How to Repair Cracked Shower Tray

A cracked shower tray will let water seep through the cracks, potentially damaging the structure beneath it and leading to the growth of mold. So, if you’ve noticed that there are cracks in your shower tray, you must not use the shower until it has been repaired.

If you’d like to try and repair your shower tray before you consider replacing it, read this guide as over the next couple of sections, we'll show you how to repair a crack in a shower tray step-by-step.

But before we do that, we’d first take a look at some of the most common reasons why your shower tray may have cracked in the first place.

Common Causes of Shower Tray Cracks

There are a number of reasons that could have led to your shower tray cracking, Some of the most common include:

Material Fatigue

If you haven’t replaced your shower tray in a couple of years and regularly use the shower, it’s quite normal for the materials to weaken until they eventually start to crack. This is especially common if your shower tray isn’t the highest quality.

Improper Installation

Improper installation is another common cause of cracks in a shower tray. For example, if the tray wasn’t securely supported or leveled during installation, it can lead to uneven stress, causing cracks to form over time.

Heavy Impact

Although shower trays are designed to withstand regular use, they are not unbreakable and if they’re put under constant heavy pressure, they may start to crack. Cracks from heavy impact are especially common when more than one person uses the shower at any one time.

Tools and Materials Needed for Repair

Now that you know some of the causes that could have led to a crack in your shower tray, let’s take a look at the tools and materials you’ll need for the repair. In regards to tools, you’ll need:

• A utility knife to remove any old sealant or debris around the crack
• Sandpaper to smooth out the cracked area
• A putty knife or a spatula to apply the filler or epoxy evenly over the crack
• Drill with a small bit to create a tiny hole at each end and prevent the crack from expanding
• Cleaning cloths to clean and dry the surface
• Masking tape to protect the surrounding area

In terms of materials, we recommend buying an epoxy repair kit, colour-matched paint or gelcoat, a cleaning solution, sealant, and a fiberglass mesh. Safety comes first, so don’t forget to pick up a face mask, gloves, and safety goggles if you don’t have any.

How to Repair a Hairline Crack in a Shower Tray

If you need to repair a hairline crack in a shower tray, follow the following four steps to repair it:

Step 1: Clean the Area

Thoroughly clean the cracked area using a cleaning solution to remove any soap scum, grease, or residue. This will ensure better adhesion for the repair material.

Step 2: Prepare the Crack

Once you’ve cleaned the crack, it’s time to prepare it for repair. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the area around the crack. This will create a rough surface for the epoxy resin or filler to adhere to.

Step 3: Apply Epoxy Filler

When the crack is prepared, follow the manufacturer's instructions for your chosen repair material. Use a putty knife or spatula to carefully apply the epoxy resin or filler into the crack. Make sure to smoothen it out so it’s level with the surrounding area.

Step 4: Smooth and Finish

Once you’ve allowed the repair material to be fully cured, use sandpaper once more to smoothen the surface. Then, all you need to do is wipe away any dust with a clean cloth.

How to Fix Larger Cracks or Damage

If you’re dealing with a larger crack, the repair process will be slightly different. To repair a larger crack in your shower tray, follow the following three steps:

Step 1: Assess the Damage

First, make sure to assess the damage. This involves determining the size of the crack and trying to figure out why it happened in the first place. Knowing this key information will help you prevent the crack from forming again in the future.

Step 2: Reinforce the Area

Once you’ve assessed the damage, make sure to reinforce the area. You can do this by applying a fiberglass repair kit or a similar strengthening material to the underside of the shower tray. This step is crucial for ensuring the crack does not expand further and that the tray is structurally sound. 

Step 3: Apply and Finish

After reinforcing the cracked area, seal the crack using a specialised shower tray repair filler or epoxy resin, smoothen it out, and let it cure. Once cured, smoother in with sandpaper once again and wipe away any dust.

Tips for Successful Shower Tray Crack Repair

Now that you know how to repair your shower tray cracks, here are a couple of additional tips that will increase your chances of success:

• Clean the area thoroughly before starting the repair
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using repair kits
• Work in small sections for even application
• Allow sufficient curing time before using the shower
• Use a colour-matching filler for a seamless finish

When to Consider Replacing the Shower Tray

Unfortunately, there are also cases where your shower tray is beyond repair and it’ll generally be better and probably cheaper to replace the shower tray entirely, Some such cases include: 

• Extensive cracking or multiple deep cracks
• Persistent water leaks causing damage to surrounding areas
• Severe discolouration or staining that cannot be cleaned
• Warping or sagging of the shower tray
• Mould or mildew growth due to water seepage beneath the tray
• Frequent repairs that are no longer cost-effective

If any of the above apply to you and you want to replace your shower tray, consider reading our how to guide in removing shower trays. It’ll help you safety take it out and put the new one in (or at least get it ready for the installation specialist).

Preventing Future Shower Tray Cracks

Preventing your shower tray from cracking in the future is the best way to save yourself from the hassle and expense of repairs or replacements. Some steps that you can take with your new shower tray include:

Use Proper Installation Techniques

Although DIY is the cheapest option when it comes to installing a new shower tray, it’s often not the best approach, especially if you’re not experienced. So, hiring a professional to install your new shower tray properly will pay off in the long run.

Avoid Heavy Impacts

Although shower trays are designed to bear the weight of a person, they aren’t designed to be put under heavy loads for prolonged periods - especially when warm water is running. This can weaken the structural integrity of the tray and it may begin to crack prematurely.

Regular Maintenance

Maintaining your shower tray regularly will not only keep it clean and shiny for longer but will also help you keep track of general wear and tear. That way, as soon as you notice signs that could lead to a crack in the future, you can take the necessary steps to prolong the life of the shower tray.

Final Thoughts / CTA

Repairing a cracked shower tray can be a more affordable option than replacing the tray entirely. Unfortunately, in some cases, shower trays can be beyond repair, in which case a replacement will be needed.

If you’re not confident that you can do the repair yourself or just want to replace your tray entirely, at Plumbworld, we offer a large variety of shower trays to suit everyone’s unique needs and budget. For example, our best price shower tray 1700 x 700.