How to Re-caulk the Bathtub, Shower and Bathroom Sink

Bathrooms will be a site of extensive water damage if you don't maintain the waterproofing of the sink, tub and shower. The caulking that seals these things keeps water from leaking around the edges and through the counter top, floor or wall and causing severe damage to the structure. Periodically removing the old caulking and re-caulking these places will prevent this damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Caulking gun
• Silicone caulking
• Putty knife

1. Take a putty knife and go around each fixture at the seal to remove the old caulking. Run the edge of the putty knife along the edge and use it to separate the bead of caulking from the porcelain or fiberglass of the fixture.

2. Remove any items that can be removed and clean the edge well. If the fixture can't be removed, make sure there is no residue of the old caulking left on or near the sealing surfaces.

3. Load the silicone caulking tube into the caulking gun and cut or poke a hole in the tip to allow the silicone to flow. Take up the slack in the caulking gun so that you have a steady bead of silicone coming from the tip when you squeeze the trigger of the gun.

4. Place the tip of the gun at the start point where you need to caulk. While squeezing the trigger, pull the tip along the path of where the caulking is to be. Make sure that the bead of silicone is continuous, with no breaks.

5. Take your finger and trace the bead from start to finish pressing it into the joint and allowing the excess to build up on your finger. Any places that seem to have weak seals or breaks in the joint, go back over those places with the excess caulking on your finger to make sure there is a seal.