Some hairline cracks in a bathtub that has the surround as one unit. This is a second-story bathtub. Do the bathtub crack repairs work for a long time or is it not worth the headache?

Bite the bullet and change it. If it's a fiberglass tub you replace it with, make sure your contractor sets it in soft mortar. When that mortar dries, you'll have an excellent and strong base.

I say the same as NE.

Bad enough you have to replace. Dont waste more money on short term repairs.

I still like the sterling vikrell units for replacements.

We use the ensemble model but with the tile look wall kits.

Have a number of them 20+ years and still look good.

Try to get from a plumbing supply house We use Ferguson's.

We always got a better price than the box stores. HD used to carry now just Lowes I think.

Big thing was had to go thru a few to find one not damaged with the box stores.

If this occurring on the second floor, if you don't tackle this one - you volunteer to repair the ceiling down below

Jen,

Those tubs had styrofoam under the floor of the tub. Over the years and with heavier Americans, the styrofoam breaks down or gets squashed, allowing movement. Movement creates cracks.

We have had some success by enlarging the plumbing access hole and shoving wet concrete under the floor of the tub to stop the flexing. Messy and awkward but effective.

Not a final solution and we still have to seal the cracks (then cover with a stick on mat) but better than nothing and cheaper/quicker than new.

You don't say where the Crack is.would it catch water if you did nothing?

I installed new aquasource/ sterling? Lowes set and tub cracked at outside edge where it curves up to make flange. It is hairline and I left it. After buying 4 sets of surrounds to get one good set and setting the tub in mortar at the beginning of the week I was in no position to start over. It has not gotten worse and not in a spot to be hit w water. And yes I had replaced the subfloor to the studs w cement board over ply.