How to Replace the Seals in a Shower

Inspect shower seals regularly to prevent leaks.

Baths and showers are sealed using caulk and grout around corners that may leak into the wall or out onto the floor. Over time, mold and humidity eat away at the seals around the plumbing fixtures and the tub. Leaks will develop as well. Resealing your tub is not necessary every year, but will be needed at some point in time over the life of your bathroom. Resealing is inexpensive and prevents more costly damage to your bathroom.

Things You'll Need

• Bathroom cleaner
• Knife
• Plumbing scraper
• Mineral spirits
• Cloth
• Caulk
• Caulking gun
• Paper towel
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Clean the tub and shower fittings using a shower cleaner, then rinse with water to remove dirt and mold from the area.

2. Scrape away old sealant using a knife or plumbing scraper, being careful not to scratch the tub. Clean away specks of sealant using mineral spirits on an old rag.

3. Fit the caulk into the caulking gun and start it by cutting off the top of the caulking tube and squeezing a small amount of the caulk onto a paper towel. This prevents a large blob when starting out and ensures an even application.

4. Mask off the area being sealed by placing a piece of masking tape around each side of the crack.

5. Set the tip of the caulk tube onto the end of the area being resealed, and run it slowly along the area as you squeeze the caulk gun trigger.

6. Allow the caulk to dry for a brief period, between 10 and 15 minutes, then run a finger along the caulk to smooth it out. Remove the masking tape.

References

• Victoria Plumbing: Renovating Your Bathroom Part 2
• Lets Do DIY: How to Replace Silicon Sealant Around a Bath or Shower