Why it matters
A crack can let water into the floor and walls under the tray, where it can rot timber, damage ceilings below and grow mould before you see anything. MyBuilder also advises stopping use until a cracked tray is repaired.
Quick checks
- Does the tray move? Stand on it and feel for flex or creaking near the crack.
- Any signs below? Look for stains, bubbling paint or damp on the ceiling underneath.
- Grout and sealant: cracked grout or split sealant around the tray suggests it’s moving.
Can it be repaired?
If the tray is firmly supported and the crack hasn’t let water spread, it can often be repaired in place: reinforced, filled and refinished. If it flexes, the support has to be fixed first or the crack will return. Read why shower trays crack.
What shower trays are made of
- Stone resin trays are crushed stone bound in resin with a gel-coat finish. They are heavy and rigid, but can crack if the floor under them isn’t flat and fully supported.
- Acrylic capped trays have an acrylic surface over a lighter core and can flex if the legs or base aren’t properly set up.
- Ceramic trays are hard and glossy but can crack from impact or movement.
- Steel trays are enamelled and can chip and rust like a steel bath.
The material changes how a crack is repaired, so tell us what you have if you know.
Why trays crack
Most cracks come from movement. A tray needs full, even support underneath, usually a bed of mortar or a sturdy riser kit. If it was laid on a few dabs of adhesive, on a floor that isn’t level, or on timber that has since moved, it flexes each time someone steps in. Over time the stress concentrates around the waste or along one edge and the tray cracks. Dropped bottles and heavy items cause chips and impact cracks. Read more in why shower trays crack.
Signs of a hidden leak
- A musty smell in the bathroom that doesn’t go away.
- Grout or sealant around the tray that keeps cracking or turning black.
- Loose or hollow-sounding floor tiles next to the tray.
- Swollen skirting boards or door frames nearby.
- Damp patches, stains or flaking paint on the ceiling below.
If you see these, stop using the shower until the leak is found. A plumber or leak detection specialist can confirm where the water is coming from.
What a proper tray repair involves
We check the tray for movement first. If it’s firm, the crack is opened up and cleaned, reinforced, filled and shaped, then the surface is colour-matched and finished so it is watertight and matches the rest of the tray. If the tray flexes, the support has to be fixed first. We’ll tell you if that needs the tray lifting, in which case replacement may make more sense. Our shower tray repairs start from £95.
Resealing after a repair
A cracked tray often goes hand in hand with failed sealant. When the tray is repaired, it’s a good time to cut out old silicone and reseal the tray and screen, so water can’t get behind it again.
Looking after the tray afterwards
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild cleaner, not abrasive pads or strong chemicals.
- Keep heavy bottles on a shelf rather than on the tray.
- Check sealant every few months and replace it when it splits or goes mouldy.
- Get chips repaired before water gets into them.
See how to clean a stone resin tray.
Chips versus cracks
A chip is a piece knocked out of the surface, usually from something dropped. It looks bad but often doesn’t let water through, and it can be filled and colour-matched in place. A crack is a line through the tray that can open and close as the tray moves. Cracks are more serious because they can let water under the tray. If you’re not sure which you have, run a fingernail across it: a chip has a hollow, a crack catches along a line. Send us photos and we’ll tell you.
Landlords and letting agents
A cracked tray in a rental property can quickly turn into a leak into the flat below. Repairing it between tenancies, or as soon as it’s reported, is usually much cheaper than replacing the tray and repairing the ceiling. We can repair trays and reseal them on one visit, and we quote for several properties together. See our guide for landlords.
When to replace
Replace the tray if it’s badly cracked in several places, if water has damaged the floor beneath, or if the support can’t be fixed without lifting it.
Quick answers
Can I just put silicone over the crack?
Only as a temporary measure while you arrange a repair. It won’t stop a tray that is flexing and will have to be removed before a proper repair.
How long before I can shower?
We’ll tell you the curing time when we finish, usually the next day.
Is the repair guaranteed?
Yes, every repair comes with our one-year guarantee, provided the tray is properly supported.
Every job is different. Send us a photo and we’ll tell you what we’d recommend for your bath, sink or surface.
