Shower tray hairline cracks

[fango7]

Hi all

I have two hairline cracks around shower tray plug waste hole.

Is this a concern ? I.e let water in etc through crack ? And any fixes or do I need a new tray?

I also have suspicions that the tray was fitted without a cement or mortar bed underneath to support the tray and this is what has caused it to crack at the weakest point around the plug hole ?

Would that be a possibility?

I have attached the two hairline cracks highlighted in yellow around the Shower plug waste

Thanks for any help given

 

[Ben-gee]

To be honest I never get the sand/cement in that position anyway as it fouls up where the waste fitting goes.
But if tray is moving then yes it can crack there as it’s the thinnest section of the tray.

 

[fowlerboi]

You pays your money and takes your choice.

In changing that tray professionally you're looking at £1500+ and you need to source tiles for a foot high all the way round the tray which don't have colour matching issues with the existing.

Or you sit tight do a risk assessment of what damage could be caused if it was leaking and how often its used and wait until you have evidence of it leaking or you re-do your bathroom

 

[fango7]

To be honest I never get the sand/cement in that position anyway as it fouls up where the waste fitting goes.
But if tray is moving then yes it can crack there as it’s the thinnest section of the tray.

Thanks for reply Ben , makes sense what you have said.

I do know their was a slightly bigger circular hole in wooden floor underneath where waste pipe was , so may explain why it is cracking there and lack of cement in that area

Assuming that the rest of the tray was cemented in though surely that wouldn’t allow enough movement for the crack to occur ? As tray wouldn’t be flexing?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Always makes me laugh the instructions say must be fully bedded with x what happen when you use the manufacturers riser kit with the plastic discs / legs eg

Hmm looks fully supported 😀

 

[fango7]

Thanks for reply Ben , makes sense what you have said.

I do know their was a slightly bigger circular hole in wooden floor underneath where waste pipe was , so may explain why it is cracking there and lack of cement in that area

Assuming that the rest of the tray was cemented in though surely that wouldn’t allow enough movement for the crack to occur ? As tray wouldn’t be flexing?

Thanks for reply Ben , makes sense what you have said.

I do know their was a slightly bigger circular hole in wooden floor underneath where waste pipe was , so may explain why it is cracking there and lack of cement in that area

Assuming that the rest of the tray was cemented in though surely that wouldn’t allow enough movement for the crack to occur ? As tray wouldn’t be flexing?

Old shower tray was raised on wooden beams off floor, wondering if that might be an option for this one , Replace with a new tray and put wooden beams underneath with some plywood to ensure tray is supported

 

[king of pipes]

I've done many of these if you can match the wall colour it's doable, it will only get worse over time especially if there's movement. Kop

 

[fango7]

I've done many of these if you can match the wall colour it's doable, it will only get worse over time especially if there's movement. Kop

Hey king of pipes , do you normally put 18 ml plywood down and then sand and cement ? As well as noggins inBetween joists?

Does the nogging underneath the shower waste help prevent movement with tray around plug hole?

I get the feeling that when plumber laid mine they did so straight onto chipboard , and not sure if they sand and cemented it

And then when pressure is put on it , it has cracked at weakest point around plughole

I am considering getting the noggins I’m putting 18ml ply down and then the sand and cement and then new tray

 

[king of pipes]

Hey king of pipes , do you normally put 18 ml plywood down and then sand and cement ? As well as noggins inBetween joists?

Does the nogging underneath the shower waste help prevent movement with tray around plug hole?

I get the feeling that when plumber laid mine they did so straight onto chipboard , and not sure if they sand and cemented it

And then when pressure is put on it , it has cracked at weakest point around plughole

I am considering getting the noggins I’m putting 18ml ply down and then the sand and cement and then new tray

Yes I try and do it where possible prime with the ply sbr then use flexible tile adhesive to bed the tray down and sealing the edges with good quality silicone sealant