We have a couple of tubs that have made noise when you stand in them to shower, do not know if they were set with a foam piece, no cracks or leaks but after 16 years would like to stop the noise. One is over a crawl space and the other is 2nd floor, any suggestions for using foam or mortar or some product would be appreciated. - don
noisy tubs
- Thread starter donmetz
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Jadnashua
Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
If you have access from an end or the side without the skirt, you can try to stuff some mortar in there. A sand mix is mostly sand with some portland mixed in to hold it together. It is sort of like wet beach sand, it does not flow and can be packed. Foam might deform the tub if you put too much in. WHen it expands, it can be a significant force - plus, it will end up gluing the tub to the floor and make it a bear to replace come remodel time.
If the tubs have stress lines or fractures from flexing, it might fail.
If the tubs have stress lines or fractures from flexing, it might fail.
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JohnfrWhipple
BATHROOM DESIGN & BUILD
Often the noise of the tub comes from flexing where the tile or grout meets the tub deck or tub skirt. Perhaps try removing any grout and thinset from these areas and replacing with silicone. This might stop the problem for you.
As for using mortar under the tub this will be tricky and the mortar will need to be wiggled so it makes a bond with the bottom side of the tub. This can be done with just a stick or proper concrete vibrator.
Spray foam can work as well like Jim mentions it pushed hard when setting and can deform a tub and even raise it. We fill tubs with water and keep that water in overnight or ideally 36 hours. swapping out the short straw for a longer piece of hose can extended your reach.
Rule out the easy fix first and check the tub deck and tub skirt for signs they where grouted tight.
Good Luck.
JW
As for using mortar under the tub this will be tricky and the mortar will need to be wiggled so it makes a bond with the bottom side of the tub. This can be done with just a stick or proper concrete vibrator.
Spray foam can work as well like Jim mentions it pushed hard when setting and can deform a tub and even raise it. We fill tubs with water and keep that water in overnight or ideally 36 hours. swapping out the short straw for a longer piece of hose can extended your reach.
Rule out the easy fix first and check the tub deck and tub skirt for signs they where grouted tight.
Good Luck.
JW
LLigetfa
DIYer, not in the trades
Sage advice to ensure the bead of silicone does not pull away later in use. I would suggest something heavier than water though, since the total weight of the occupant in the water may be more than the water alone.
JohnfrWhipple
BATHROOM DESIGN & BUILD
Water weighs about 8 or 9 pounds per gallon I think. 35 gallons should hold the tub down.
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