Omar Khalid
Plastic shower floors are prone to scratches, mould, and mildew. They can also be damaged by certain chemicals, such as turpentine, mineral spirits, paint thinner, and acetone, which may cause cracking. Plastic is not a strong material, and plastic shower floors must be supported in some way, whether with support ribs or a mortar base. If you are installing a new plastic shower floor, you can use a bed of mortar spread over the floor, or a mortar-less pan that rests flat on the floor. If you are repairing an existing plastic shower floor, you can use fibreglass and added foam for support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Support | Support ribs, mortar base, or flexible drain fitting |
| Installation | Set on a mortar bed, connected to the drain system |
| Maintenance | Seal small holes with fiberglass and foam, sand, epoxy resin, and epoxy paint |
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What You'll Learn
Use a refinishing kit
If your plastic shower floor is damaged, you can use a refinishing kit to repair it. This is a much cheaper option than replacing the entire shower. You can buy a bathtub refinishing kit or a kit specifically designed for repairing acrylic. If you have holes or cracks to fill, you can use a fiberglass repair kit. The Devcon epoxy bathtub repair kit is highly reviewed for small holes and cracks, while the Bondo 8 oz. fiberglass resin repair kit is better for larger cracks.
Before you begin, make sure you have a clean surface to work with. Remove any items or fixtures from the shower area and cover the parts of your bathroom that you don't want to refinish. You can use tape and plastic sheeting to protect these areas. Then, use an acrylic-safe cleaner to scrub every inch of the shower, removing all traces of oils, soap scum, and hard water deposits. Rinse it well and let it dry completely.
Now it's time to sand the surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 400-600 grit) to lightly sand the entire shower floor. This will help to roughen up the surface, allowing the refinishing material to adhere better. Just be careful not to sand too aggressively, as you don't want to damage the plastic. After sanding, thoroughly clean the shower again to remove any dust or residue. Use a damp cloth or sponge and allow it to dry.
If you're filling holes or cracks, follow the instructions on your chosen repair kit. If the holes or cracks are due to a lack of support, you'll also need to use a can of spray foam. Make a series of holes around the affected area using a drill and a 3/8-inch drill bit. Spray high-density foam into each hole until it overflows. Wait for the foam to set, then cut it flush to the shower floor with a knife and make a small indentation to allow room for epoxy resin.
Once the repair is complete and smooth, it's time to prime and paint. If your kit includes a primer, apply it according to the directions. Most primers come as a clear liquid that you apply with an abrasive cloth or a kitchen scrubbie. After applying the primer, mix the paint with the specified amount of hardener and stir well. You can add a non-slip texture to the mixture if desired. Then, paint the shower floor, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the number of coats required.
After the curing period, remove all the tape and plastic. To maintain your newly refinished shower floor, use a squeegee after each shower to minimize water spots and soap scum buildup. Clean weekly with a non-abrasive cleaner to keep the surface shiny and avoid harsh chemicals that can strip away the finish.
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Seal small holes with fibreglass and foam
Sealing small holes in the floor of a plastic shower unit with fibreglass and foam is a great way to prevent water leakage. Before starting, ensure the edges of the holes are smooth with no sharp inward corners. This will help prevent cracks from spreading.
First, sand the area and apply strips of fibreglass. Then, coat each piece entirely with epoxy resin and allow it to dry. You can also use polyester resin, which bonds well with foam. To ensure a strong seal, consider adding a thickener of fibre to the epoxy. Once the epoxy resin is dry, sand it down and paint it with epoxy paint.
If you are using foam, be sure to seal it before applying the fibreglass to prevent the resin from dissolving the foam. One way to do this is by using wide masking tape to cover the foam, then brushing or spraying on PVA. You can also use a foam sealant straw applicator or a gun foam barrel to fill the gaps with foam insulation.
Additionally, you can use a combination of putty and resin to seal the holes. Start by placing a gob of putty at the bottom of the hole to prevent the resin from running out. Then, mix up some fibreglass resin and pour it into the hole, allowing it to harden. This method can be a bit messy, but it effectively seals the hole and prevents water infiltration.
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Clean with baking soda and vinegar
While plastic shower floors can be cleaned with baking soda and vinegar, it is important to note that some plastic shower floors are textured, making them more challenging to clean. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a plastic shower floor using baking soda and vinegar:
Prepare the Cleaning Mixture:
Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl or container to create a paste. You can also add a small amount of water to the mixture to adjust its consistency.
Apply the Paste:
Use a brush or sponge to apply the paste to the shower floor. Ensure that you cover all areas, especially those that are particularly dirty, stained, or in hard-to-reach places.
Let the Paste Sit:
Allow the vinegar and baking soda paste to remain on the shower floor for about 15 to 30 minutes. This waiting period gives the mixture time to break down dirt, grime, and soap scum.
Scrub the Floor:
After the paste has sat for a sufficient amount of time, use a brush or sponge to scrub the shower floor gently. Use circular motions and apply light to moderate pressure to loosen and remove dirt, paying extra attention to stubborn stains or areas with buildup.
Rinse and Dry:
Thoroughly rinse the shower floor with water to remove all traces of the vinegar and baking soda paste. You can use a handheld showerhead or a bucket of water for this step. Finally, use a towel or squeegee to remove any excess water, leaving your plastic shower floor clean and refreshed.
For particularly stubborn soap scum, you can also try using straight baking soda on a toothbrush to scrub the affected areas. Additionally, a mixture of warm water and vinegar can be used weekly to reduce hard water deposits and keep your plastic shower floor looking its best.
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Use a flexible drain fitting
If you're looking to install a shower drain fitting for a plastic shower floor, one option is to use a flexible PVC coupling. This can be useful if your drainpipe is slightly too short, as it allows you to move the pipe up and down to get the right height before securing it. However, some people advise against using flexible pipes as gunk can build up in the ridges over time, making them hard to clean.
If you decide to use a flexible drain fitting, the first step is to ensure that the drainpipe is the correct height. The drainpipe should come up to about 3/4 to 1 inch below the lip of the shower drain, but always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. You may need to test-fit the shower base and mark the height before cutting the pipe to size. A hacksaw or plastic tubing cutter can be used to trim the pipe, ensuring that the cut is flat and level.
Once the pipe is the correct height, apply a bead of silicone caulk or plumbing professional's putty around the top flange of the shower drain opening. Then, insert the drain assembly into the opening and position the rubber sealing washer and cardboard friction washer over the drain assembly tailpiece from under the shower base. Thread the mounting nut onto the tailpiece and tighten it securely with channel-lock pliers.
After this, carefully position the shower base so that the drainpipe extends up into the drain assembly. Attach the drain strainer assembly to the drain, which usually involves screwing it into the middle flange. Finally, attach the metal grate to the top of the drain assembly and wipe away any excess silicone. Allow the silicone to cure for a full 24 hours before using the shower.
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Cover the floor with tar paper
Tar paper is a common material used to cover the floor of a shower to prevent leaks. It is often used as part of a multi-layer system, providing extra protection against leaks.
To cover your shower floor with tar paper, start by cutting the tar paper to size. You can buy tar paper in rolls, but you will only need a small section to cover the floor of your shower. Once you have the tar paper cut to size, you will need to staple it to the wood floor. Make sure the tar paper is smooth and secure, with no bumps or air pockets. Tar paper should be installed from the bottom up, lapping the paper like shingles, and stapling it to the studs.
After the tar paper is stapled down, you will need to seal the seams with roofing tar. This will create a waterproof seal and ensure that your shower floor is protected from moisture. It is important to note that tar paper is not a food source for mould, so it can help to prevent mould growth in your shower.
You can also use other materials to cover your shower floor, such as plastic or a liquid membrane. However, tar paper is a popular choice due to its effectiveness in preventing leaks and its wide availability.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a plastic shower floor, it must be supported in some way, for example, with support ribs or a mortar base. If you are installing a new shower, you can pour mortar onto the floor and set the shower base in the mortar.
Some shower pans do not require mortar and instead have support ribs beneath them that radiate out from the drain opening.
This can be difficult to do after installation. However, you may be able to access the bottom of the shower pan from a room below the shower and add support there.
Leaks can be caused by severe flexing, which stresses the drain fittings. You can install a special flexible drain fitting in the drainpipe below the shower to accommodate this movement.
To seal small holes in a plastic shower floor, sand the area down, apply strips of fibreglass, coat the area with epoxy resin, sand it down again, and then paint it with epoxy paint.
