When a water tap has been in use for quite sometimes, it tends to develop a leak. However, some do look even when new due to poor work is done when assembling it. Others are bought with defects from the shop. The most natural thing do in this case is to seal the leaking points.
There are several elements that can be used for sealing the leaking holes. One of them is silicone. This is the most preferred component for doing the sealing majorly because of the perfect work it does. How is used to do the sealing? Is it strong and adhesive? Does it seal off the leakages satisfactorily?
For more information, go through this article. The information in it is just what you need to implement in your leaking tap.
What are the materials to be used when caulking?
Before beginning the process, it is natural to assemble all the required material for the job. They include:
- A bath caulk.
- Caulk remover.
- A knife.
- Caulk gun.
- Mold cleaner
- A painter’s tape.
What is the procedure of caulking a shower, a shower door and a shower stall?
Purchase of the correct type of silicone.
The first step is to purchase the recommended brand for the shower. Buying the one which is not destined for the job would amount to wastage. You do not need to use just any silicon, but you have got to go for the one in the market. You should always check on the seal and confirm whether what you are buying is the right type for the shower. There is no much difference however like any type of silicone can be used to seal off leakages.
Removing the old caulk.
Whether a shower is new or old, you may not miss a caulk in it. This caulk wears out over a period of time. Water starts leaking with every wearing out of the caulk. It is not advisable to repair the old caulk, rather, it must be taken off in order to pave way for the new caulk. The tool to use in removing the old caulk is a knife. Ensure that you remove as much as possible of the old caulk.
Cut through the lines using a knife, and scrub off what remains by use of a specialized remover. After removing all the old caulk, wipe clean the area by use of a clean towel. You can wet it with some water so as to get as much dirt as possible from the showers.
You are then to leave it to dry completely. Settle it in a clean, dry place until the shower is fully dry. The reason for letting it dry is because caulk does not bond on a wet surface.
# What happens if the old caulk is not removed?
Failure to remove an old caulk will have a negative impact on the work done. It won’t allow the new caulk from bonding well. This will not help in solving the problem of leaking water in the shower.
Apply caulk to the joint.
While you can just apply it by pressing the tube, it is better to invest in a caulk gun. Caulk gun has the advantages of letting you control the flow and shoot with precision. This will lead to a production of accurate and best results. With a caulk gun, you can also stop or continue the application at an instant. It gives you more power over the work which you are doing. If it becomes impossible to acquire one however, you can still press the tube carefully and still accomplish the task.
Mark out the surface to apply the new caulk.
This is better done by the use of a painter’s tape. There is no specified method of doing this. You can use any method, the end result should be a strong caulk. Apply silicone to the desired quantity. Do not put an excess of it. Little also won’t help much. You must be moderate in the application.
Wipe off excess silicone.
Dip your finger into the water to make it wet and use it to wipe out excess silicon from the line. When the silicon is still wet, ensure that you pull off the painter’s tape. If there are other places to be caulked, then you will need to proceed to those sections. Allow sufficient time for the caulk to dry.
Cure the caulk.
Do not use the shower immediately after caulking. You will need to leave it to cure for at least 24 hours. This is to allow it to bond well so that it will be able to seal off the water completely till the next assignment.
For how long will caulk last before it is redone?
There are several factors that will determine the amount of time a caulk will take before wearing out. Key among them are:
- The quality of the work done during the caulking.
- Quality of the silicone used. Others are known not to last while others can last for a good number of months.
- The frequency of use of the shower. The higher the frequency, the faster the caulk will wear out.
Many other factors can be taken into consideration in determining the duration that caulk can last. A caulk when done correctly, using the high-quality silicon and quality work is done too, it can last for a year or more. In some cases, it can even go close to two years before you notice any leakage. This would simply imply that quality work was done initially.
If I notice a serious leakage in my shower, is it time to change the system?
It may not be right to go straight to replacing the shower system. First, establish the cause of the leakage. If it is in the joints, the probably the caulk is worn out. Should the leak occur from along the tap, then chances are that it is broken somewhere. In this case, then, it is advisable to replace the broken part. Replacing the entire system is not a viable thing to do unless there is no other way to do it.
What is caulk made of?
There are usually four components used to make a caulk. They are:
- Latex
- Silicone
- Rubber and
- Polyurethane
It does not mean that caulk is made of a mixture of the above components. What it means is that caulk can be made from either of the four. What many people prefer most is latex, but all the above perform a similar job. They are substitutes for one another.
Is there any difference between caulk and silicone?
Yes, there is a difference. Many people do not recognize the difference. In fact, they interchange their names for being indifferent. The main difference is brought about by elasticity and where is it applied/used.
Caulk when it dries up becomes so rigid. When it comes to application, it is better used in areas where expansion is minimal or none at all. This is because it is less elastic and makes break off should the shower expand due to environmental factors.
Silicone, on the other hand, is very elastic and can adjust to a greater level without snapping off. It is used mostly in places where expansion is rampant. This is because it comfortably allows for room for expansion.
Do caulk and silicone perform the same function?
Yes, the two components perform the same function. They are substitutes for each other. As said earlier, many people are indifferent to this fact because they perform similar duties.
It is advisable however to use the correct component to where the environment permits. This is to help avoid early breakages.
Conclusion.
Caulking is a pretty simple thing. With the right material and the correct techniques, you will be able to do an exemplary job. When good quality work is done, it can give you well over a year of service without leaking. Do not use caulk on areas that expand rapidly as it will lead to frequent breakdowns and wastages. Avoid using the shower in such a way that it will break down easily. This could be by turning it around or even frequent opening of parts. Finally, the caulking needs one to exercise some care so as to get the best results.