work being completed.
The price of a bathtub repair will also vary depending on the bathtub’s material and style. For example, reglazing an antique cast iron clawfoot tub will cost more than a contemporary fiberglass tub because of the level of care and expertise that needs to go into the practice.
- Fiberglass bathtub repair: $300 – $1,200 on average
- Porcelain bathtub repair: $350 – $750 on average
- Cast iron bathtub repair: $300 – $1,500 on average
Remember that material is just one factor in the price of your bathtub refinishing project. Your contractor will be able to assess the damage, consider your bathtub, and provide you with a quote suited to you specifically.
Replacing a Bathtub Liner
That leads to the other option for resurfacing a tub: using a bath liner. Bath liners are acrylic “covers” that are designed to fit over your existing tub. A bathtub liner adheres to the original tub with silicone and heavy-duty two-sided tape. This sounds pretty simple, but the process actually takes a few months, because the professional must measure the bathtub very carefully and then create the molded liner. Installation, however, only takes a day.
This option is great if you have cracks or other issues with the existing tub that a re-glazing simply can’t fix. It costs a bit more, at an average of $1,500 to $4,000, but it’s much less invasive than refinishing, and doesn’t require you to leave the house due to the toxic fumes. You can choose from a range of limited colors, which can change the look of your bathroom.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
While the process of refinishing a bathtub may seem simple to some handy homeowners, it’s important to know what goes into the process. Refinishing a bathtub requires the appropriate refinishing kit, along with the right technique and efficiency to complete the job before the adhesives dry out.
Bathtub refinishing is particularly tricky for fiberglass tubs and should not be attempted by novices. Additionally, the materials included in homeowner bathtub refinishing DIY kits aren’t the same as what the professionals use. You likely won’t get as good of a result and may not have the same longevity a professional’s work would.
Beyond this, if a homeowner’s bathtub is an antique, refinishing it could hurt its integrity and value. It’s important to find a contractor who has experience with antique bathtubs.
When looking for the right professional, it’s not just about the best price. It’s about how many years they have in business, their satisfied customers, the proof of their good work, and being licensed, bonded, and insured.
When choosing a contractor, compare three or four quotes to find the best price. Make sure you are comparing “apples to apples” when doing so. Set the quotes side by side and go through line by line to figure out where the expenses really are. Modernize can help you get started by connecting you with the top bathtub replacement contractors in your area.
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