One small crack in the bottom of your fiberglass bathtub may not seem like a big deal, but that small crack will lead to a whole lot of damage. Here, you'll learn how to repair the crack and find a few tips to help you avoid getting another crack in the near future.

Supply List

• Dawn Dish soap (eliminates oil and grease and washes away without leaving residue)
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Quality paper towels or clean cloths
• Putty knife
• Paint brush
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Epoxy gel
• Sealant
• Fiberglass bonding agent, filler and cloth (usually can be found in a kit)

Prepare for the Repair

Before you begin making any repairs, you need to clean the tub as best you can. Mix some Dawn with very hot water. Use this mixture to scrub the tub with the sponge making sure to get all of the soap grime off. Rinse the area well and allow it to dry.

Make the Repair

Sand the area of the crack extending about an inch past each side. Dampen a paper towel and wipe away any sanding dust. Check to see how smooth it is—if it feels rough, continue sanding until you've smoothed the surface perfectly.

Use the paintbrush to apply a coat of the bonding agent to the area that you've sanded. Allow it to dry.

Now, apply a thin coat of the filler using the putty knife. Smooth it out well but be sure that it coats the crack entirely—extending about an inch on all sides. Wait for the filler to dry—read the instructions to learn how long it takes to fully cure.

Once dry, sand the area smooth. Wipe away the dust with a damp paper towel.

Get the fiberglass cloth and cut it to fit the repair—it needs to extend about 1.5 to 2 inches beyond the crack. Mix the epoxy gel as directed and apply a thin layer of it to the prepped area. Apply the cloth to the epoxy and smooth it out as best you can.

Coat the area with sealant and allow it to dry for as long as the instructions recommended.

Wash the tub out well before filling it with water to bathe.

Prevent Future Cracks

Get a large rubber non-slip mat to put in the tub.

Get shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers that hang on the wall so that you don't have to worry about dropping heavy bottles.

You can get more time out of your tub if you make this repair, but don't ignore the problem. The issue will worsen if you allow the tub to continue to leak into the floor below.

For more information, reach out to companies like Do-It-Ur-Self Plumbing & Heating Supply.