Ten months ago we had our bathroom remodeled and, in turn, a new acrylic tub installed by our contractor. Now, there is a crack approximately 12inches long running down the middle of the tub and the area is bowed. We are assuming there was no concrete or mortar placed before the tub was inserted. We have contacted the contractor and he states it is a manufacturing problem. Our question is whether there is any way to put more support under the tub without removing the tiles and tub? We do have access to the backside of two of the three walls surrounding the tub. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

All of the tubs I have seen have had built in support, but yours may not have it. There are things that you can put under the tub to give it support, one is the expanding foam that is use so often around windows and doors. You have to be very careful not to get too much and make the tub bow up in the middle. The crack in your tub can be repaired, in fact the bottom could be cut out and support put in and the bottom replaced. Good luck.

I am having the same problem, but my crack(s) are longer and running along both sides. It is insufficient support of the tub. Most contractors put in a wooden frame, but if it is poorly placed the weight of the tub users will eventually cause it to crack. I hate to say this, but your contractor is responsible for this, not the manufacturer. He is sending you on a wild goose chase until the clock runs out. Go back to the contractor and tell him he needs to come back and add the support he should have added to begin with.

Hi maimad and welcome to the Plumbing pageat at AskMeHelpDesk.com. You piggybacked on an a 5 year old dead thread. In the future, before you post, look in the upper left hand corner for the date.

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He is sending you on a wild goose chase until the clock runs out.

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I think the clock ran out 5 years ago.
However, you gave a great answer. This practice is called, "bedding the tub" and if the plastic or fiberglass tub isn't supported by wood , cement or mortar then there will be trouble on down the line. We bed all our tubs by puddling cement or mortar under the tub. Especially around the drain. Thanks for your input. Tom