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How to temporarily fix a cracked shower tray?

master860 26055 19
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How can I temporarily repair a cracked shower tray until I can replace it?

You cannot reliably fix a cracked shower tray from the top with silicone; the proper repair is to remove it and reinforce it from underneath with fiberglass mat and epoxy resin, then sand and finish the top if needed [#19766844][#19766869][#19796513] For the repair, roughen and degrease the area, then apply 3 layers of glass mat with epoxy resin, pressing the resin into the fibers until they are fully soaked [#19796513] If the tray is made of a polyester-glass laminate, a boatbuilder or similar plastics repair specialist may also be able to repair it [#19766866] As a short-term emergency measure, degrease the crack with extraction gasoline or IPA and stick several layers of wide, strong PVC tape crosswise, overlapping about 15 cm in all directions [#19766901] Do not pour very hot water into it while using that temporary fix [#19766901]
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  • #1 19766834
    master860
    Level 3  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 3
    Hello

    This morning while taking a shower, my shower tray broke, the gap is about 4-5 cm
    I will add a hydromassage cabin. I called shops in the area and there is no such type of paddling pool anywhere, you have to wait until the new year.
    I don't have a bathtub, the shower is the only place in the apartment where I can wash, there are not many topics on the internet about it.
    How to fix it, I'll try to attach photos, it's urgent
    Attachments: To view the material on this forum you must be logged in.
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  • #2 19766844
    vorlog
    Level 40  
    Posts: 8347
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    Without removing the shower tray, the repair is unlikely.
    After removing, you can squeeze out the dented fragment, matt and degrease the surface of the shower tray from the bottom, put several layers of glass fiber mat with epoxy resin, preferably on the entire bottom surface. From the top side, level the burrs, putty and paint - there are special repair agents.
    The effect will not be invisible, but the shower tray will be "usable"
    V
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  • #3 19766864
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #4 19766865
    beatom
    Level 38  
    Posts: 3613
    Help: 419
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    This is not an hourly job.
    As a colleague wrote earlier, you need to take it out and spend a few days.
    For now, I propose to line the shower tray with a thick foil with a hole for the trigger. Seal around and use.
  • #5 19766866
    stachu_l
    Level 38  
    Posts: 2962
    Help: 476
    Rate: 1110
    Can it be dismantled?
    What is it made of?
    As it is a polyester - glass laminate, such as for yachts, look for a boatbuilder.
    Other materials - you need to ask gluing specialists, but first determine what it is.
    Maybe more detailed photos of the crack.
  • #6 19766869
    vorlog
    Level 40  
    Posts: 8347
    Help: 527
    Rate: 2580
    Silicone will not hold, because the bottom is thin and works like rubber from panties.
    And after silicone, sticking anything off your head - it's very difficult to remove ...
    V
  • #7 19766894
    master860
    Level 3  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 3
    I know it can be funny but, for example, some silicone tape or put something on the bottom, e.g. a block or a wooden block and seal it with some glue from the top?
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  • #8 19766901
    vorlog
    Level 40  
    Posts: 8347
    Help: 527
    Rate: 2580
    In the meantime, you can degrease with extraction gasoline or IPA and stick "crosswise" several layers of wide (45-50mm), strong PVC tape, with an overlap of 15 cm in all directions.
    Even such as at auction number 8840062576 on allegro, or
    https://erli.pl/narzedzia-others/insulation-tape-black-wide-50mm-x-10m,26267253
    EDIT: Note, do not pour too hot water!
    V
  • #9 19766938
    master860
    Level 3  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 3
    someone on facebook just wrote to me that he had the same problem and glued my car with glue for plastics and apparently it holds 2 bellows and ok
    my car glue for plastics I can't add a link because I'm fresh or maybe epoxy pattex?
  • #10 19766941
    vorlog
    Level 40  
    Posts: 8347
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    Well, you have a choice, the decision is yours.
    V
  • #11 19766950
    karolark
    Level 42  
    Posts: 14260
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    As above - only removal and repair as described in #2
    The rest is sculpture :cry: - if it cracked, there is no support from below and it will continue to crack.
  • #12 19766956
    vorlog
    Level 40  
    Posts: 8347
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    Rate: 2580
    By the way - was such a "hanging" assembly correct?
    I have an old-style shower tray, made of enameled sheet metal, but it sits in a styrodur molding, precisely matched, and here, thin plastic and hangs on the edges?
    V
  • #13 19767005
    master860
    Level 3  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 3
    I can't answer this question, I'm not an expert and I don't know about it, I didn't install it, but I'm trying to solve this problem now, at least for a while, until I buy a new shower tray
    I don't know how to do it myself, tomorrow after work I'll go to the market and maybe buy something for work :)
  • #14 19767011
    vorlog
    Level 40  
    Posts: 8347
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    Rate: 2580
    My question was more to others who contribute to this thread, I am not a plumber either, although I do everything myself at home, also plumbing :)
    V
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  • #15 19767097
    Tommy82
    Level 41  
    Posts: 12139
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    Depends on what material maybe the car bumper service will help.
    But the repair from post 2, if successful, you won't even have to replace the shower tray. But the question is what is it from.
    And instead of boatbuilders, you can look for modelers.
  • #16 19767100
    vorlog
    Level 40  
    Posts: 8347
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    On the other hand, looking at it... If it's already damaged, instead of repairing it, maybe it's better to look for a new one? Not in local stores, just online. After all, such cabins usually have a sticker/plate with the name of the manufacturer, maybe the model, then it's not a problem to track down the cabin and the matching paddling pool, and I don't suppose that you can't find one anywhere in Poland, unless it's an old type.
    The damaged one, even after repair, will sting the eyes, and the new one probably does not cost half the national average.
    V
  • #17 19796513
    ziemek56
    Level 22  
    Posts: 514
    Help: 24
    Rate: 183
    You can buy epoxy resin with a hardener in every Castorama, etc. For this, 3 layers (5 do not hurt) of a glass mat. You're matting the area. You smear with resin. you stick 1 strip. Use a round brush to pat the resin in. 2 strap. Resin... After 3 strips and tapping, you spread it lightly. You pat it until you can see that the fibers are "drinked". After curing, sand lightly to eliminate any protruding fiber. You have to replace it anyway, so aesthetics don't matter. We glue the stripes from the smallest to the largest. Small mat. Overlaps of 0.5 cm are enough.
    Or a polyester kit like this: link
    Polyurethane, polyester, epoxy, fit. Mix with the hardener in a jar. It dissolves some plastics. Wash with acetone, but you'd rather throw it away after.
  • #18 19796887
    Chris_W
    Level 39  
    Posts: 8389
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    vorlog wrote:
    By the way - was such a "hanging" assembly correct?
    I have an old-style shower tray, enamelled, but it sits in a styrodur molding, precisely matched, and here, thin plastic and hangs on the edges?
    V

    There is a cross made of steel profiles underneath and there are feet at the ends of these profiles. It also stands on 4-5 feet, it is not flexible enough to bend (I have a similar one and it practically does not bend) - such a crack could not have arisen from standing on it, but from being hit with something heavy.
  • #19 19796967
    vorlog
    Level 40  
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    Maybe the glass shampoo bottle fell :P
    V
  • #20 19797194
    karolark
    Level 42  
    Posts: 14260
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    vorlog wrote:
    Maybe the glass shampoo bottle fell :P
    V


    Or wild intoxicating...... 🐱🐱🐱 but the paddling pool is probably not supported anyway.
    The author is also missing.
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Topic summary

✨ A user reported a 4-5 cm crack in their shower tray and sought urgent temporary repair solutions. Responses suggested that without removing the tray, effective repair is unlikely. Recommended methods included using glass fiber mat with epoxy resin for structural support, applying thick PVC tape for a temporary seal, or using plastic adhesive for a quick fix. It was noted that silicone would not be effective due to the tray's thin base. Some participants advised considering the material of the shower tray for appropriate repair techniques, while others suggested looking for a new tray online if repairs were not feasible. The discussion emphasized the importance of proper support to prevent further damage.
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FAQ

TL;DR: For a cracked shower tray, apply 3–5 fiberglass layers with resin; "aesthetics don't matter" until replacement. This FAQ helps renters and homeowners choose safe stopgaps and plan a proper repair. [Elektroda, ziemek56, post #19796513]

Why it matters: A quick, safe stopgap prevents leaks and keeps the shower usable until you can repair or replace.

Quick Facts

What’s the fastest temporary fix without removing the tray?

Use wide PVC tape for a crosswise patch.
  1. Degrease with extraction gasoline or IPA.
  2. Apply several 45–50 mm tape layers, crosswise, with 15 cm overlaps.
  3. Avoid hot water on the patch. This buys time for a proper repair. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766901]

Can I just seal the crack with silicone?

No. "Silicone will not hold" on a thin, flexible base, and it makes later bonding difficult. Removing silicone residues is time‑consuming and harms adhesion. Choose a different repair path to avoid compounding the damage. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766869]

How do I do a proper structural repair if I can remove the tray?

Remove the tray. Push out any dent, then matt and degrease the underside. Laminate several fiberglass mat layers with epoxy across the bottom. From the top, level burrs, apply putty, and refinish with a repair kit. Expect a visible but usable result. "Without removing the shower tray, the repair is unlikely." [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766844]

Is lining the tray with plastic foil a valid stopgap?

Yes, as a short-term workaround. Line the tray with thick foil, cut a hole for the drain, and seal the edges. This prevents immediate leaks so you can keep showering while planning a proper repair or replacement. It is not a long-term fix. [Elektroda, beatom, post #19766865]

Which resin works on common shower tray materials?

Use epoxy, polyester, or polyurethane resin with glass mat. Mix resin and hardener in a disposable jar. Clean the bonding area with acetone, but test first because acetone can dissolve some plastics. Apply smaller strips first, then larger, to build strength. [Elektroda, ziemek56, post #19796513]

Can a car bumper repair shop fix this type of crack?

Yes, if your tray material matches their plastic welding or bonding capability. A bumper repair service or skilled modeler can repair certain plastics. Ask them to identify the material and propose a compatible resin or welding method before proceeding. [Elektroda, Tommy82, post #19767097]

Will the crack keep spreading if the base has no support?

Yes. Lack of support drives propagation. "If it cracked, there is no support from below and it will continue to crack." Plan removal and reinforcement rather than relying on cosmetic patches. Temporary measures only buy time; they do not add structure. [Elektroda, karolark, post #19766950]

What’s under many modern trays, and could impact be the cause?

Many trays sit on a steel cross with 4–5 feet. That support limits flex, so cracks can come from an impact, like a heavy object falling. Inspect for localized damage that suggests a drop rather than uniform bending. [Elektroda, Chris_W, post #19796887]

Should I replace the tray instead of repairing? How do I find the right one?

Replacement avoids visible patches. Identify the cabin’s maker and model using its sticker or plate. Search online for the matching tray by model to order quickly. Even a successful repair can remain visible and less satisfying. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19767100]

Is hot water safe after a tape patch?

Avoid it. Heat softens adhesives and reduces tape strength. After a tape patch, do not run very hot water over the area. Keep water warm at most until you complete a structural repair or replacement. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766901]

How long does a proper repair take?

"This is not an hourly job." You need to remove the tray, laminate, cure, and refinish. Expect several days to complete the process properly before reinstallation and testing for leaks. Plan around cure times and access constraints. [Elektroda, beatom, post #19766865]

Who should I contact for material‑specific repairs?

First identify the material. If it’s a polyester–glass laminate, contact a boatbuilder. For other polymers, consult bonding specialists familiar with bathroom fixtures. Share clear photos of the crack and the tray’s backside for assessment. [Elektroda, stachu_l, post #19766866]

What tools and steps are involved in the fiberglass fix?

You need resin with hardener, glass mat strips, a round brush, and acetone. Matt the area, wet out resin, and pat in strips from smallest to largest with 0.5 cm overlaps. Pat until fibers are saturated, then let cure and sand lightly. Kits like Autofit at Castorama are suitable. [Elektroda, ziemek56, post #19796513]

Does adding a block under the crack help as a quick fix?

No. Wedges or blocks do not restore structural integrity and can worsen stress points. As one pro put it, "The rest is sculpture"—it looks like a fix but fails under load. Remove and reinforce correctly instead. [Elektroda, karolark, post #19766950]
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