Water Damaged Examples of Subflooring Repair Under Bathtub

www.homebuildin... Click on this link for more construction, home repair and remodeling videos. This video will provide you with a few examples of how you can repair water damaged sub flooring that's under a bathtub. Remember, if it's under a bathtub it doesn't need to look pretty, but does need to be repaired in a manner that will reinforce the structural integrity of the floor. I will be making other videos that will provide you with more information, but if you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment area.

[@jerricorbett7461]

You have answered 99% of my concerns as I move forward with replacing damaged wood in the bathroom. I find the 3-D application most helpful. I thank you for your time and expertise sir.

[@gregvancom]

Another 1% and I would've been a hero. You're welcome and thanks for taking the time to let us know that you liked the video.

[@cl3437]

Thanks for being clear and thorough!

[@DIYApprentice]

I've only ever used the last method, except for an instance where one of the blocks had to lie flat because of a drain pipe that ran below it. I may have to assist a relative with a weakened subfloor caused by a toilet leak, and we can easily access it from the basement. Thank goodness.

[@mrmiked6577]

Nice video. The animation really helped tie in a few things I was missing.

[@gregvancom]

Michael Dobrasz I'm glad and good luck on your project.

[@DukeLaCrosse20]

Thanks so much for adding this very helpful video. I will be using this information immediately. I had been thinking that the lip of plywood left over from circular saw was best removed to maximize the surface for the new wood to nail to. But it makes sense that you want to tie into the plywood that is under the frame plate. My water damage was due to a roof leak (years ago) and the water settled in the corner (coincidentally under the fiberglass tub) and rotted out the frame plate and a little of the joist below the frame plate. I removed as much of the rot as I could and sistered onto the remaining good wood with some pressure treated wood (and replaced the frame plate with PT wood) and then I sistered some 2x4 studs on top of the new plate to the existing studs. I'm sure I will learn a better approach in the next video, but I think what I have done will work. Now it time to replace the flooring. After watching this video, I might have been wiser to be more minimal in my patching, but there was enough discoloration in the entire corner piece of plywood that it seemed best to replace the entire piece. At least now I know to tie into the residual plywood, and that saves me some work of removing that. Thanks again!

[@gregvancom]

You're welcome and good luck.

[@lwriker1304]

I used a car floor jack to put pressure under timber used to block in a section. It had the advantage of forcing 'sagging' subfloor back to level. Then nailed and/or screwed in support 2×4 or 2x6 blocking studs.

[@michaelwisneski1965]

What if ya have to clean out the rotted partical board between the floor joyce and the under neath of thee wall frame?would ya slide the new piece under thee wall frame

[@LarryLeFoy]

This was an interesting instructional video. I do like the solid model so we can see actually how it would look. I don't think it would be a good idea to lay 2x6's flat on it's weak axis for floor loading. I would build a box out of treated 2x4's (strong axis vertical)_and work it into place, nail and glue it to the joist, if possible.

[@gregvancom]

Larry LeFoy You make an excellent point and provide us with another method, but you're probably not ever going to have a problem installing a flat 2 x 6 block shorter than 24 inches and the reason why I'm making this statement is because they've been installing 2 x 6 for decking with 24 inch spans for years.

[@dodgesportsman772]

good advise for my RV repair, thanks.

[@gregvancom]

You're welcome and I never thought about.

[@carlpfeifle318]

is there a video showing if it does go under the wall plate. . .on the exterior walls (load bearing ) and how to replace the sub floor under those areas. you promised a video

[@gregvancom]

+Carl Pfeifle Hi Carl I got your email and will definitely make a video for you if needed.

[@judibohn6427]

? when you showed the blocks underneath why wouldn't you put them the other direction and connect to the joist and the edge? wouldn't that make it stronger?

[@helenmichell9253]

We need to repair the rotting floor along the edge of the tub and under the toilet area. Would we have to take the tub out too? Would we have to take the whole bathroom flooring out?

[@gregvancom]

+Helen Michell That's a tough question for me to answer, because I'm not familiar with your job, but in most cases the bathtub will need to be removed, unless you have access to the area below. You gave me an idea for video, but it will probably be a few weeks before I make it, but I think it will help if you're not in a hurry to make the repair, stay tuned to the main KZbin channel.

[@TimClemons]

Appreciate the work involved in creating this video. To make sure I understand correctly, are the 2x6 boards only fastened to the subfloor? Would fastening them to the joists offer any benefit?

[@kennym6140]

+Tim Clemons I would also love to know the answer to this question... thanks.

[@gregvancom]

+Kenny Stainback I apologize for missing the first question to 6 months ago. I don't get everyone's question for every comment sent to me. Yes, fastening the 2 x 6 to the joist could make this repair stronger.

[@forced23]

When making a repair like this, why are screws not acceptable? Wouldn't screws be less likely to back out and show through some types of flooring?

[@gregvancom]

Engineers have been using nails for years because they don't break as easy as screws with a lateral motion or if the floor was going to move left to right. You can always use a combination of screws and nails to solve both problems.

[@carlmiller1620]

I have the same problem as Carl P. and need your help! Have you had a chance to make the video for him. If so could post or send me the link. Thank you!

[@josephmartin9925]

What about if the drain goes the length of the exterior wall under the toilet?

[@gregvancom]

Email me a picture. You can get our email address at our website.

[@rebeccagraystone3179]

Great video Greg. Is it possible to repair a leak from the underneath without having to remove the shower tile floor? We have a leak that appeared in the ceiling of basement bathroom just below the main floor shower. We removed the ceiling and can see a partially rotten floor above. If we can isolate the wet wood and remove it, can we replace the subfloor from an underneath approach?

[@gregvancom]

You will be the first I heard of to do it. It's hard for me to answer this question or to say that it's impossible, because I don't know the exact situation. If you feel like you can provide the necessary structural support then by all means yes. Feel free to send some pictures to me and I will see if I can give you some advice.

[@rebeccagraystone3179]

ok -I will take some photos tonight and send to you. Thanks !!

[@BrainToMush]

Houses are built from the ground up, so it's very difficult. If you can manage to do it, it might not be advisable from a structural standpoint.

[@judibohn6427]

do you have any about how to fix damage under sink? thought I could just leave sink on a frame over across joists then scrape out bad wood but it also goes to the edge so worried the wall could come down. I saw where maybe making a box and put inside the joists to hold up stronger...will the wall stand then? pretty certain been leaking for 5 years lived there and going to get rid of cabinets anyway. but need sink to stay working. will my idea work?

[@gregvancom]

Judi Bohn It's hard for me to tell what type of damage you have with your explanation, feel free to send me some pictures and I will try and provide you with a better opinion. gregvan.com/contact_us.htm

[@sjengdahl]

Greg what is the cad software you are using? I'd like to cad up the house. Thanks

[@tradedossier]

Did he ever answer you?

[@EnglandChatz]

I'm the new owner of a mobile home, and since I moved in the flooring is become warped due to water damage I guess being drawn up through the beams. It created weird lumps in my floor that looked like a wave. Had to replace flooring, subflooring at all. Six months since then, and now I can see little waves forming in my flooring once again. I know this is for comments and not an advice section, but does anyone know how to prevent this?

[@gregvancom]

Don't worry, you can leave your questions anywhere. I'm guessing that you haven't solved the moisture problem or what's actually causing the subflooring to warp. Do you think you have a water leak somewhere or possibly not enough air ventilation underneath the mobile home. If there isn't enough air circulating under the subflooring, moisture contents in the air can rise and create problems like yours.

[@Artemis4Sun]

The water damage in my bathroom goes under the tub, and extends into the hall and under the connecting wall. How would you handle that?

[@gregvancom]

Christine Opland I will try and make a video on that soon also.

[@alkatib100]

Great info . what would you do if the floor is damaged under the 2x4 frame ?

[@gregvancom]

Adam Dame You would need to replace the damaged parts.

[@anonymouscitizen2732]

gregvancom how would you go about removing the subfloor under the bottom plate of the wall? Excellent video by the way.

[@gregvancom]

I will see if I can make a video, but it usually isn't an easy task.

[@niterbum]

+Ruben Rojas if it's an exterior wall...load bearing wall you are going to jack support the ceiling joists inside of structure, remove exterior siding in affected area cut out studs in affected area cut out sill plate in affected area remove damaged 4X8 3/4inch plywood then rebuild it if its not an exterior wall you must ascertain that it is not a load bearing wall within the structure because if it is you will have to support ceiling joists the same way before tearing down wall to access damaged sub floor......i had to do it for the top plate of the wall where the rafters and roof ties sit on ...it was rotted from roof drainage failure....good luck lots of work but do-able

[@niterbum]

+niterbum also there will be alot of work not mentioned such as disconnecting electrical,water,cable,etc.,etc

[@geojor]

good one...

[@watchmanexpert]

how much is approx to replace subfloor on 1600 SQF house ??? men I bought forclosure house and the last owner soak in water the entire house :(

[@gregvancom]

I can't provide you with that information, contact contractor in your area.

[@smokescreenfilmz]

awesome