Common Mistakes to Avoid When Resealing a Shower Tray

Identifying the Need for Resealing Shower Tray

First things first, let's make sure your shower tray actually needs resealing. Spotting the problem early can save you from costly water damage later on. Here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for:

This one's pretty obvious. If you see water pooling on the floor outside your shower, it's a clear sign that the sealant has failed and could use a bit of resealing.

Seeing black or dark green spots on or around the sealant? That's mould. It means water has gotten behind the seal, creating the perfect damp spot for it to grow.

If you notice a musty smell that just won't go away, no matter how much you clean, it could be a sign of hidden moisture and mould behind the sealant or under the tray.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to get to work. Reseal shower pan quickly to stop a small leak from turning into a big headache.

Take a close look at the sealant itself. If it's cracking, shrinking, or peeling away from the wall or tray, it's not doing its job of keeping water out anymore.

Mistakes Homeowners Often Make When Resealing Shower Trays

Even with the best intentions, it's easy to mess things up when resealing a shower tray. So, let's talk about the common blunders people make and how you can totally steer clear of them:

Forgetting to Prep the Area Right

This is probably the number one mistake when resealing a shower tray! You have to get rid of all that old sealant and make sure the joint is squeaky clean. If you don't, your new sealant won't stick to dirt, moisture, or leftover gunk.

Grabbing the Wrong Sealant

Not all sealants are created equal. If you grab just any old general-purpose or acrylic caulk instead of a 100% silicone, mould-resistant bathroom sealant, you're just asking for trouble. It'll fail quickly, discolour, and you'll get mould.

Putting On Too Much or Too Little

Too much sealant can also lead to a messy, unprofessional look, and it'll be a nightmare to smooth. Too little? It won't fill the gap properly, leaving weak spots and potential leaks. The secret is a nice, consistent, just-right bead.

Skipping the Smoothing Step

If you don't smooth the sealant, it'll look uneven, and more importantly, it won't get pushed deep enough into the joint. That means air pockets and a weak seal, which is no good.

Being Impatient with Curing

Patience is a virtue here. If you jump in the shower before the sealant has fully cured, you'll either wash it away or stop it from bonding correctly. All that hard work will be totally wasted.

How Much to Reseal Shower Tray in London?

Wondering how much it costs to reseal a shower tray? The reseal shower tray costs vary depending on several factors.

Resealing shower tray by yourself? You're mainly looking at material costs. A good tube of silicone sealant, a sealant gun, and some cleaning bits will probably set you back around £20 to £40.

Now, if you get a professional to reseal your shower tray in London, you're usually looking at something between £80 and £200. That covers their time and materials. Sure, it's more expensive, but you get the peace of mind knowing it's done right and often comes with a guarantee.

Factors Affecting Professional Cost to Reseal a Shower Tray

Here are a few things that can affect the reseal shower tray cost:

• The size of your shower: Larger showers naturally take more time and materials to reseal.
• The condition of the existing sealant: If the old sealant is particularly stubborn, it might take a bit longer to remove it all.
• The complexity of the job: Tricky corners or unique shower designs can make the resealing shower tray process more challenging.
• Labour costs: Labour rates can vary across London. We always offer clear and competitive pricing for all our handyman services.

Check out our blog ‘Expert Tips to Reduce Reseal Bath Cost’ for simple ways to keep your bath watertight and avoid unnecessary repair expenses.

How Long Do Shower Trays Last?

Want your shower tray to last? A good one can stick around for 10-15 years, maybe even longer! But how long it actually lasts really comes down to a few things:

• What is it made of? Acrylic and stone resin trays are tough, but the quality can totally differ depending on who made them.
• How was it installed? If it wasn't put on a flat, solid base, it's more likely to wobble and crack over time.
• How do you look after it? Keeping it clean regularly and resealing the shower tray when needed is important. That sealant, especially, should probably be replaced every year or two to keep things watertight.

For more information, read our blog ‘Time to Reseal Your Shower in London’ for a clear guide on when to reseal and how it helps prevent leaks and damp.

When to Call a Professional?

The process to reseal a shower pan can be a great DIY project, but sometimes it’s better to let the pros handle it. Here’s when to call in the experts:

• Serious Damage: Spotting mould, water damage on walls or floors, or cracks in the tray? That’s a sign it’s time for a professional to take a look.
• Stubborn Sealant: Struggling to remove the old sealant? Experts have the tools and the patience to get it off without damaging your shower.
• Not Sure How to Do It: If you’re unsure about the process, it’s better to get help. A bad seal can lead to costly repairs down the line.
• Moving Shower Tray: If the tray moves or flexes, it’s more than just a resealing issue. It’s an installation problem that needs fixing first.

At Serviceteam, we’ve got you covered. Our skilled plumbing engineers are experts at all kinds of property maintenance, including shower repairs. We’re here for you across London, 24/7!

Frequently Asked Questions

First, you'll need to scrape off all the old sealant. Clean the area thoroughly with a mould remover- a good scrub does wonders. Then, carefully apply a fresh bead of silicone sealant. Take your time for a neat, watertight finish!

If you're doing it yourself, you're looking at around £10-£20 for good-quality silicone sealant and a gun from your local B&Q. If you call in a professional in London, expect to pay roughly £80-£150, depending on the complexity of the job.

Remove all the old, discoloured silicone, clean the surfaces, and apply new, mould-resistant silicone. Pay extra attention to the joints and where the enclosure meets your tiles. And also resealing an enclosure is quite similar to a tray.

You need a high-quality, mould-resistant silicone sealant specifically designed for bathrooms. Brands like CT1 or UniBond are popular choices and widely available in London. Investing in a decent one will save you hassle down the line from black mould.

Most silicone sealants need at least 24 hours to fully cure and create a strong, waterproof bond. Some even recommend up to 48 hours. Always check the specific drying time on your sealant's packaging to be safe.