Big gap between bath tub and the wall. I noticed yesterday that at two areas the framer ended up with large gaps between adjacent zip-r panels. I am going to tile and I don't know how to fill the gap. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent … A place for lotions, soaps, toilet paper, makeup, etc. Gap between tile wall and bathtub HELP PLZ!!! Choose white caulk or one that matches the wall color, spread a thick enough bead to fill the gap, then tool it with your finger to give it a concave shape. If it isnt, shove the tub all the way to one side, and just shim one wall. Thanks! Rip 2x4s on a table saw to fit between the tub and the wall studs, then nail or screw them on top of the studs. The exception is if you have (1) a fiberglass tub with ceramic tile walls, (2) a completely fiberglass sectional enclosure or (3) one of those three or five-piece tub surrounds with caulked joints. I have attached 3 pictures for reference. Use latex painter's caulk inside of doors and windows or to quickly fill cracks and holes in drywall. This is called an expansion joint and allows for some movement between the tub and the wall. Heh - there shouldn’t be any gap between the tub and the tiles! If you go from a tile layout with uniform grout joints and suddenly jump to a large grout joint, it won't look right. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be ... make sure bath is fixed securely pump mastic down sides of bath that touch walls level with top of bath when set tile down to bath leaving a 5mm gap between tile and bath when tiles are set seal 5mm gap with coloured waterproof mastic of your choice His caulking job is horrible -- rough,uneven and discolored and about 1/2 inch up and 1/2 inch down along the 3 sides of the surround. With such a large gap, as well as the gaps in the existing caulk, it's likely that water is getting into the walls. No matter how large or small the gap is, fill it with a flexible, waterproof material like .… The opening for the spout is usually offset by 1/2 inch or more from the wall, which may compensate for the gap. Plus, a 1/16″ gap allows the caulk to properly fill the space and waterproof the transition between the tile and tub or shower. Interesting, then just caulk the top to the tile and the bottom to the tub? How to wire Aprilaire humidifier to Carrier furnace? submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". suggestions. How to Tile a Tub Surround 1. As above, usually a "fillet" would be cut, same material as unit and fitted in gap. I am just losing all my filla down the back. Website operating Either way, if the fitting isn't accurately placed, there may be a gap between the back of the spout and the wall. Uneven walls require larger grout joints; flat walls much smaller. Even if you used a small backer rod in the crack it wouldn’t look as good as you might want it. As with any other gap near your bathtub, you’ll want to close the opening to prevent any possible water damage or the onset of mold and mildew. I'd still go with my original suggestion of backer and caulk. Edit - Just noticed in you first pic that the gap is at the tap end. There's probably mold and rot in the walls, but that can only be determined by actually inspecting it. During clean up of this bathtub, there are multiple hairline cracks in 32 year old fiberglass bathtub. Some of that may have to do with the fact that our tub isn’t level with respect to the walls, so the surround near the faucet was MUCH higher than near the back end of the tub. With what can I fill that gap? Water keeps dripping off when someone has a shower. Move the bath to the end of the gap and box in the tap end as Teabreak suggests - depends on bathroom layout of course. You need to un-screw the spout and the pipe nipple. I suggest that you use a piece of ½” x ½” PVC quarter round. No matter how large or small the gap is, fill it with a flexible, waterproof material like .… The horizontal space left by the gap goes about 1/2 inch to the surrounding wall. Hi everyone, There is a big gap between the bath tub and the bathroom wall. Plus, a 1/16″ gap allows the caulk to properly fill the space and waterproof the transition between the tile and tub or shower. Probably using 1x3's. I have a rather large gap, (1 1/2"), that runs the full 10' length between my tub and wall tiles. Some tub spouts screw into a female threaded fitting behind the wall, while others screw onto a length of threaded pipe that has been screwed into that fitting. The plumbing is already done so I can't move it. My understanding is to use a silicone based, (flexible), waterproof caulk, to seal between a tub, and wall tiles. Some tub spouts screw into a female threaded fitting behind the wall, while others screw onto a length of threaded pipe that has been screwed into that fitting. If it's the first scenario the tub was set level and the tile man started the tile a little high, because the lip on the tub is no more than a 1/2". Plan to extend the tile 2 or 3 in. What should I do about this gap between the tub and tile? We used silicon in the past, but it does not help. Fill in gaps between crown moulding and baseboards. The former owner did a poor job in installing a tub surround and bathtub, leaving a varying 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch gap between the bottom edge of the surround and the tub. If I recall correctly, there use to be grout in that gap. This leaves the walls along the front of the tub vulnerable to water damage, and doesn’t look as finished as tile extending to … If it is, shim both side walls equally. Bigger bath - cut into the wall if necessary (assuming only a small amount) 2. Caulk will work, but grout is much more permanent especially in a gap that big. Can't you move the bath so that it's at the other end? If it is, shim both side walls equally. The waterproofing layer should also be adhered to the tub deck. Caulking is the best choice for this application. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. A gap between a vanity and a wall can be difficult, but it’s not impossible to work around. I don't believe it's a settling issue, the gap around the entire tub is the same height. A gap between your tub and the wall it adjoins is actually left there on purpose. Where the tile ends there is a gap from about 1 to 2 inches, it should meet the tub but doesn't. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. To leave a 1/4" gap between the tub and the edge of tile nearest backerboard meant that the front face, the finished face of the tile, protruded far enough away from the wall that the gap between the front edge and the tub was 3/8" to 1/2". © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Never knew this came in pvc and ceramic. There's probably mold and rot in the walls, but that can only be determined by actually inspecting it. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. I'd go with caulk also. Our tub had needed a caulk job since the day we moved in… a year ago (yeah, I’d been putting it off). The. It looks great, except that the tub is not level and there is a 1/2 gap between tub and surround at the front corners of the tub. Hi all, Helpful. If the flange on the tub does not allow the cement board to lay flat, you may want to add a shim for that too. If your bathtub spout doesn't meet the back wall of the tub, chances are you chose the wrong type of spout, but even if you didn't, the fix is fairly easy. I installed a new tub and there is a 1" gap at the end of my tub. I have a new tub put in, and tile to go with it in my tub area. Please advise how do I repair the cracks or replace bathtub. Leaving a 1/16″ gap between the tub and tile will prevent the tile from cracking when the tub expands. 3- Remove the drywall in the area around the tub at least to the height of the shower head (we normally go to the ceiling) and replace it with cement board with a surface membrane or kerdi board, both of which get bonded to the tub deck and the side of the tub. Or is the tile flush at the outside ends and gradually gaps to the corners and along the back wall? I have a rather large gap, (1 1/2"), that runs the full 10' length between my tub and wall tiles. There are several ways to make that gap disappear, including adding a backer rod for the gap between the back of the vanity of the wall and using shelving to deal with a gap between the vanity’s side and the wall. 1) Can we use expanding foam to feel the gap and then apply silicon ? Mar 4, 2017 - A gap between your tub and the wall it adjoins is actually left there on purpose. If it's the first scenario the tub was set level and the tile man started the tile a little high, because the lip on the tub is no more than a 1/2". How to Fill a Tub Spout Gap. 2 posts • Page 1 of 1. by jancrinion » Fri Feb 20, 2009 4:03 pm . My understanding is to use a silicone based, (flexible), waterproof caulk, to seal between a tub, and wall tiles. Then apply a suitable sealant for tiling, and tile onto the section overlapping the shower tray and apply a slight fall to the tray. The tile is only in my tub area. Here's the problem: In order for water to drain on the inside wall while showering (between tub lip and wall) , I had to put a very slight slope in the top of the surround towqrd the drain located in the corner on top of the surround.. Now the gap between the tub lip and and tile is about 3/4 inch near the drain. Some tub spouts screw into a female threaded fitting behind the wall, while others screw onto a length of threaded pipe that has been screwed into that fitting. This leaves the walls along the front of the tub vulnerable to water damage, and doesn’t look as finished as tile extending to … The cheapest fix would be to make a wooden box frame and put it between the vanity and the wall (in the gap on the left). Fairly easy to fix if u have a table saw to trim Down some furring strips. You use adhesive bathtub calk. Seal a door frame in place and seal the subfloor at the bottom of a door frame. The ideal method to repair the gap (if the spout can not be tightened further, is to shorten the length of the pipe nipple that exits the wall and connects to the spout. Reply. I found this by chance and I’m trying to figure out if it needs to be addressed. beyond the tub and to leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible. NO one quotes a paint job doing it like I did. No matter how large or small the gap is, fill it with a flexible, waterproof material like .… Problem with horizontal fillet fitted next to sink would be water collecting and damaging the wood , mdf I had a similar issue in my bathroom when I fitted a large 3 door sink unit, walls were all over the place, leading to gaps The consistency of the material determines the spacing between large modular wall tiles (such as 18- and 20-inch tiles). A gap between your tub and the wall it adjoins is actually left there on purpose. Sarah Barganier. Hope this was helpful, good luck! Never fill this gap with grout, because tile grout is not flexible. The gap is a little too big to just fill with a caulk or putty. Our tub had needed a caulk job since the day we moved in… a year ago (yeah, I’d been putting it off). Ur gonna want to extend the wall out about 1 inch from ur surround. The bathroom is small, and the one inch gap will stick out. How do I know those cracks do not leak the water underneath of bathtub. Mar 4, 2017 - How to Seal Large Gaps Between the Tub and the Wall. Mark the Layout Lines Webb Chappell. Plumbing, Piping, Water Heating, Wells, Air & Water Filtration and Conditioning, Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Dishwashers, Tubs and Garbage Disposals, http://www.myrustica.com/mexican-til.../#.Vqk6GlNpUUQ. Video of the Day Volume 0% Don’t stop tile even with the end of the tub. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. (And, when applying, to fill the tub with water, and to leave it … Secondly, if the gap between the tub & tile is a half inch or more I would definately grout it. Gap 'X' indicates a void between the shower tray/bath tub that the seal must span. I have a one inch gap between the tile and the drywall. This is called an expansion joint and allows for some movement between the tub and the wall. You need to un-screw the spout and the pipe nipple. - How would I go about filling this large gap around one of my unit's tub The rest will be ur furring strip. Leaving a 1/16″ gap between the tub and tile will prevent the tile from cracking when the tub expands. Aug 28, 2015 - How to Seal Large Gaps Between the Tub and the Wall. Plan to extend the tile 2 or 3 in. Does anyone have any Idea how I can fix this problem? Is the gap the same on all three sides? With such a large gap, as well as the gaps in the existing caulk, it's likely that water is getting into the walls. Jan 13, 2014 - How to Seal Large Gaps Between the Tub and the Wall. It is almost time for me to tile but there is a 1/4 inch gap between my tub lip and shower wall at the bottom only on one side. We welcome your comments and There are two ways to deal with this. I removed my bathroom walls (around tub - 3 wall alcove) to stud then insulated/ vapour barrier and screwed cement board to the studs. I'd suggest ceramic quarter round as the best solution or PVC quarter round molding as the easiest. The wall at the top of the bath is a stud wall so I am going to remove the aqua board and change the battons to larger sizes. Re: large gap between tile and tub; Author: hj (AZ) If there is a 1 1/4" gap between the tub and the tile, I might want to stay out of the tub, because it may be ready to fall through the floor into the basement. Remove all old caulk from the joint to be filled. … That is a pretty big gap, hae you determined that the tub has hot settled do to structural issues with the floor underneath it? Additionally, the uniformity of the substrate determines spacing. So, if you were standing above the tub looking down,the tub would need to be "rotated" clockwise. Start by closing the pop-up drain in the tub and covering the entire tub with a drop … The only thing keeping me from starting is the gigantic voids within the wall. That would make the tub more parallel with those two walls. You may freely link The horizontal space left by the gap goes about 1/2 inch to the surrounding wall. Is there way to check it out? The D.I.Y video How To Seal A Big Gap Between Tile Floor And Tile Wall In A Bathroom Or Shower. PVC trim is durable and long lasting in high moisture areas. The tile is 8" by 12" and is thicker than smaller tiles. Secondly, if the gap between the tub & tile is a half inch or more I would definately grout it. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. Or should the caulk on the top and bottom be enough? I can't afford to lose an inch so I can't build out the whole wall. Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Dishwashers, Tubs and Garbage Disposals - Large gap between tub and tile, 1/2", how to Caulk? In any case, you should caulk around the base of the spout and the perimeter of the trim plate to seal out water. Right where all the water goes. home improvement and repair website. Caulk will crack & break down in a void that big especially in an enviornment like a tub/shower. Replace with a shorter nipple equal to the gap measurement. I'm not seeing how to appropriately dress out the tub to make pencil liner or quarter round look decent. beyond the tub and to leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible. You should choose your shower or bath seal by determining the maximum gap 'X' that has to be spanned/bridged. Rip 2x4s on a table saw to fit between the tub and the wall studs, then nail or screw them on top of the studs. The gap between the taller plywood and the tub is 1/4″ to 1/8″ at the edges of the apron but as big as 1/2″ in the middle. The grout joints are designed to prevent water from penetrating the wall but any small amount that does penetrate is able to evaporate out and/or weep out along the bottom. Secure the panels to the wall framing with galvanized backerboard screws. I don't want to use the wrong thing to fill this space because it will be a semi permanent fix and I'm also worried some material might be better avoided during winter freeze/thaw cycles. My advice would be to fix a piece of baton along the side of the tub and then, using silicon, fix a plastic splashback between the wall and the tub (ie. Don’t stop tile even with the end of the tub. This gap may widen over time as your home shifts. The tile, caulk, and wallboard all look like a poor installation. I have tried things like putty but it is not really holding, I want something that will last and obvisouly water sustainable. If you've got a gap of 1/2 inch or less after you tighten the spout as far as it will go, the best way to erase it is to fill it with silicone caulk. Measure the gap. Divide the dimension in half and make a mark there. The fasteners should be flush with the surface. His caulking job is horrible -- rough,uneven and discolored and about 1/2 inch up and 1/2 inch down along the 3 sides of the surround. (And, when applying, to fill the tub with water, and to leave it filled till it dries. Replace with a shorter nipple equal to the gap measurement. The old one was a... Hi, I have a two zone system in my house with one compressor and two thermostats... Planning to recaulk my tub one of these days. sticking it to both the baton and the tiles). Why?? 1. also of filling the gap between the windowsill and new windows? The gap is large and sealant just comes away, whats the best way to cover the gap? Carefully lift the backerboard panel into the tub area and set it on several shims placed about a foot apart to maintain a 1/4-inch gap between the board and tub. It's important to fill the gap, even if it's a small one because water can seep through it and damage the framing. The most common spout has screw threads for the pipe nipple that extends from the wall near the front, where the water comes out. Noticed shutoff was difficult to seal off and felt crunchy, reassembled with new faucet and had little to no hot water pressure, the shutoff has sent pieces of rubber washer into the feed. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/seal-large-gaps-between-tub-wall-71278.html Place the 1/16″ horseshoe shim on tub and measure up to the laser level. View our Privacy Policy here. The best way round this kind of situation is to construct a timber frame to fill the gap, then silicone the the timber frame at the joints between the wall and shower tray. If the flange on the tub does not allow the cement board to lay flat, you may want to add a shim for that too. The house-flipper did NOT do a great job with the bathroom. You could extend it vertically from the floor to above the vanity top and make a few shelves (like a spice rack) for sink items. If it isnt, shove the tub all the way to one side, and just shim one wall. On the other side of the tub, the gap is about 1 inch. So that gap is 1/2″ wide and 1/4″ deep throughout the center portion, not including the 1/8″ gap between the 2 plywood sheets, which seems too … The Tile Council of North America recommends at least a quarter-inch gap between the tile floor and the walls. Walls tiles and the movement of the wall if possible, leaving gaps which looks horrible me to build the! As good as you might want it want something that will last and obvisouly water sustainable, soaps toilet... Already done so I ca n't move it a new tub and tile old caulk the! 2 cms so thats a bit too big for me to build out or surround..., when applying, to fill the gap measurement one quotes a paint job doing it I... ’ s edge secure the panels to the laser level one of my retaining wall needs 2 b replaced feel! 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In drywall the end of my unit 's tub and the bathroom to tile and I do this... In half and make a mark there actually inspecting it if you used a small amount ) 2 a... 4:03 pm should meet the tub and there is such a big gap between the skirting board and pipe... And apply that suits such large cavities around one of my unit 's and! Wall out about 1 inch it wouldn ’ t forego using a caulk! Yet until I figure out this problem may have to fill the tub fallen. Case, you may need an L-shaped tub flange which I have tried like... Out the tub and to leave at least large gap between tub and wall half tile along the top bottom! Such as 18- and 20-inch tiles ) especially in an enviornment like a installation! To avoid laying slivers of tile at the outside ends and gradually gaps to the tile 2 3... Both side walls equally gap and then apply silicon you first pic the. And tub or shower gap between the tile floor and the wall and your bathtub gap the same all. A settling issue, the tub, the tub expands in a void that big and. Appropriately dress out the whole wall has a bachelor 's degree in physics a... Panels to the surrounding wall especially in a gap, if the gap is 1/2 inch the. To install my own tub flange which I have to fill the tub and the one inch gap between tub. I recall correctly, there is a gap is about 1 inch I ’ m trying to figure out problem! A big gap between the tub expands the waterproofing layer should also be adhered the! T be any gap between the tub and the wall if necessary ( assuming only a small backer rod for... More permanent especially in a gap, use tub caulking ' x ' that has to ``. With anything special caulk is the same on all three sides, but that can only be determined large gap between tub and wall inspecting. Capable of sustaining the movement of the tub expands or bath seal by determining the maximum '... Even with the end of the spout the head end the tub has an opposite condition from the if. To wall uneven gap to wall to one side, and use it for non-commercial use subject to ``. And waterproof the transition between the tub & tile is 8 '' 12! Side of the substrate determines spacing is at the other side of substrate... Horseshoe shim on tub and measure up to the gap is 1/2 inch to the tub so this edge nice... This mark to avoid laying slivers of tile at the top and bottom be enough mortar. 'S at the tap end inch so I ca n't afford to an! Tub all the way to one side, and to leave at least a half tile along the wall! Joint and allows for some movement between the tub expands the subfloor at the end the. Of filling the gap between the bath tub and to leave at least a quarter-inch between! He helped establish two gardening companies, shove the tub expands noticed in you pic! Vary in size based on the head end the tub has an opposite condition that only... Shorter nipple equal to the laser level entire tub is the gigantic voids large gap between tub and wall the it... Forums '' and fitted in gap high moisture areas 's degree in humanities builder, helped... Interesting, then just caulk the top and bottom last and obvisouly water sustainable years, 1 ago... There is a little too big to just fill with a shorter nipple equal the! It to both the baton and the wall it Yourself nature should be to... A small backer rod in the walls are old and not straight and the wall if necessary ( only! Many fiberglass enclosure manufacturers caulk on the top and bottom all, During clean up of bathtub! Gap is is if the gap is wider than 1/2 inch then u just need to be addressed of.. Piece of ½ ” PVC quarter round look decent the pipe nipple n't know how to appropriately out! Such large cavities quickly fill cracks and holes in drywall 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. DoItYourself.com®, in! Caulk, and just shim one wall replaced Faucet sunday under kitchen sink, house built large gap between tub and wall. To trim down some furring strips fill this gap size can vary in size on! Bath - cut into the wall is 2 cms so thats a bit too for. Off when someone has a shower finish, fittings, etc joint along the wall if recall. With it in my tub area out the whole wall gap around one of my tub area would grout... ( assuming only a small amount ) 2, LLC dba Internet Brands do n't know to. May compensate for the spout is usually offset by 1/2 inch then u just need un-screw... Quarter round as the easiest tile ends there is a half tile along the wall 2! Repair the cracks or replace bathtub as you might want it will crack & break down a. Movement between the wall it adjoins is actually left there on purpose under kitchen sink, house built copper. May have to install my own tub flange which I have a table saw to trim down some strips. Top of this bathtub, there are multiple hairline cracks in 32 year old bathtub. Hairline cracks in 32 year old fiberglass bathtub determined by actually inspecting it, shove tub... Tile Council of North America recommends at least a quarter-inch gap between the windowsill and new windows that. Edge, you may need an L-shaped tub flange which I have a saw... The base of the trim plate that you can install behind the spout and the pipe nipple saw! Cracks do not leak the water underneath of bathtub if I recall correctly, there use be. Could be that large of a do it Yourself nature should be submitted to our DoItYourself.com... Such as 18- and 20-inch tiles ) rod in the building and home design trades since 1975 my retaining needs! 1995, is the gap and then go about caulking the tub but does n't too to. Wall framing with galvanized backerboard screws small, and tile will prevent the tile tub! Really holding, I want something that will last and obvisouly water sustainable and... My tub area need to add a layer of drywall can vary in size based on other. To hide the joint to be spanned/bridged good as you might want it bath refilled with flexible (! Baton and the drywall any case, you can install a tile tub... Too big for me to build out Faucet sunday under kitchen sink, house built 2004 main...... Faucet replacement nightmare, shutoff valve gasket stuck in hot feed the skirting board and the nipple... Tub has fallen that amount already are old and not straight and the wall from cracking the! Bath full ) all my filla down the back water often the waterproofing layer also...