Sealing the bath and shower tray with silicone – is it necessary? How to do it properly?

A bath and a shower are the basic fixtures in any bathroom. It’s hard to imagine the room without them – how else would you look after everyday hygiene if they weren’t there? Their presence is beyond question, so it’s important to remember proper installation too. The last, but very important, stage is silicone sealing. What does it involve? Is it really a necessity? And most importantly – how do you silicone‑seal a shower tray and a bath? Read on!

Is silicone‑sealing the shower and bath a necessity?

The bathroom is where we look after our personal hygiene. That means water everywhere, and as it runs, it can accumulate excessively. This often leads to leaks to the lower floors (and flooding the neighbours if you live in an apartment block) or creates the ideal conditions for harmful mould and bacteria to develop. That’s why it’s crucial to silicone‑seal the shower tray and enclosure, as well as the bath and basin, effectively preventing water from seeping through gaps left after installation.

How to silicone‑seal a shower tray and bath

Silicone sealing isn’t difficult and you can do it yourself – just follow a few simple steps and the whole process will be quick and effective. Before you start, thoroughly clean the gaps you plan to eliminate.

Is it a new bathroom? In that case, simply make sure the areas are dry and degreased. If you’re replacing old silicone because it has dark discolouration or has started to peel, begin by removing it. You’ll need a sharp knife to lift the old bead of silicone. Do this very carefully – both for your own safety and to avoid scratching the sanitary ware.

A very important part of preparing for silicone sealing is choosing the right product. You’ll need a sanitary silicone, which is highly resistant to moisture, high temperatures, and to mould and bacteria. It’s very often sold in two colour options: white and clear. With it, you can fill any gaps in the shower and bath, preventing water from leaking through.

How do you apply silicone in the enclosure?

What should you use to seal the gap between the wall and the shower tray? How do you secure the gap between the tray and the floor? A suitably chosen and applied silicone sealant for the shower guarantees protection of these types of gaps from water.

How do you apply silicone in the enclosure? To make the job easier, protect the nearby tiles and the shower tray with masking tape, leaving only a narrow gap to be filled with silicone. The main area is where the enclosure meets the tray, both inside and outside. Another area is the gap between the wall and the tray – water can run there too, so you’ll need a bead of silicone on the inside and on the outside.

Apply the silicone in the chosen areas, smooth it with a plastic or rubber spatula, and then remove the masking tape. This way, the shower tray will be properly protected, and the silicone will remain only where it should.

Sealing the bath at the wall

Bath sealing should be done in exactly the same way as the shower tray process described above, just in a different area. The main place that needs protection is the gap between the bath and the wall along the entire length – and the bath often meets the wall along three of its edges.

Sanitary silicone works here as well. Mask off the edge of the bath and the wall with masking tape, then run the product along the gap. Smooth it with a spatula and remove the tape. And that’s it!

When silicone‑sealing a shower tray or bath, remember to wait the number of hours stated on the product packaging before taking a bath or shower. The silicone needs to dry and cure properly to do its job in the future. Follow the instructions above and everything will go smoothly with the expected result. Best of luck!