Recommendation for shower pan leak / subfloor repair

San Jose, CA · Member since 2014 · 2 posts · 1 vote

My acrylic / fiberglass pan leaked into the subfloor, and I need to rip out the pan, fix all the subfloor, and put the pan back in. Having a hard time finding a contractor that isn't upselling a tile luxury bath. Any recommendations?

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Richard F.

Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes

4mo

You get what you pay for in large part. A fiberglass or acrylic shower pan or full tub/surround are short term solutions. Often they are not installed with proper support under the pan, and will crack due to even a small amount of "flexing" when heavy people are stepping in/out and dancing in the shower. Add to that, the deterioration caused by Tenants NOT using proper cleaning methods and products, which dulls, or even scratches, the surfaces and really shows poorly after a turnover. You are lucky to get a good 5 to 7 years out of the best of these options before they really show their age or leaking hairline (or worse) cracks.

OTOH, a properly installed ceramic tile job, either all tile or with an Americast type tub, with proper tile backer board, and new supply, shower, and waste, and overflow lines and faucets will easily last over 30 years, with minimal maintenance (occasional re-caulk or minor grout touch-up) and no leaks.

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Alan F.
Flipper/Rehabber · CA · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4mo
Quote from @Sean Mann:

My acrylic / fiberglass pan leaked into the subfloor, and I need to rip out the pan, fix all the subfloor, and put the pan back in. Having a hard time finding a contractor that isn't upselling a tile luxury bath. Any recommendations?

Most people doing low end remodeling in the Bay Area go with unlicensed handymen.
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Richard F.
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
4mo
You get what you pay for in large part. A fiberglass or acrylic shower pan or full tub/surround are short term solutions. Often they are not installed with proper support under the pan, and will crack due to even a small amount of "flexing" when heavy people are stepping in/out and dancing in the shower. Add to that, the deterioration caused by Tenants NOT using proper cleaning methods and products, which dulls, or even scratches, the surfaces and really shows poorly after a turnover. You are lucky to get a good 5 to 7 years out of the best of these options before they really show their age or leaking hairline (or worse) cracks.
OTOH, a properly installed ceramic tile job, either all tile or with an Americast type tub, with proper tile backer board, and new supply, shower, and waste, and overflow lines and faucets will easily last over 30 years, with minimal maintenance (occasional re-caulk or minor grout touch-up) and no leaks.
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- Alan AsriantsBusiness Member
  Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
  4mo
  Quote from @Richard F.:
  
  You get what you pay for in large part. A fiberglass or acrylic shower pan or full tub/surround are short term solutions. Often they are not installed with proper support under the pan, and will crack due to even a small amount of "flexing" when heavy people are stepping in/out and dancing in the shower. Add to that, the deterioration caused by Tenants NOT using proper cleaning methods and products, which dulls, or even scratches, the surfaces and really shows poorly after a turnover. You are lucky to get a good 5 to 7 years out of the best of these options before they really show their age or leaking hairline (or worse) cracks.
  OTOH, a properly installed ceramic tile job, either all tile or with an Americast type tub, with proper tile backer board, and new supply, shower, and waste, and overflow lines and faucets will easily last over 30 years, with minimal maintenance (occasional re-caulk or minor grout touch-up) and no leaks.
  Installation quality of the fiberglass is really important here. It can certainly last a long time, but like any material - poor installation significantly reduces its life expectancy.
  A poorly sealed tile floor can also be a nightmare in the future. Fiberglass options can still be a good way to go, but don't cheap out on materials and labor.
  Richard is right though, a solid tile job will last very long and likely outlast a flexible plastic pan
  [email protected]267-767-0111
  Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 590 Reviews
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