The caulk around showers and tubs doesn’t last forever. It gets old, dries out, and starts cracking. Old and worn caulking needs to be replaced if you want to maintain a watertight seal. And like anything else in the plumbing world, there is a right and wrong way to apply caulk.
Caulking around a shower or tub is probably not something you are going to call a plumber for. Homeowners with even minimal DIY skills can generally handle caulking. But if you were to ask a plumber for advice, there are certain things he would probably tell you. Here are four of them:
1. Use a Silicone Caulk
Pretty much every plumber we tell you to use a 100% silicone caulk. Why? The plumbers at Salt Lake City’s Beehive Plumbing explain that silicone caulk is preferred for showers and tubs due to its superior:
- Flexibility
- Water resistance
- Mold resistance
Silicone is ideal in wet environments due to the expansion and contraction water causes. Silicone will last longer around a tub or shower than acrylic or latex. It does not dry out as quickly, nor does it lose its adhesion even in high-moisture environments.
2. Prepare the Surface First
We Americans tend to be an impatient lot. We like to do things quickly. But Beehive Plumbing says it’s crucial to prepare the surface before you put down new caulk. How do you do that? There are three steps:
- Removal – First, remove all the old caulk using a plastic putty knife. You may have to deploy a razor blade if small pieces of the caulk stick to the tub or shower. Just be careful not to cut into the surface.
- Cleaning – Next up is cleaning both the surface and the wall. Do what you need to remove all dirt, debris, soap scum, mold, etc. The cleaner the surface, the better the silicone caulk will adhere to it.
- Dry – Finally, either manually dry the surfaces or let them dry on their own. Either way, both the wall and shower/tub should be completely dry before you apply the caulk. Allowing any water under the caulk is only going to cause problems.
It doesn’t take much time or effort to prepare the surface. So don’t skip it. Otherwise, you are going to end up with a poor-quality job that may need to be redone later on.
3. Keep It Smooth
When you’re applying the caulk, do your best to keep the bead smooth and consistent. Avoid stopping and starting if you can. Some plumbers recommend using a caulk tool or a damp finger to smooth out the caulk after you have applied it. The smoother and more consistent the finished product, the better it will look and perform.
Here is an extra tip: if you’ve never used a caulk gun before, get some scrap wood and practice a little bit in order to get the feel for how to apply caulk. You will waste a little bit of caulk, but it’s worth it to get a smooth bead on the shower or tub.
4. Allow It to Fully Dry
Once the job is complete, make sure to let the caulk fully dry before exposing it to water. The label should tell you how long you’ll need to wait. Typically, it is 24 hours. Wait the full amount of time before taking a bath or shower.
Caulking around a shower or tub is simple enough that most homeowners can do it themselves. If you don’t want to tackle the job, I am sure a local plumber would do it for you.
