🛁 How to Seal Your Bath or Shower: A Simple DIY Guide

GladPro Plumbing Services, Serving Gravesend, Kent, Essex and South East London

A clean, neat silicone seal around your bath or shower does more than improve appearance. It prevents leaks, mould growth and long-term water damage to walls and flooring. Over time, sealant can crack, peel or discolour, making replacement necessary.

If you're looking for a simple DIY task that improves hygiene and refreshes your bathroom, resealing is a great place to start.

At GladPro Plumbing Services, we regularly help homeowners across Gravesend, Kent, Essex and South East London with resealing and bathroom maintenance. Below is a clear and easy guide to help you complete the job yourself.

🧰 What You'll Need

• Bathroom or sanitary-grade silicone sealant

• Silicone sealant gun

• Sealant remover or scraper

• Masking tape

• Silicone finishing tool

• Mild cleaning spray

• Cloths or kitchen roll

🚿 Step 1: Remove the Old Sealant

Before applying new silicone, remove all of the old seal.

1. Use a scraper or sealant removal tool to loosen the old bead.

2. Remove all traces of silicone, including small residues.

3. Clean the surface and allow it to dry fully.

💡 Important: Any leftover sealant may prevent the new seal from sticking properly.

🧽 Step 2: Ensure the Area Is Completely Dry

Water will stop silicone bonding properly. Make sure the bath, shower tray and surrounding tiles are fully dry.

If you have a plastic/acrylic bath, partially fill it with warm water before sealing. This allows the sealant to set while the bath is at its natural weight and position.

📏 Step 3: Apply Masking Tape for Straight Edges

Apply masking tape above and below where the sealant will go, leaving a small gap for the silicone. This ensures:

• Neat lines

• Less mess

• A professional finish

Press the tape down firmly.

🔧 Step 4: Apply the New Sealant

1. Cut the sealant nozzle at a 45° angle.

2. Load it into the sealant gun.

3. Apply a smooth, continuous bead along the join.

4. Avoid stopping-and-starting where possible.

Slow and steady gives the best finish.

✨ Step 5: Smooth and Finish the Seal

Use a silicone finishing tool to smooth the bead. This ensures:

• A waterproof seal

• Better adhesion

• A clean and even edge

Wipe excess silicone from the tool between passes if needed.

🧻 Step 6: Remove Tape and Allow to Cure

While the silicone is still wet, carefully remove the masking tape to avoid smudging.

Allow the silicone to cure for 12–24 hours, depending on product instructions.

Do not use the bath or shower during curing.

💡 When Should You Reseal?

Your bath or shower may need resealing if the silicone is:

• Cracked or peeling

• Mouldy or blackened

• Allowing water through

• Older than 5 years

This is especially common in homes across Gravesend, Kent, Essex and South East London.

🛠️ When DIY Isn’t Enough

You may need professional help if:

• The seal keeps failing

• The bath or tray moves excessively

• There's visible damp or mould damage

• You are unsure and don’t want to risk leaks

In those cases, we’re here to help.

📞 07375 702735

📧 Gladproplumbingservices@outlook.com

🌐 www.gladproplumbingservices.com

🧰 About GladPro Plumbing Services

GladPro Plumbing Services is a trusted, highly rated plumbing company serving homeowners across Gravesend, Kent, Essex and South East London.

We specialise in high-quality plumbing repairs, maintenance and upgrades, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and long-lasting workmanship.

Why customers choose us:

• 24/7 availability

• No call-out fees

• Fully qualified and insured engineers

• Honest, transparent pricing

• 12-month guarantee on all completed work

• Friendly, reliable service

• 15% OFF for OAPs

• 10% OFF for returning customers

We take pride in providing professional, reliable and friendly service from start to finish.

🚰 Other Services We Offer

We provide a wide range of plumbing and heating services including:

• Tap repairs and replacements

• Toilet repairs and replacements

• Shower valve and cartridge replacements

• Water filter installations

• Water softener servicing and installation

• Blocked toilets, sinks and drains

• Kitchen and bathroom plumbing upgrades

• Radiator installation and repairs

• Thermostat replacements

• Unvented hot water cylinder servicing

  and much more...

Whether you need a small repair or a bathroom upgrade, we’re here to help.

📍 Areas We Cover

We proudly serve:

📍 Gravesend

📍Kent

📍 Essex

📍 South East London, including Sidcup, Eltham and Bromley

💧 Need Help Sealing or Repairing Your Bath or Shower?

If you’d prefer a professional finish or already have leaks, mould or water damage, contact us today.

📞 07375 702735

📧 Gladproplumbingservices@outlook.com

🌐 www.gladproplumbingservices.com