Resealing a Bathtub

The bathtub seal keeps your walls from getting water damage.

To prevent water from spilling over the side of your bathtub and ruining your walls, you need to make sure there is a proper seal. There should be a line or bead of caulking material or another type of waterproof sealant that covers the joint where the bathtub meets the wall. If the sealant looks frayed or is damaged in any way, water might be dribbling between the wall and tub each time you turn on the water. To prevent this from occurring, take the time to remove the old caulking material and apply a new sealant.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Caulk remover
• Utility knife with new blade
• Pliers
• Putty knife (if needed)
• Clean rags
• Rubbing alcohol
• Bleach
• Caulking material or other waterproof sealant

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Apply some caulk remover to the old caulking material along the joint where the tub meets the wall. Allow the caulking remover to soak into the caulk for several minutes to soften it.

2. Pry the caulk away from the wall with a utility knife until you can grasp one end. Install a brand new blade in the knife before you begin.

3. Grasp hold of the end of caulk with a pair of pliers. Pull the pliers along the length of the caulk to peel it off of the joint. Scrape any residue out of the joint with the edge of your utility knife or a putty knife. Wipe the joint with a clean rag.

4. Soak one end of a clean rag with some rubbing alcohol. Wipe out the joint with the alcohol to remove any soap scum. Allow to dry for several minutes.

5. Saturate the end of another clean rag with some chlorine bleach. Wipe out the joint with the bleach to kill any mildew that is left.

6. Fill the bathtub halfway with water. The weight of the water in the tub will pull the tub slightly away from the wall, which will create a better seal. Also, if you apply the sealant without water in the tub, the tub can pull the sealant out of the joint when it gets filled with water again.

7. Make sure that the joint is completely dry. Apply a bead of bathtub caulking material or another waterproof sealant to the joints between the wall and tub. Allow the caulk to dry overnight before using the bathtub.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How to Remove Caulk in 6 Easy Steps
• Bathtub Seal: A Homemaker's Quick Guide to Replace a Bathtub Seal
• Loctite: Resealing Around a Bathtub