Suddenly you have faced a new problem: the old or new bathtub creaks when standing in it. You have checked all the noise source points but don’t understand why acrylic or fiberglass bathtub creaking or popping noises (cracking sounds) frequently.
Now you are searching for a reliable way to solve this cracking noise of a bathing tub.
I want to tell you that you have come to the right place for getting the right solution. I also think that after getting the solution, you can fix the old shower tub so that it can not creak when you stand in it.
So, continue reading, if you want to remove this noise spontaneously.
Types of Bathtubs
Two basic types of bathing tubs are used in our society. Such as:
A. Portable/Freestanding
It is easily movable and you can place it at any time when necessary. A child bathtub is an example of a portable bathing tub. Besides, there is also a portable bathing tub for all users.
B. Fixed
It is fixed or adjusted with the surrounding floor and wall surface. Sometimes mortar (cement and water mixer) is used under the bottom side of this shower tub so that it can’t move.
According to bathtub materials, many types of shower tubs are available in the marketplace.
Why is the Bathtub Cracking Sound (Noise)
This noise may rise for various purposes. Normally, the noise may come from the bottom side of the bathing tub.
So you may have a question: how to fix or solve this creaking bathtub floor?
Now, I am telling you the specific reasons, for this, any shower tub may creak.
Reason 1: Uneven (Squeaky) Floor
When the floor is old enough, corrosion may happen on the surface of the bathroom floor. This is the reason why that surface may be uneven.
There are some gaps created for this uneven floor. When the bathing tub is situated on that uneven floor surface (flexing floor), then that tub may create small movement when you stand in it.
Reason 2: Uneven Bottom Surface of the Bathtub
The other reason may be the uneven condition of the bottom surface (bathtub floor) of the bathing tub.
After using it for a long time, corrosion may happen in it. For this reason, there may be gaps between the tub and floor. This is the reason why it may creak during your bathing time.
Reason 3: Bathtub may be Cracked
Normally quality bathing tubs don’t crack and accidentally this situation may happen. Any side of the shower tub may create larger or hairline cracks.
Normally cracks are created in the bottom side of the tub due to friction. This is why it may create a squeaky sound.
N.B: Besides, the sound may be created from the showerhead. So you should find out the exact noise source. Improper installation of a bathtub may also create noise.
How to Fix/Solve a Squeaky Bathtub
If you want to solve this noisy problem, at first you should focus on some points. They are:
A. Check carefully where the bottom surface of the shower tub touches the floor. After checking, identify if there are small gaps or not.
B. You should prepare support (wooden or other strong material) for placing under the tub.
C. You should ready adhesive sealant and spray foam (expansion foam filler) for bathtubs for filling the gaps that create noise. Basically, the sealant is needed for blocking the gaps that create in the surrounding area of the fixed bathtub.
video credit to (homebuildingandrepairs.com)
There are some ways to remove the cracking noise of the cracked bathtub.
So you need to focus on the reasons below and check which reason is matching for your problem.
1. The Gap between the Bathtub and Floor Surface
At first, you need to focus on whether this type of gap is available or not between the two contact surfaces of the bathing tub and floor.
If you see that there are some uneven gaps there, you should place good support under the tub.
You can place the accurate support (strong hardboard) under the tub. Remember, make sure that the bottom surface of the tub must be even or flat when you place new support under the tub.
The support may vary according to the types of bathing tubs (fixed and freestanding/portable). When steel, cast iron, vinyl, and plastic bathtub creak, you can also use the exact support. After doing that the squeaky sound may be solved.
After supporting the tub, if you see that it is still making a squeaky sound, you should do the next process.
You should apply spray foam to the gap (between the support and the tub).
In a fixed type bathtub, You should fill the small gap around the side of the tub. For doing this, you can use adhesive sealant which also contains soundproof elements.
There are also other solutions for fixing that gap. You can apply dry mortar under the shower tub.
Remember: This application is for a fixed type of shower tub. The installation of a mortar bed works in this type of bathing tub. Professional people also apply the mortar slab for the good position of the tub.
Do you know what a mortar is?
It is a mixture of cement, sand, water, and concrete. You should also remember that the application of mortar is not for a portable bathtub.
If you see that there is no gap between the tub and support, then you should check other things. There may be cracks or damage in the tub. If it is cracked accidentally, you should repair it quickly.
2. Cracked Bathtub
Now, I am talking about another problem that may create a bathtub squeaky sound.
If you see that there is a crack or fracture, you can fix it with the help of a bathtub repair kit/paint. For doing this you need a professional bathroom fixer to do all the work. If you use a reliable bathing tub, this fracture problem will be less.
So you should check the quality before collecting a new one.
Is a Squeaky or Creaking Bathtub Dangerous?
The squeaky sound of a bathing tub makes you uneasy during your bathing time. Normally you want to feel fresh at that time.
But if you hear any boring creaking sound in that situation, you may feel bored. Besides, bad noise is not good for health. It affects your mental situation.
Not only the creaking bathtub but also the noisy bathroom is also a negative side of your living place.
To solve this noisy issue, you should take a quick decision and find a better way for soundproofing your bathroom. I think this is not tough for you and you need the plan to implement the acoustic materials in your bathroom.
But if you need to reduce noise from the bathroom, you need to focus on the below issues:
- For soundproofing a bathroom, solving this problem is also important. If any noise comes to the bottom gap of the bathroom door, you should apply the door sweep.
- You may try the white noise machine for masking some noise in the bathroom.
- If you need to apply acoustic material for soundproofing of a door, you can use weatherstripping for filling the door gaps.
- If you really don’t know how to fill gaps between the door frame and wall, you should read this article.
My Overview
In summary, I want to say that you don’t need to worry if the air (bubble) massage bathtub makes noise. Just follow the guidelines and implement reliable techniques.
First, you should understand where the problem is. After finding the problem, you need to take a quick step seriously.
If the noise comes from the total room, you should implement acoustic materials in your room. If you don’t understand how to remove room noise, then read another article where I have told the solution about soundproofing the room.
If the noise just comes from the bathing tub, just concentrate on it. You should regularly clean the drain connection and pipes (with and without rubber) of a shower tub.
You should repair the drain for a better drain connection. Here, I have shared some points that you should follow for solving the noisy problem of tubs.
I have also shared how to solve this problem. This is why you should read this information if you want to fix this squeaky sound.
According to the types of shower tubs, you need to take steps for fixing that noise problem. Using mortar is not necessary and you can try the other methods as you wish.
But the implementation of mortar is a better solution for only a fixed type of bathtub and tub replacement is important if the condition is very poor.
FAQ: Bathtub Creaks When Standing in It
Why does Sometimes the Bathtub Make Cracking Noises?
This depends on the situation of a bathing tub. If it is old enough, it may have problems like cracks, fractures, holes, etc. Besides, the bottom surface may be uneven for corrosion.
If the floor surface is not smooth, then the shower tub may have some movements. For all these reasons, it can make cracking sounds.
Do Only Acrylic Bathtubs Crack?
Acrylic bathtubs may crack after using a long time. But other fiberglass bathtubs also have the same problem. Besides, the noisy sound of the tub depends on the structural situation.
How do You Solve (Fix) a Crack in an Acrylic Tub?
You may solve this crack by applying a bathtub repair kit. I think you should call a professional person to fix this issue if you don’t understand. You can also fix this problem from a local shower tub fixing shop.
What to do If the Tub is Making a Cracking Sound?
First, you should focus on the bottom surface of the bathing tub. If that surface is smooth, you should focus on the floor surface.
If the floor is ok, then you should focus on the other problem like a cracked bathtub. After finding any problem, make a decision.
I have also shared the solution in this article. If you read this total blog, you can understand what to do to fix that cracking noise.
How to Support the Bottom Part of the Acrylic Bathtub?
I have also described the answer to this question in this article. You can apply a wood panel under the tub so that it can firmly stay in there.
If you think a wood panel is not preferable for you, you can use another strong hardboard. You can also use cement, sand, and water mixture under the bathing tub. Only use this mixture, when your shower tub is fixed type (not movable).
Don’t apply this mortar in the full portion of the bottom part of the tub. You should just use this mixture at the center portion of the bottom part.