Repairing a Damaged Bathtub: Knowing When to DIY and When To Hire a Professional

Choosing the right option for repairing a damaged bathtub can save you hundreds of dollars. But what is the right option?

A damaged bathtub can be an eyesore and a potential hazard in your bathroom. When it comes to repairing a bathtub, homeowners often face the dilemma of choosing between hiring a professional or taking the DIY route. Each option has its own set of benefits and risks. In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both approaches to help you make an informed decision.

Professional Bathtub Repairs

Benefits:

Expertise and Experience:

1. Professional technicians have the training and experience to handle a wide range of bathtub issues, from minor chips to significant cracks and stains.

2. They are knowledgeable about different materials and the best repair techniques for each type.

Quality and Durability:

1. Professionals use high-quality materials and tools, ensuring a durable and long-lasting repair.

2. The finish is typically more uniform and aesthetically pleasing.

Time-Saving:

1. Hiring a professional can save you a considerable amount of time, as they can complete the job efficiently.

2. You avoid the trial-and-error process that often accompanies DIY projects.

Warranty and Guarantees:

1. Many professional services offer warranties or guarantees on their work, providing peace of mind.

2. If something goes wrong, you can rely on the service to fix it without additional costs.

Risks:

Cost:

1. Professional repairs can be expensive, especially for extensive damage.

2. There may be additional costs for materials, labor, and service fees.

Scheduling and Availability:

1. You may need to schedule an appointment, which could be inconvenient if you need immediate repairs.

2. Availability can vary, and there might be a waiting period.

Dependence on Service Quality:

1. The quality of repair can vary depending on the technician's skill and experience.

2. It’s essential to research and choose a reputable service provider.

DIY Bathtub Repairs

Benefits:

Cost-Effective:

1. DIY repairs can save you money, as you only need to purchase the necessary materials and tools.

2. You avoid labor costs associated with professional services.

Convenience:

1. You can perform the repair at your own pace and schedule.

2. Immediate action can be taken to prevent further damage.

Skill Development:

1. DIY projects can be a rewarding way to develop and enhance your handyman skills.

2. Successfully completing a repair can boost your confidence for future home improvement tasks.

Risks:

Inexperience:

1. Without proper knowledge and experience, you risk making the damage worse.

2. Incorrectly applied materials or techniques can lead to subpar results.

Quality and Durability:

1. DIY repairs may not be as durable or aesthetically pleasing as professional ones.

2. The finish might be uneven, and the repair might not last as long.

Time-Consuming:

1. DIY repairs can be time-consuming, especially if you encounter unexpected challenges.

2. The process may involve a learning curve, requiring additional time for research and trial-and-error.

Lack of Warranty:

1. There’s no warranty or guarantee for DIY repairs. If something goes wrong, you’ll need to fix it yourself or hire a professional.

DIY Repairs: Best Practices

Bath Tub Chips:

• Most minor chips can be repaired yourself fairly easily and inexpensively. Products such as Porc-A-Fix can be used to fill in and cover a minor chip in your tub or sink.

• It is important to note that there are many different shades of bathtubs. So it is good to find out exactly what color is the closest match to your bathtub before ordering any repair kits.

• Patching a chip with this kit would take around 1-2 hours in total but it would be spread out over a day or two, with time to cure in between each application.

• We do not advise this type of DIY repair if your chip is actively rusting or leaking.

Bathtub and Shower Cracks:

• We only recommend doing DIY crack repairs if they are above water level.

• Check to see if the crack flexes by gently pushing on both sides of the crack. If it flexes then consider having a professional do the repair.

• If one side of the crack is raised, try to gently press the raised portion to see if you can get it to be flush with the other side of the crack. If you cannot, then you will have to determine if the raised repair will be aesthetically noticeable.

• If the crack is a hairline and you can barely feel it when rubbing your nail across the crack, then likely a Porc-A-Fix touch up will be fine. Since all you are trying to do is cover the visible crack.

• If the crack has a bit of a gap that you need to fill it with an epoxy patch. In which case you may need to do some sanding first and in some cases widen the split a little to get some epoxy filler down into the crack. Once the crack repair filler has hardened, then you can work on covering it to match the rest of the tub.

Rusting Porcelain Tub or Sink:

• The first step with rust repairs is to stop the rust from growing. This could require anything from stopping a leaking faucet, to repairing a chip.

• Test the metal in the area to see if it's fully rotted by the rust. Our technicians tap the surface of the tub with a small screw driver. If the screw driver pokes through the rust from it's own weight without any force or pressure applied, then we know that we have a serous rust repair to do.

• If the surface feels firm then consider using a rust dissolver to get rid of the rust and prepare the surface for a patch.

• Please note that even a professional refinisher cannot guaranty rust repairs for long, if at all. Especially if the rust has penetrated to the subsurface.

Stains:

• These seem like they should be the easiest fix since there is not any actual damage to repair in the bathtub. But they can be the most frustrating.

• Avoid sanding down the surface or using a harsh abrasive. If you cannot get the stain out with a good soaking of Dawn dish soap, then you may want to consider covering it.

• There are 4 main types of bathtub materials and each one has their own recommendations to cleaning. Figure out what type of tub you have and then consult with the manufacturer before attempting the use of any chemical cleaners or stain removers.

Conclusion

Choosing between professional and DIY bathtub repair depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your budget, time constraints, and skill level. Professionals offer expertise, quality, and convenience but at a higher cost. DIY repairs are cost-effective and flexible but come with the risks of inexperience and potentially lower quality results.

Consider the pros and cons of each approach to determine the best option for your situation. Whether you decide to hire a professional or tackle the repair yourself, the goal is to restore your bathtub to its former glory, ensuring it remains a functional and attractive fixture in your bathroom.

If you have any personal experiences with your own DIY bathtub repairs, we would love to hear about your experience and any tips for others.