Cost to Repair a Shower Pan Leak
A leak in a shower pan is a bad thing because it allows water to seep into your floors. Not all leaks result in water damage and rot, but it is best to get on top of the problem before it starts. If your shower base is leaking, you can expect certain costs to accompany the repair. Get familiar with them so you don't spend too much, or too little, to get the job done right.
Fiberglass Shower Pan Repair
One of the cheaper methods of repairing a shower pan is patching the crack or damaged area with a fiberglass repair kit. This kit simply contains a sheet of fiberglass and some resin, the glue compound that hardens the fiberglass. You place the fiberglass onto the crack and spread the resin over it, let it harden, and then sand and paint. As of publication, these kits cost around $25 to $50, depending on where you get them and how much fiberglass they contain.
Replacing a Shower Base
The other method of repair is a complete replacement of the shower base. This method is the sure fix, but it costs much more. As of publication, the prices range from around $200 up to $700 or more. It all depends on the type of shower base you purchase, so targeting an exact price is difficult. If you buy another fiberglass base in stock at a local hardware store, you can get away with spending as little as $200; however, the pan may not last as long as a ceramic or reinforced fiberglass shower pan. The more you spend, the longer the base should last in many cases.
Hiring a Repairman
Some companies will repair fiberglass shower bases as a service to their customers. These companies use fiberglass to cover up and patch the leak, in essence refurbishing the base to like-new condition. The cost also varies depending on the size of the crack and type of damage. Expect to pay at least $150 and up to $300 as of publication for this repair. It will save you time, however, and the repair will be a professional job.
Hiring Out a Shower Base Replacement
If you choose to replace the shower base but do not do the installation yourself, you'll probably find a company willing to do the work for a fee. Some companies charge between $650 and $1,000 or more to install a shower base as of publication. Again, this install depends on the difficulty of the job. The cost of the shower base is another consideration. Contractors may charge a fee to install, but you may be responsible for buying the shower base.
References
Writer Bio
Steve Smith has published articles on a wide range of topics including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham.
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