How to Caulk a Shower Faucet

How to Caulk a Shower Faucet in 6 Easy Steps

Caulking a shower faucet is not as easy as it sounds. The process of caulking a faucet can be messy and time-consuming, but the benefits are worth it.

We will walk through how to remove the old caulk, and then we will go over how to re-caulk a bathroom faucet. If your faucet is leaking, this is a great way to stop it.

Once you know how to caulk a shower faucet, you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. But first, let’s go over what you’ll need.

Tools and materials:

  • Utility knife or putty knife
  • Vinegar and warm water
  • Caulk gun 
  • Small putty knife
  • Clean rag or paper towels 
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Caulk 

Why do you need To caulk a shower faucet?

should you caulk around shower faucets

The following information will shed light on why it is necessary to caulk bathroom faucets:

Reduce corrosion and leakage

Caulking helps prevent water from getting underneath the shower tap, making it corrode and cause leakage.

Leaks from the shower diverter or bathtub faucets are common, and fixing this problem is easier than you might think. If your bathroom faucet is leaking, it’s time to seal it and prevent further water damage.

Prevents mold and mildew

It also reduces mold and mildew formation under the faucet, which can cause odors and cleanliness problems.

This is very important because the presence of mold and mildew will make your bathroom smell unpleasant. Additionally, it can be difficult to get rid of mold and mildew without replacing the caulk.

It enhances the shower faucet

Caulking makes the shower faucet look better and more sparkling.

Caulking a bathroom faucet enhances the look of your bathroom and can make it look cleaner and newer. Once you seal a tap, you will wonder why you haven’t done it sooner.

Instructions on how to caulk a shower faucet

1. Choose the right caulk

You have to decide what type of sealant you want to use. The two most common types are silicone and polyurethane.

Silicone caulk is long-lasting and the easiest to work with. Cleaning it up is also simple if there aren’t mistakes in the caulking process.

Polyurethane is also durable, but it will take longer for you to complete your job because this type of caulking needs time to dry completely before you use the faucet handle again. If you prefer, you can also use acrylic latex caulk. Additionally, polyurethane will be difficult to clean up if there are mistakes made during the caulking process.

We recommend using silicone sealant because it is long-lasting and easy to clean up, so you won’t have to redo the sealing job later. 

2. Take off any old caulk

You must remove any old caulk that may be on your shower or bathtub faucet before you re-caulk it to prevent leakage and mold problems. Removing old sealant can be difficult depending on how long it has been there. If there is a lot of moldy caulk, try using a utility knife or putty knife for best results.

If you do not have any tools to remove the old caulking from your shower faucet. Soak a rag in warm water and vinegar and apply this mixture to the existing caulk until it loosens enough to pull away from the metal by hand with your gloved hands.

3. Getting the surface ready

If you are using silicone caulk, it is best to apply it to a surface that has been cleaned with rubbing alcohol. This will ensure the adhesion of the sealant to your metal shower faucet.

If you are using polyurethane caulk, apply it to a surface that has been cleaned with soap and water. Polyurethane may not work well with alcohol because of its chemical properties.

4. Get the caulk gun ready

Cut the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle using your caulking tool. This will make it easier to apply the sealant without making any mistakes or having to redo it later.

Whatever type of caulk you choose (silicone or polyurethane), you will need to insert it into your caulking gun. To do this, place one end of the tip in the opening of the caulking gun and press until it snaps completely in place.

5. Caulk it up

Slowly squeeze out some caulk. You’ll want to make sure that there’s enough so that when you slide your finger up through it, about 1/2 inch hangs over beneath your finger.

This will ensure that there won’t be any gaps in between the caulk and your shower faucet. When you are finished, clean up any caulk residue with your finger or an old rag.

6. Allow it to dry

You must let the caulk dry for 24 hours before using the shower again. Caulking is considered watertight after it has completely dried because the moisture should have evaporated during this time. If you notice any leakage while waiting for your caulk to dry, then you should remove the existing caulking and start over again.

If there are no signs of leakage, stop using your shower immediately until all of this water pressure passes through your newly caulked shower spout. Once the pressure is relieved, you should be able to use your shower without any problems.

FAQ

Should you caulk around a shower faucet?

Yes! A small caulk job can save you from a big headache. If the sealant around the shower faucet is old, it will cause water leakage which can damage drywall and create mold growth in your bathroom.

How often do you have to caulk a shower faucet?

It depends on how often you use your shower. The constant stream from the hot water running through your faucet can cause regular caulk to wear away after about a year.

If you notice any water coming out of the bottom of your faucet or if there is already some mildew growing underneath it, then that means that your caulking needs to be replaced.

How do I pick the right caulk for my project?

You want to use the right caulk for the type of surface you are working on. For example, if your faucet has a metal exterior or handle, then you should use a silicone caulk. This is because it will last longer than regular polyurethane caulking and can withstand stronger water pressure.

Last Words

Having a shower faucet that is leaking can be an inconvenience if you live alone, but if you have to take care of children or pets it could be dangerous. Leaking water can cause mildew and mold growth which may lead to respiratory issues.

Now that you know how to caulk a shower faucet, go ahead and select the right kind of caulk for your project so that you can have a clean, leak-free shower again in no time.

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