Re: How to replace shower silicon?

sarahjaynex

Hi

I’ve just moved into this house and the silicon around the bottom of the shower is brown, can this silicon easily be replaced? I’m a complete novice, so I don’t want to wreck the shower. If I can replace it on my own, can I please have product recommendations and instructions?

I also removed this solid silicon from the bottom of the frame (see photos to see silicon and where it was removed) but i’m unable to remove the stains and get it clean enough to slide back in… is this something I can purchase from bunnings? Or is there something I can put in there instead? (Sorry for the quality, it was the best photo I could get)

MitchellMc

Hi @sarahjaynex,

Yes, you can absolutely replace the brown silicone around the base of your shower, and it’s a great DIY job for a beginner.

To do it, you’ll want to start by removing all the old silicone using a silicone removal tool—these are inexpensive and available at Bunnings. Once that’s scraped out, clean the area thoroughly with a mould remover or isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any residue, then let it dry completely. From there, you can apply new silicone. I'd recommend using a product like Selleys Wet Area Silicone, which is mould-resistant and designed specifically for showers and bathrooms. Use masking tape on either side of the join to keep your lines neat, then run a smooth bead of silicone and tool it off with a damp finger or silicone finishing tool before it skins over. Here's a helpful guide: How to apply silicone sealant.

Unfortunately, the solid silicone gasket at the bottom of the shower screen frame is usually specific to the screen manufacturer and isn’t generally sold as a universal item. Your best bet would be to contact the manufacturer directly for a replacement part.

A word of caution, shower screens can shatter easily, especially if their gaskets are removed. When working around them, ensure you are wearing safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers and enclosed shoes.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

sarahjaynex

Hi Mitchell,

Thank you for responding

with regards to the silicon, it goes all the way around the shower where the glass meets the frame, do I need to scrape out all of it before cleaning & replacing? Or can I just cut out the brown portion and blend the old and new silicon togther?

I also just wanted to clarify, the solid silicon was not attached to the bottom of the glass door, it was in the slot of the frame, where I would step over to get in & out of the shower. From my research it looks like it’s maybe called an infill? Would I still need to contact the manufacturer or can I put something else in there to fill the gap?

Thanks!

MitchellMc

Hi @sarahjaynex,

It sounds like you might be mentioning the silicone gasket for the shower glass panel where it meets the frame, rather than a caulked silicone. If this is the case, the glass panel need to be removed and the gasket replaced, which isn't really a DIY job. If it's the one in your second and third images, then this is a silicone gasket and can't be cut out and filled. This gasket not only seals the frame, preventing water from escaping, but it also holds the glass panel in position and stops it from moving.

The only shower seals we carry are for the doors to cover the gap and prevent water from leaving the enclosure, not silicone infill pieces or gaskets for the glass panels in the frame.

That, unfortunately, doesn't leave you with many options. Are their any brands on the shower screen that would help you determine the manufacturer?

Mitchell

aimsie83

Hi Sarah,

have you found anything out on the removable silicone strip? I’ve been googling for literally years trying to find out what it’s called & where I can get a replacement. For what it’s worth our house was built by New Generation (Summit) in 2014. I’ve searched all our building paperwork & can’t find anything about our shower screens

JacobZ

Hi @aimsie83,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you join us.

Allow me to tag @sarahjaynex so she is notified of your question.

As Mitchell mentioned, it is a specialty product that is usually supplied by the maker of the frame or a glazier who is installing it. They are often referred to as glazing wedge.

You might be able to find a suitable replacement by looking for this search term.

Apologies that I can't be more help.

Jacob