Bathroom Tub Leak? The Caulking May Be the Culprit

If you notice water leaking out from around your bathtub after a bath, the problem is not always with the bathroom plumbing. Sometimes, the cause of the leak is caused by old, worn, or missing caulk. Caulk helps seal around the tub to stop water from leaking over the sides and onto the floor.

To determine if the caulk is the cause of the leak, look at the caulking around the tub. See if there are any missing sections. Check if you can pull on the caulk and whether it pulls away from the tub. If either of these is discovered, you must replace the caulking.

How to Remove Old Caulk

1. Soften the caulk: If it is hard or brittle, you may need to soften it before removal. Apply a caulk softener product according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to sit for the recommended time.
2. Cut the caulk: Use a utility knife to cut along the length of the caulk, being careful not to damage the surrounding surfaces.
3. Use the caulk removal tool: Hold the caulk removal tool at a 45-degree angle to the surface and carefully scrape along the length of the caulk. Apply moderate pressure to avoid damaging the surface beneath the caulk.
4. Use a putty knife: Use a putty knife to gently pry the caulk away from the surface, starting at one end and working along the length of the caulk.
5. Clean the surface: Once all the caulk has been removed, clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining caulk residue.
6. Allow the surface to dry: Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the new caulk.

How to Apply New Caulk

1. Gather your supplies: You will need a caulk gun, a tube of caulk, a utility knife, a putty knife, and a damp cloth.
2. Prepare the surface: Remove any old caulk or loose material from the area you want to caulk. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Cut the tip of the caulk tube: Use a utility knife to cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle. Cut the tip to the size of the gap you want to fill.
4. Load the caulk gun: Insert the tube of caulk into the caulk gun with the cut tip facing forward. Squeeze the caulk gun’s trigger to load the caulk into the tip.
5. Apply the caulk: Hold the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle to the surface, and apply the caulk in a smooth and steady motion. Move the caulk gun along the entire length of the gap, applying the caulk evenly.
6. Smooth the caulk: Use a putty knife or your finger to smooth the caulk into the gap, filling any voids. Clean any excess caulk with a damp cloth.
7. Allow the caulk to dry: Follow the instructions on the caulk tube for drying time. Do not touch the caulk until it is completely dry.
8. Clean up: Clean the caulk gun, putty knife, and any other tools you used with soap and water. Dispose of any leftover caulk properly.

Why Call in a Professional Plumber for Help?

Getting that perfect bead and finished smooth look you want with caulk is difficult for most people. Professional plumbers work with caulk frequently, so they are experts at applying it correctly. Plus, if there are other plumbing problems you must fix, you can have these taken care of simultaneously.

For help finding leaks and fixing them, as well as 24-hour plumbing service for emergencies, please feel free to contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-599-3338 today!