Help with ID'ing bathtub sound...

DIY-Gal · 02-08-2007, 08:56 PM

Hello all,

Hope someone can help me. I just bought my first home and it is a brand new townhome. So far everything is fine but recently I've begin to hear a metal poping noise when I get into the bathtub (standing for showers) or if sit on the edge of the bathtub. This noise only happens when I'm standing or sitting at the drain end. I also notice or feel the bathtub has a tiny bit of "flex" by the drian in the bathtub while the other end feels solid.

I hope I have discribed my bathtub tub noise well enough for someone to provide some insite before I call the builders.

Just a note that my second bathroom's bathtub does not have this problem

Thanks for the help.

Ron The Plumber · 02-09-2007, 02:24 AM

Sounds like rub is flexing, tub was not set in a bed of mortor

redline · 02-09-2007, 05:27 AM

Is this a metal, acrylic or other tub?

DIY-Gal · 02-09-2007, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redline

Is this a metal, acrylic or other tub?

It's metal.

DIY-Gal · 02-09-2007, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron The Plumber

Sounds like rub is flexing, tub was not set in a bed of mortor

If I was to leave this flex unresolved what would the long term consequence be, ie: the plumbing coming part, the flexing would get worse?

Thanks.

redline · 02-09-2007, 08:18 AM

Is there an access panel for the plumbing near the tub drain?
Did you have this townhouse built or did you buy it from another individual?

DIY-Gal · 02-09-2007, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redline

Is there an access panel for the plumbing near the tub drain?
Did you have this townhouse built or did you buy it from another individual?

Unfortunately there is no access panel. What did you have in mind?

This townhouse was build brand new and I am the first owner. I'm also planning to talk to the another homeowners in this phase to see if they are experiencing the same thing but right now since it is cold out no one is outside unless shovelling the snow.

majakdragon · 02-09-2007, 09:48 AM

Being brand new, any problems for the first year should be covered by a warranty. The tub may not be thick enough steel to keep from flexing. This is why mortar beds are installed under acrylic tubs. The noise may be the drain piping moving when the tub flexes. This will eventually break the piping or slip joints which will cause leaking. Access panels are usually installed during construction so repairs can be made later without cutting out the wall. It is possible that you could be responsible for damages to any other units (if there are any below you) due to leaks. Check with the builder about warranties.

DIY-Gal · 02-09-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majakdragon

Being brand new, any problems for the first year should be covered by a warranty. The tub may not be thick enough steel to keep from flexing. This is why mortar beds are installed under acrylic tubs. The noise may be the drain piping moving when the tub flexes. This will eventually break the piping or slip joints which will cause leaking. Access panels are usually installed during construction so repairs can be made later without cutting out the wall. It is possible that you could be responsible for damages to any other units (if there are any below you) due to leaks. Check with the builder about warranties.

Thank for the info. Although there is no visible access it seems that the tub plumbing is facing the hallway wall so I will make a good guess that if work was to be done cutting a hole in the wall is what's needed and then just patch up the wall.

With the info I have recieved I can now talk to the home builders and talk to them sounding like I know what I'm talking about.

Thanks

DIY-Gal · 02-09-2007, 10:32 AM

I forgot to ask but if repairs are to be done by the home builder and lets say it is the mortar bed was not sufficient what are some of the ways they would fix the problem, would they have to take the tub out and redone the bedding or would they just shim the tub (not sure if this proper fix up)?

I remember an old episode of Mike Holmes from Homles on Homes fixing a bathtub problem and when he took the tub out there looked to be a block of styrofoam under the tub... is that a mortar bed?

Thanks again.

redline · 02-09-2007, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIY-Gal

... what are some of the ways they would fix the problem, would they have to take the tub out and redone the bedding or would they just shim the tub (not sure if this proper fix up)?

If they are able to gain access to the lower portion of the tub area then the tub can stay in. What are at both ends of the tub? (walls, vanity, closet...)
What is behind the back wall of the tub? (another room, a closet...)
Is this tub on the first floor?
If it is on the first floor then is there a basement?
If there is a basement then can you see the drain line coming from the tub if you are in the basement?
If this is on the second floor then is the ceiling below it a drop ceiling?

I remember an old episode of Mike Holmes from Homles on Homes fixing a bathtub problem and when he took the tub out there looked to be a block of styrofoam under the tub... is that a mortar bed?

Thanks again.

A mortar bed is mortar (used for laying bricks) that is put down before the tub is put into place that supports the lower portion of the tub. The mortar bed is slightly taller then the distance between the bottom of the tub and the floor. Once the tub is laid into place, the excess mortar flows to the sides and it is allowed to dry. Usually, the tub is filled half-way with water to set it into the mortar. It conforms to the bottom of the tub and the floor to strength the tub. Without a mortar bed or other support method the tub will flex with the weight of a person or when the tub is filled with water.

Can you post a photo?

DIY-Gal · 02-09-2007, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redline

Can you post a photo?

Sorry but nothing is exposed, the bathroom is already finished and I've been living in the house since Sept, 2006 and the flex began about a month ago.

If they have messed up does this mean they will have to redo the mortar bed?

redline · 02-10-2007, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIY-Gal

Sorry but nothing is exposed, the bathroom is already finished

I do understand that it is finished. A photo may give me some insight as to the best way to gain access to the area between the bottom of the tub and the floor.

They will need to find or create a way to look below the tub.

02-08-2007, 08:56 PM	#1
DIY-Gal Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 7	Help with ID'ing bathtub sound... Hello all, Hope someone can help me. I just bought my first home and it is a brand new townhome. So far everything is fine but recently I've begin to hear a metal poping noise when I get into the bathtub (standing for showers) or if sit on the edge of the bathtub. This noise only happens when I'm standing or sitting at the drain end. I also notice or feel the bathtub has a tiny bit of "flex" by the drian in the bathtub while the other end feels solid. I hope I have discribed my bathtub tub noise well enough for someone to provide some insite before I call the builders. Just a note that my second bathroom's bathtub does not have this problem Thanks for the help.

02-09-2007, 02:24 AM	#2
Ron The Plumber Journeyman Plumber Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 1,994	Help with ID'ing bathtub sound... Sounds like rub is flexing, tub was not set in a bed of mortor __________________ Fix it right the first time, so you won't have to fix it a 2nd time. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-09-2007, 05:27 AM	#3
redline Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,083	Help with ID'ing bathtub sound... Is this a metal, acrylic or other tub?

02-09-2007, 08:18 AM	#6
redline Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,083	Help with ID'ing bathtub sound... Is there an access panel for the plumbing near the tub drain? Did you have this townhouse built or did you buy it from another individual?

02-09-2007, 09:48 AM	#8
majakdragon Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,670	Help with ID'ing bathtub sound... Being brand new, any problems for the first year should be covered by a warranty. The tub may not be thick enough steel to keep from flexing. This is why mortar beds are installed under acrylic tubs. The noise may be the drain piping moving when the tub flexes. This will eventually break the piping or slip joints which will cause leaking. Access panels are usually installed during construction so repairs can be made later without cutting out the wall. It is possible that you could be responsible for damages to any other units (if there are any below you) due to leaks. Check with the builder about warranties. __________________ If you have never made a mistake, you haven't done much.

Help with ID'ing bathtub sound...