After a certain amount of time, any bathtub—no matter how well you care for it—will start to show signs of wear and tear. Your bathtub might be a place for relaxation and solitude, but it takes a beating over the years.
When you start to notice cracks, dents and other wear, it’s time to recruit a professional for bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ. Most fiberglass tubs can be refinished to make them look and feel brand-new once more.
Why bathtubs crack
Bathtubs typically see two different types of cracks: hairline cracks and stress fractures. Stress fractures tend to be larger, but make no mistake—if you ignore cracks in the bathtub, they will worsen over time. The bigger the crack, the more likely it is that water will leak underneath your tub and cause structural damage, mold and other homeowner’s nightmares. Here are some things to avoid:
Harsh chemicals: If you’ve been using harsh cleaners to scrub your tub, you might be doing more harm than good. Harsh chemicals erode the glossy finish, which contributes to faster degrading. Eventually, the bathtub will start to crack.
Lack of support: Your fiberglass tub is durable, but if there isn’t enough support underneath the floor of the tub, the material can start to flex and bend. Eventually, your tub will bend, particularly if you stand in the same spot for a shower every day. The more your tub bends, the faster you’ll notice cracks forming.
Heavy objects: Finally, dropping heavy objects in your tub is the fastest way to see cracks form. Accidents happen, but they can leave behind damage. To mitigate this possibility, try to keep all heavy items away from your tub, including the sides and shelves above the tub. You’ll be much less likely to drop or knock things over that way.
How to fix your cracked tub
When you notice bathtub cracks in Phoenix, AZ, it’s important to take care of them right away. Some cracks can be repaired with DIY kits from your local home improvement store, but you risk an ineffective and unattractive result. Some cracks are so large or lack so much support that you’d be better off replacing the entire tub.
The best option for repairing your cracked fiberglass tub is to hire a professional company to fix the cracks and refinish your tub. In addition to restoring old, grungy tubs, refinishing does wonders for hiding the evidence of cracks, chips and other problems. This tends to add years to the overall lifespan of your tub and is much cheaper than paying to remove and demolish your old tub in order to install a new one.
When you opt to refinish your tub, you’ll also benefit from the company’s expertise—they will be able to recommend ways to ensure your tub doesn’t crack again, including preferred cleaners.
Don’t let your tub cause water damage and other problems in your home. Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. to discuss bathtub crack repair in Phoenix, AZ.
So, you’ve recently restored your porcelain or fiberglass bathtub—congratulations! Now that it’s looking fresh and new, we bet you want to keep it that way. Professional bathtub refinishing can add years to your tub’s lifespan, especially if you care for it properly.
Here’s how to take the best care of your “new” tub so that it stays looking clean and restored for years to come. If you have any questions, be sure to ask A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C.—we’re the experts on bathtub maintenance in Phoenix, AZ:
Wait for the curing period to conclude: Your bathtub refinishing will include a curing period, during which the refinished covering will have the opportunity to fully set. It takes about 90 days to cure completely, although you’ll be able to use your tub within 48 to 72 hours of the refinishing process.
Clean and caulk the faucet: Keeping errant moisture away from your tub ensures that you won’t have to deal with water damage or erosion. Check the caulking every month or so to make sure there are no problems developing.
Scrub with gentle cleaners only: Liquid soap or body wash is one of the gentlest ways to clean your tub—simply scrub and rinse away for a clean, fresh tub. You can also ask your tub refinishing team what kind of cleaners they suggest. As a general rule, stay away from abrasive soaps, brushes and cleaning tools. They will scratch the shiny new finish and make it harder for you to maintain your tub’s new finish.
Wax every one to three months: Much like your car, your bathtub needs to be waxed—and you can even use car wax to do it. About a week after your tub is refinished, wax it for the first time. Then wait a month and do it again in order to keep the finish looking brand-new. Simply take auto wax and apply it according to the directions, buff with a soft cloth and rinse away. Be sure to buff gently, as you don’t want to scratch the finish with too much elbow grease.
Repair chips right away: If you notice chips in your finish, repair them before they get worse—you can either have a professional come repair them, or get a porcelain repair kit from the hardware store. As a general rule, the bigger the chip, the more likely you’ll want a pro to handle the repairs, unless you don’t care whether it looks good (but if you’ve just had your tub refinished, we suspect attractiveness is on your mind).
Avoid suction cups: Non-slip bathmats and other items with suction cups are great to keep you from slipping, but hot water can react with the suction cups and damage your tub’s finish. Avoid using these in your tub.
Keep surfaces dry: Finally, wipe down your tub after using so the surfaces remain dry, and never leave washcloths or sponges lying in the tub.
A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. performs bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ—call us today to get started with an appointment.
Eventually, all of our home fixtures will wear out at one time or another. Bathtubs are not immune—sometimes they can be refinished, but at others, it’s more prudent to replace your bathtub entirely. How do you know when you need to get a new tub, or when you can get by with bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ? Read on to find out.
When to replace your bathtub
The first thing to evaluate is how bad the damage is. Is your tub cracked? Is it buckling from repeated weight? Is it leaking from its drain or supply lines? That’s a sure sign that you need to go ahead and replace it with a brand-new tub. Otherwise, you could see water damage to your floors, walls and ceilings if left unattended.
When you notice these serious issues with your bathtub, you need to get it fixed right away. Try not to use the tub if you can avoid it—otherwise, you’ll be increasing the likelihood of more costly repairs to the surrounding room.
When to refinish and repair your bathtub
If your tub’s damage is minor, like dents, dings and discoloration, you can have the tub refinished and complete any necessary bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ. Both fiberglass and porcelain tubs are good candidates for refinishing, and they can often leave your tub looking like new. If your tub is otherwise in good shape, refinishing it can add new life to the tub and extend its lifespan by several years. It’s a much more economical option than simply replacing your tub—you’ll avoid needing to hire a contractor to rip it out, install a new one, fix the walls and pay for landfill fees and demolition services.
Refinishing a bathtub is a simple process that takes very little time from start to finish—you can start using your bathtub in as little as 24 to 48 hours after it’s refinished. First, the contractors will strip the caulking and remove the hardware like faucets, drains and more. Then they lightly sand the surface so that the new glaze can stick. If there are still dings and dents, they’ll fill those first so the glaze goes on smoothly.
Next, the contractor will prime the bathtub, which can require several layers. The primer needs time to dry in between. Then they’ll spray on several layers of a top coat. Depending on the top coat used, the contractor may need to come back to buff the tub before it’s finished, but many top coats are good to go as soon as they’re cured.
After the top coat is applied, it will need a period of time to cure. At that point, you’ll be able to use your tub once again, and it will look just like new.
In short, when your tub has major damage, you’ll need to bite the bullet to replace the entire fixture. However, if it just has cosmetic damage, you can hire a contractor for bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ.
When your sinks and tubs need a facelift, call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C.
Rust stains occur when iron in your tap water oxidizes and clings to the surface of your sinks and tubs. The telltale orange stains are common in areas that have a lot of iron in the water, and if you use bleach-based cleaners, you can actually make the stains even worse. If you’re experiencing a rusted bathtub in Phoenix, AZ, here’s how to clean and prevent rust stains.
Cleaning rust stains
There are two all-natural ways to get rid of rust stains in your bathtubs and sinks. First, lemon and salt make a highly-effective cleaning combo: squeeze lemon juice over the stains to dampen them, then sprinkle regular table or kosher salt over the stains. Allow to sit for several hours, then gently clean with a fresh microfiber cloth. Rinse clean to remove any lingering lemon juice or salt.
You can achieve similar results using baking soda and water. Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water together (it should be thick and hold its shape, similar to arts and crafts paste), then apply it to the rust stains. Let the mixture sit overnight, then use a clean cloth to wipe the stains away. Rinse and repeat if needed.
If neither of these methods works, try using a little elbow grease and a cleaning screen, available at most hardware stores, to get the job done. It’s slightly more abrasive then scrubbing sponges and will help remove any remaining rust. Oxalic acid can also remove the rust stains, although it is not natural like the other solutions.
Preventing rust stains
Now that you’ve gotten rid of the rust, here are some steps you can take toward rust stain prevention in Phoenix, AZ:
Install a water softener or purifier: The most effective way of getting rust stains out of your bathtubs is to eliminate the iron altogether. Installing a water softener or purifier that’s designed to remove iron will solve the problem at its source and provide the most long-lasting results.
Rinse and wipe down your tub after each use: You can keep your tub clean by making sure to rinse down its walls and sides after each use, then wiping them down with a towel. This helps remove any iron residue, even if you can’t see it in the water.
Don’t store metal in the tub: Do you have metal cans or other metal tools sitting around in your shower or bathtub? This can leave behind rings and other rusty remnants. Store your metal cans and items in a cabinet that will protect the metal from humidity.
Clean your bathtub once a week: Finally, cleaning your bathtub at least once weekly will go a long way toward eliminating rust buildup. If you notice stains starting to form, use one of the methods above to remove them—it will be easier the earlier you catch them. And remember, never use bleach.
If your tub is too far gone, call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., LLC. We can refinish your rusted porcelain and fiberglass tubs and sinks in Phoenix, AZ so they look brand new.
Rust stains occur when iron in your tap water oxidizes and clings to the surface of your sinks and tubs. The telltale orange stains are common in areas that have a lot of iron in the water, and if you use bleach-based cleaners, you can actually make the stains even worse. If you’re experiencing a rusted bathtub in Phoenix, AZ, here’s how to clean and prevent rust stains.
Cleaning rust stains
There are two all-natural ways to get rid of rust stains in your bathtubs and sinks. First, lemon and salt make a highly-effective cleaning combo: squeeze lemon juice over the stains to dampen them, then sprinkle regular table or kosher salt over the stains. Allow to sit for several hours, then gently clean with a fresh microfiber cloth. Rinse clean to remove any lingering lemon juice or salt.
You can achieve similar results using baking soda and water. Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water together (it should be thick and hold its shape, similar to arts and crafts paste), then apply it to the rust stains. Let the mixture sit overnight, then use a clean cloth to wipe the stains away. Rinse and repeat if needed.
If neither of these methods works, try using a little elbow grease and a cleaning screen, available at most hardware stores, to get the job done. It’s slightly more abrasive then scrubbing sponges and will help remove any remaining rust. Oxalic acid can also remove the rust stains, although it is not natural like the other solutions.
Preventing rust stains
Now that you’ve gotten rid of the rust, here are some steps you can take toward rust stain prevention in Phoenix, AZ:
Install a water softener or purifier: The most effective way of getting rust stains out of your bathtubs is to eliminate the iron altogether. Installing a water softener or purifier that’s designed to remove iron will solve the problem at its source and provide the most long-lasting results.
Rinse and wipe down your tub after each use: You can keep your tub clean by making sure to rinse down its walls and sides after each use, then wiping them down with a towel. This helps remove any iron residue, even if you can’t see it in the water.
Don’t store metal in the tub: Do you have metal cans or other metal tools sitting around in your shower or bathtub? This can leave behind rings and other rusty remnants. Store your metal cans and items in a cabinet that will protect the metal from humidity.
Clean your bathtub once a week: Finally, cleaning your bathtub at least once weekly will go a long way toward eliminating rust buildup. If you notice stains starting to form, use one of the methods above to remove them—it will be easier the earlier you catch them. And remember, never use bleach.
If your tub is too far gone, call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., LLC. We can refinish your rusted porcelain and fiberglass tubs and sinks in Phoenix, AZ so they look brand new.
