How to fix Leaks in Shower Tiles by Caulking

Written By: Suman Grewal

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How to fix Leaks in Shower Tiles by Caulking

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

3 - 20 hours

Introduction

Caulking is used as adhesion to seal the surface to prevent damage and leaking. This guide focuses on fixing leaks in shower tiles using silicon-based caulking, which is water-resistant and it is used to fill any gaps or leaks.

Caulking tubes come in many forms to be used for a specific surface or specific damage. To perform the fix in the guide, look for a caulking tube that says 'silicon-based' or 'bathroom and kitchen use'.

Step 1 of this guide requires to remove the old caulking. The new caulk will not slick to the old caulk on the surface, so it is important to remove it before proceeding to do this fix.

The time for this fix may vary depending on the size of the surface and the time it takes for the caulk to completely dry. The caulking can take up to a full day to dry completely, so be prepared to not use the surface for a while before beginning the process!

Tools

Step 1

Using a putty knife, remove the old caulk from the surface.
While using the scraper, hold the sharp end away from you.

Step 2

Using a damp cloth, wipe the surface to remove the scraped caulking.
Using another cloth, wipe the surface with disinfectant.

Step 3

Place the caulking tube in the caulking gun.
Place the back of the tube into the gun.
Push the front of the tube inside.
Twist the hook at the end of the caulking gun inwards to hold the caulking tube in place.

Step 4

Cut the tip of the caulking tube at an angle.
Test the caulk on a paper towel before applying it on the surface.
Press the trigger on the caulking gun to release the caulk from the tube.

Step 5

Start caulking at the top of the surface and move down along the surface.
Place the tip of the caulking gun on the surface between two tiles and move it down at a steady pace.
Go back to the top and apply the caulking on the next tile, until all of the space between the tiles has caulking.
Hold the caulking gun with both hands to be steady.

Step 6

Using a damp finger, smoothen the caulking on the surface.
Keep a rag nearby to periodically wipe off any excess caulking.
Allow the caulking to dry for five minutes, before moving on to the next part.

Step 7

Now, apply the caulking in the horizontal direction.
Repeat the process in Step 5 and 6.
Allow the caulking to dry for 5 minutes before moving to the next part.

Step 8

Go over any areas that were missed or that don't have enough caulking.
Put a pea size amount of caulking in that area and smoothen it out with a damp finger.

Step 9

Let the surface dry for 20 minutes.
After the caulking has dried, remove the excess using a putty knife.
To avoid scratches while removing the excess, lay the scrapper flat towards the surface.

Step 10

In case there is still any excess, scrub over the scraped area with a damp cloth.
If there is any caulking left over, cover the tip of the caulking tube with a paper towel and store for later use.
The caulking tube can be left in the caulking gun or taken out by performing step 4 backward.

Conclusion

Clean the surface and completely let it dry before using it. It may take up to a full day to dry completely, so be prepared to not use the surface for a while!

Author

Suman Grewal

Member since: 26/04/20

208 Reputation

How to fix Leaks in Shower Tiles by Caulking

Introduction

Tools

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