Question 1

How do you identify rust in your bathtub?

Accepted Answer

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Rust should be pretty easy to identify in your bathtub, as it has a dark red, brownish color, and it sits on the surface of the porcelain. It usually appears around metal fixtures, like under your tub spout or shower head, and you might also find it under metal shaving cream cans or razors that you leave sitting on the tub or a shower shelf.

Question 2

How do I know if my tub is fiberglass or acrylic?

Accepted Answer

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There are a few ways to check whether your tub is fiberglass or acrylic. If your tub is a color other than white, then your tub is likely acrylic (as fiberglass tubs are usually white). Check to see if there is discoloration on the bottom of the tub, because if it’s yellowed, then you can be fairly sure it’s fiberglass.

Also, fiberglass tubs have thinner edges and are cool to the touch. Acrylic, on the other hand, is either room temperature or warm to the touch.

Question 3

Should I refinish or replace my bathtub?

Accepted Answer

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If your bathtub is in overall good shape with minor scratches, discoloration, or just general wear and tear, it's best (and less expensive) to refinish it.

If your tub has large cracks, is leaking, or is otherwise severely damaged, we recommend replacing it with a new bathtub. Refinishing a bathtub can only fix superficial problems, so these issues will still be present or reappear after a refinishing.

Question 4

Is bathtub refinishing worth it?

Accepted Answer

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Refinishing a bathtub is worth it if your tub has minor damage or is a color that you don't like. The cost of replacing a bathtub is more expensive than simply refinishing one, averaging around $5,300. It's more cost-effective to refinish your tub if you can, but it also gives you the look of a new bathtub without having to replace the whole thing.

Question 5

Is rust in the bathtub harmful?

Accepted Answer

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Rust in your bathtub occurs when iron in the water or on metal components in your tub are exposed to oxygen, but while it’s unsightly, it won’t make bathing dangerous. However, if the rust appears under or around your tub spout or shower head, it could indicate that you have high levels of iron in your water. Drinking water with small amounts of iron in it usually doesn’t pose a health risk, but you might want to consider installing a water softener. The presence of iron could indicate that you have hard water, which can create some plumbing issues.