Easy Plumbing DIY: How to Recaulk Plumbing Fixtures

Knowing how to recaulk plumbing fixtures can be a useful thing to for a homeowner to know. Tubs and sinks are used everyday, and from all that use, the caulking between these fixtures and the wall often crack or become loose. When this happens, the plumbing fixture gets water that seeps into the opening and damages the joint and the wall. Using silicone caulk or bathtub caulk can help patch up these cracks and prevent leaks from ruining your bathroom.

The Repair - recaulk plumbing fixtures:

Step 1: Use putty knife or utility knife to remove all old caulk from joint. Get all of the old, beat up caulk out of the way so you can start fresh.

Step 2: Clean joint thoroughly with strong household cleaner. If joint is mildewed, scrub it with chlorine bleach. Dry joint thoroughly with clean rag wrapped over blade of putty knife.

Step 3: Apply caulk to joint. Cut nozzle of caulk tube at an angle so opening is a little larger than open joint. If you’re caulking several joints, start with the smallest joint and work up, recutting the tube nozzle as necessary for larger joints.

Step 4: Let the new caulk dry for several hours. Don’t let it get wet during drying period. Let the caulk cure completely before using fixtures.