Bathtubs are ideal installations for modern bathrooms.
It is, therefore, good to maintain them properly.
You want to keep them in great condition so that they can last.
It can stressful to jump into a bathtub only to hear horrible creaking sounds. Apart from causing a disturbance, you start worrying about the integrity of your tub.
So, Why Does Your Bathtub Creak When You Stand In It?
Apart from the nature of the material used to make it, bathtubs can creak due to several other reasons including poor installation.
In this article, we shift our focus to these reasons and a wide spectrum of tips for containing the problems.
See Also: Why Do You Hear Scratching Noises Underneath the Bathtub?
Three Possible Reasons Your Bathtub Creaks
Bathtubs are prone to creaking especially acrylic models.
If you are currently experiencing these horrible creaks whenever you get in your bathtub, you might be wondering what the problem is.
This could be due to two surfaces rubbing against each other.
This can be any part of the tub where important fixtures like faucets and screwed areas where the nuts were fit in.
Keep reading the next section to understand why your bathtub is creaking.
1. Problem With The Flooring
The chief cause of creaking in your bathtubs is likely to be an issue with the floor area.
This is the meeting point between the tub and floor.
You need to listen keenly to be sure that the sides are okay to ascertain that the problem lies with the floor.
Poor Installation
The root cause of this is poor installation and fastening of the tub on the floor. Inadequate adhesive could also be the problem.
Besides, water leaks onto the floor could cause the joints to expand leading to creaks.
Poor subflooring can also affect the strength and integrity of the tub leading to creaks. Any gap between the floor and the tub has the potential of causing noisy squeaks.
Heat Expansion
Heat expansion is also another major cause of creaking on the flooring of the tub.
Tiles absorb more heat than concrete. This expansion strains the meeting points between the tub and the floor.
When it cools down, it makes it lose.
A tub that is loosely in place starts creaking when some weight is exerted on it.
Joint Damage
Additionally, any damage to the subflooring potentially damages the joints between the floor and the tub. It can either make it lose or tight. If it becomes loose, it starts to creak.
2. The Type Of Material The Bathtub Is Made Of
Bathtubs coated with acrylic material usually leads to squeaking.
Because of their glassy nature and thermoplastic nature, these materials are likely to complain whenever some pressure is exerted on them.
People often prefer acrylic because of its highly durable, versatile, and lightweight nature.
The problem with anything glassy-like is that when exposed to intense weight, they have a very high tendency to creak.
Creaking caused by this material, however, is easy to correct as compared to other materials.
3. Cracked Bathtub
Sometimes, your bathroom floor may not be the problem.
Even after all the fixtures are fastened in place, you may still hear some creaks.
The problem could be a cracked bathtub. Any chipping on the bathtub can cause fragments to fall apart.
The tub is often fitted in place to the point that even fragments may remain still in place. Still, you will hear cracking and creaking sounds when you get into the bathtub.
See Also: Is It Worth Insulating A Bathtub? Or Purchasing A New And Improved One?
If you assess and take note of any cracks in your bathtub, try to look into the degree of the flaw and make corrections the soonest as possible. Get a professional who can seal any cracks with precision.
Apart from horrible cracking and creaking noises, broken parts of the tub can allow water leakage.
This can be disastrous not only to the bathroom but the entire structure of your home.
How Can You Fix A Creaky Bathtub?
You can only fix a bathtub that creaks if you know exactly where the problem emanates from.
- In most cases, the creaking originates from the joining point between the acrylic tub and the wall.
- Or it could be the standalone acrylic tub creaking when the floor connection with the tub is loose.
- It can get loose with time especially if it was not fixed well during installation.
- Inadequate support can also be the reason why these parts will start creaking in the future.
Here’s how you can rectify this:
1. Note And Correct Any Tub Flex
Flexing or bending on the floor of the tub can occur when some weight is placed on its floor.
A creak can potentially damage your bathtub by causing the development of cracks.
This can take place over time without being noticed. You might just realize when it is too late. So, it is a prudent idea to act swiftly.
Low expansion foam is ideally the best material for filling any gaps in the floor of your bathtub acrylic tub. This helps to quell and reduce any flexing.
That is the surest way to prevent any potential damage to your bathtub.
2. Check For Any Loose Parts On The Tub Surround
Bathtub surround come in handy and they are the best installations that give your bathroom an appealing look while giving you the luxury you want.
Modern-day bathtubs come with surround but they can be a cause of a creak if they are not fastened well.
They can even snap if the strain on them is persistent.
The parts start rubbing together when you sit on the bathtub.
The best you can do to eliminate this problem is to check the tub’s perimeter to ensure that the surround is tightly held in place.
3. Check The Subfloor
A rubber layer is often laid between the acrylic tubs and the floor of your bathroom.
Another ideal alternative is foam.
This layer, however, can wear out or move out of place unnoticed.
See Also: Do Freestanding Bathtubs Have Weight Limits?
The result is creaking since the tub is exposed directly to the bathroom floor.
The only solution for this is a direct replacement of the foam or the plastic part. Replacement of the foam or plastic, however, forces you to remove the entire bathtub.
4. Install Shims In Place Of Plastic Or Foam
Shimming the area between the tub and the flooring is the best alternative for foam or plastic.
Shims are pieces of wood. You can always obtain them from the nearest store.
Put them between the acrylic and the floor of your bathroom especially on the part where creaks are prevalent.
The creaking can also come from the floor itself. Such areas require shims.
You can execute the shimming underneath as well. Aside from securing the floor from potential water damage, it keeps the bathtub intact and durable.
Final Words
Squeaking and creaking of the bathtub is a great problem.
You need to get things done and errors corrected as soon as they unfold to avoid any further damage.
Once you know the root cause of creaking, you can always get down to details and bring in a solution.
This will keep the tub in great condition and prolong its durability.
Remember to always check the fixtures of your tub and fasten them whenever they get loose.
References
How to Fix a Squeaky Acrylic Tub
Why Might Bathtubs Make Creaking And Cracking Sounds?
