DIY: How to reseal a bath, shower or sink - with Philippa Tuttiett

[@wildpeach88]

Finally a smart and correct way to reseal bath. While taking a bath and looking at my big crack in the seal I got to the same conclusion, that I have to fill the tub up with water and then seal it. This is the first video of many I've seen that shows this method. Thank you for sharing!

[@jayneejames]

Thank you Philippa!. My daughter's name is Philippa too. She lives in Bristol. My caulking job was successful after watching your video. You're funny too!...."don't fall in the bath" he he....I love fixing things...have lived by myself for years, so any tips really help me....very grateful!....Love and kindness to you, Jayne.

[@monisanandi]

Came back to say thanks again for this video. I removed all the old caulk in my bathroom yesterday and replaced it with fresh white silicone. It was hard going but your tips really helped me to feel confident about being able to do it all by myself!

[@maryabreu9634]

Best guidance so far after listening and watching 4 men and one woman! You sound very well trained 👏 and thorough. You also made it simple and easy to follow and understand. Thank you 😊 👍

[@valerieuttley2108]

My very first attempt at re-sealing a bath and a shower. I watched your video Philippa and followed your instructions and video to the letter. I'm thrilled to bits with the result and I'm guessing it would have cost a lot of money to have had a plumber in to do the exact same job. Thank you for being so precise and clear. Job well done.

[@charlesfurer]

I like how you dropped that thin bead and followed up with soapy water on exposed edges. Made taping unnecessary and kept your bead thin. First time I've ever seen that, so thank you. Bravo on your technique, thoroughness, and brevity. I agree with others that cutting the tip on a flat surface is a little more precise and safe.

[@mkkrupp2462]

The best, simplest most straightforward video out there. Thanks Phillipa.

[@monisanandi]

I have watched a LOT of videos trying to find the best tips and tricks for my first time and this is by far the best one I have watched.

[@JamesBelton-cloud]

Briliant video. Not the first time I've resealed a bath but the first time I've done it and it's not looked a complete mess. Knowing the correct tools and that washing up liquid tip is brilliant.

[@andrewtomlinson18]

As a plumber who has resealed numerous baths and showers the majority of time is spent cleaning the surfaces, the more silicon you remove the better the finish, just take your time.

[@fablanta]

Why is it so important to remove all traces of the old silicone?

[@bobmanevski5270]

This lady is so professional and gets job done Brilliant technique that I would never have thought of Thank you and cheers

[@sudo_nym]

To be fair, the technique has been known and used by tradesmen for decades ( except we have known not to smooth it with a finger because it allows mould to settle on the silicone).

[@faredoonirani1838]

That's all that's needed. A sweet, caring explanation.

[@TheGiokink]

Thanks Philippa. Had a bit of an emergency this morning with water coming through hole in ceiling where pipes for the boiler go. Thankfully we found it was just the seal in the bath/shower directly above as son was having a shower at the time. I'm not great at DIY and after looking at a few videos I found yours was clearly the best. I've now got some sealant and done the job and hopefully when I test the shower on Monday morning all will be well. Brilliant tips as well about filling bath with water and using soapy water spray for smoothing over.

[@oldgeorge1939]

You've certainly given people helpful encouragement to DIY. Good to see the tip about first supporting the bath edge where necessary. But ideally it's needed all round, wherever the bath is against a wall. Difficult to access on the taps side but worth the effort. Might be possible to insert battens wedged against the floor if you can't reach in and fix to the wall as you did. Hopefully the floor doesn't flex too much! It's very effective to do the initial clean up with a vacuum cleaner with crevice tool and a stiff brush. Essential to de-grease with something like meths that leaves no residue; it's often overlooked and leads to early failure. You only get good adhesion on such smooth surfaces if they're scrupulously cleaned first. I don't like the idea of spraying with water and detergent before you smooth it off, especially as you had a gap in the wet sealant behind the left tap (see it at 5:15). Soapy water in there is asking for trouble. Also, when you spread the bead with your finger, you're making the edge onto surfaces you've just coated with soapy water! It would be much better and last longer if you do it in two stages. First, with the bath full, put one line of sealant into the bath/wall joint, forcing it into the gap with a dry finger. Let it cure fully and then do a second, more cosmetic finishing seal. And see Johnny Biggs' comment below about avoiding a feather edge if possible. I use a piece of wood about 8mm wide with a squared off end. That gives a 45 degree angle and a hard edge. Trouble is the bead is then uneven where the tool dips a little as it passes a grout line so it needs a further light wipe with a finger to do a final smoothing. Hope this helps.

[@onlythebiggesthitsoneleano8461]

Cool story bro

[@jonathanptaylor]

Love the tip to fill the bath before sealing. I would never have thought of that :)

[@xl000]

so what happens to the seal when the bathtub is emptied.. It's the same argument in the reverse direction. A better solution would be to fill it halfway...

[@robot_animal]

@@xl000 one pulls the seal and the other pushes up

[@danny838]

This is basic stuff

[@danny838]

@@xl000 no fill the bath because you need the weight of the water plus a person but you'll not wanna wait 24h for it to go off. Also you wont squash silicone and make a leak.

[@dkklondon]

Excellent video, which enabled me to do what seems to be a very professional looking job. The tip about using a water spray (about 5 minutes in) is great. Thanks, Philippa!

[@quedgeleyboy]

What a fantastic straightforward training video. Clear and well presented. Thank you.

[@rliy001]

I watched a few videos on this from several blokes. One of them was very anti finger approach and all tools. After watching all those videos left me confused and hesitant. But I must say this explanation was so simple and very well presented that I'm gonna stop looking for any more videos

[@Harvardfacebook]

Very good, clear and comprehensive communication skills, great teacher.

[@rsmitham66]

Top tips! Thank you, although my fault in hindsight, I didn't know about the tip to fill the bath first. Smart lady with smart ideas!

[@ifassafi4549]

Thank you! watched a few of these vids. Had an un-answered question in each of the videos. But here, all were answered. You were calm, clear, and precise. U r a great teacher, I am a grateful student! ♥

[@fionathomson5195]

Just resealed my shower for the 1st time ever after watching your tips. Its not perfect and had trouble with the seal and gun but way better than it was and I'm happy with it. Practise makes perfect :-)

[@danielbrewin6870]

Thanks for the tips! Just finished my first shower. A little rough around the edges but happy for my first go! All the best!

[@eleanecote2225]

Wow, finally someone who teaches when there is a gap...saved my time, I’ve been doing it wrong for years!

[@ashleymcevoy4335]

My husband’s mother asked me to reseal her tub, which I’ve done before to mine but doing hers is a bit daunting. Great tips in this, especially to fill the tub with water first and the spray bottle with washing up liquid. Top quality work you’ve done there, thanks for sharing!

[@taylorh7076]

What is washing up liquid? Like dish soap? Sorry I’m from the US and I don’t recognize the term

[@jessicalynneknight]

Wonderfully informative! I'll definitely be subscribing to more of Philippa Tuttiett's videos. Now- to the bathtub🛁🛠🛁!

[@stevenhoy7249]

I feel set up to have a go now and the tips in this clip are really helpful. Especially the one about filling the bath once you've battened the bath to keep iT stable. Thanks a ton...here I go!

[@simonbridges3835]

😁Now THIS is a great instructional video! Philippa, thank you so much for clear, concise, articulate and highly informed guidance. I'm straight off now to have a bash - get 'em crossed! 😜

[@chrischileshe5745]

Brilliant! Superb tips, very well presented with good clear explanations.

[@joesmoe7749]

Thank you for the video. Just one suggestion, it would be nice to have a list of tools/materials needed either at the beginning or at the end.

[@davidrawlins5178]

Brilliant. I've really struggled with this in the past and your tips make it straightforward to get a great result. Thanks

[@BugalugsNash]

Something I learned the hard way - run your finger through the caulk to finish it off very soon after laying it! It starts to dry within a minute or so. I put the caulk all the way around the bath first then came back to finish it off and it was too dry, I had to start over -_- I had more luck doing small sections at a time. Thanks for the video!

[@RoyalDevilRocky]

Clear, straight forward and well explained. Amazing job that will help alot of people including myself.

[@kittyjenkins6750]

Oh wow! Great video. I followed your instructions meticulously and I have successfully silicone sealed my MDF panel to the bath after a local 'handyman' botched it. I don't think he did the all important degreasing with white spirit. My first foray into silicone sealing. Next I will renew the silicone behind the taps. Thanks a lot.

[@ljgirlcochise9283]

Did you spray with the water and washing up liquid? I want to tackle my bath but am nervous!

[@kittyjenkins6750]

@@ljgirlcochise9283 no. i wiped the area down with white spirit just before i started.

[@ShaneHayes1]

I watched 5 videos on this subject. This was the best.

[@johnbr59]

wrong, for a good finish you should use a finishing tool, not your finger

[@situationunchanged9733]

If you want an easier pro tip to add in. Once you've got 90% of the old silicone off try using electrical contact cleaner spray. It's cheap and versatile and will remove ever last trace of silicone and evaporates quickly. If it's not squeaky clean the new seal won't last that long. Great vid keep up the good work 👍

[@Bassbarbie]

Some great tips here that I hadn't seen elsewhere - thank you! Subscribed!

[@justsaying15]

Great video. I have the confidence now to tackle this job. Great job.

[@markmorgan975]

Great video. I really liked the "soapy spray" tip, very clever! I've tried the "masking tape above/below" technique in the past and it's way too much hassle. Thanks for the help :)

[@bobroadcap375]

What is the mixture in the spray bottle??

[@dschmidt5293]

Using soapy water for tooling the silicone bead is a really terrible idea. The soap will interfere with the silicone's bond in random places and cause it to fail again. All the soap does is make the silicone stick to your finger a little less. Spend a couple of bucks on tool that makes a proper and more consistent (better looking) bead instead of using your finger. Some people say that a 45 degree bead is strongest.

[@ljgirlcochise9283]

@@dschmidt5293 I thought the spray was to stop it sticking above and below the line of silicone so that the excess sticks to your finger instead? I was all set to try this.

[@user-xi4jn8xh4l]

ahhh !!! the spray with the soap at the end that's genius!! thank you

[@lakia671]

Beautiful. What's in the spray bottle with the water ?

[@toucantiling4587]

H Philippa We use ice block sticks over here in Chch NZ to smooth the silicone rather than using a finger. We do get some problems with the water spray running from the ceiling joints and then drying on the tiled surface which can be difficult to remove sometimes. I am wondering if spraying glass cleaner might be a better alternative to water and soap, so I will give it a go.

[@petamurphy7975]

Deffo going to this job myself now, great vid with clear instructions! :)

[@mohammedkhan3928]

Really professionally done. Thanks for sharing.

[@victoriahopkins6597]

She is absolutely brilliant. :D Thank you for making such an awesome video.

[@laurentiplady394]

Great video thanks, am about to attempt this, can I use white spirit instead of methylated spirit?

[@lordofbore]

Thanks Phillippa ,this was most useful .

[@daohangshuLZ]

Very clear instruction, thanks!! Got to solve my bathroom this week

[@Takerfanatic]

Hi, I think I'm going to step up and do this myself and this video gives me confidence. Any idea where I can get the scraper to take the silicon off (will a sharp enough object do?) And the grease spray?

[@wendtils]

The wooden support and sealing after there's some weight in the tub...very clever and thoughtful things I wouldn't have taken into consideration.

[@theeroom]

Great video!!! Didn't know about filling the bath, thanks

[@MrGSticks]

Me neither good idea especially for fat people

[@morayrobertson4490]

Great video, really helpful. Followed the guide for a bath and shower this morning looks really good. thank you.

[@bobgabriel2685]

Very good video with equipment & tips I didn’t see in several other similar videos. Thanks!

[@rachelgoodson4977]

Just did this - best result ever!

[@jmoconnell]

The "and make sure you don't fall in" is 100% what made me like this

[@coffeewithmysunshine2506]

Yes! I needed these tips. Thank you! I'll be doing mine tomorrow

[@wombatwillie363]

Philippa, Thank you for another great and instructive video. I just put down lino flooring (by following your instructions in another video... thank you very much! It worked like a charm.), and will now be caulking the bathtub. I find your instructional videos to be clear, concise, and always educational. And you add a touch of humor, also. #:^) Thanks again, Philippa! You're groovy... and kind... and smart. Best Wishes Always, Wombat Willie

[@tweaterdea2]

I'm doing my tub tomorrow and these tips are the best. Thanks.

[@teddyrwilliam1428]

Thank you Philippa you made it look so easy x

[@johnnybigs1527]

Silicon angle to bath and wall, should be at 45%, size of bead at least 6mm or greater to allow for movement when bath is loaded. Running your finger to smooth wet silicon brings it to a microscopic edge, which reduces its strength at the point it needs it when stretched, this also helps to stop edges rolling back when cleaning, gives and neat and even finish. It gets the job done and creates a basic seal which keeps water out for a time The main reason for the thumbs down was as for mentioned, seals need to maintain at least a 6mm body or greater to give flexibility to cope with movement and provide strength to it’s edge.

[@daisya9505]

How do I apply a 6mm plus seal?

[@Ocean8881]

very impressive !! how do you keep bits of the silicone from landing on the tile or the top of the bathtub? Should one use tape above and below the gap??

[@morbottgaming2895]

Great video, thanks. One question... at 5:05 you mention washing up liquid. Sorry... I'm from Canada... don't know what that is. Is that Dish washing liquid soap?

[@fliptopjim]

Fantastic, thanks Philippa - I feel I can do this!

[@sparklebyrne8267]

There is a small section of silicone broken on my shower tray. Can I just patch that section up with silicone or do I have to remove all the old silicone around the tray ?

[@sharonensor7471]

Great vid ! Clear n concise.

[@justjames1111]

Good Demo, thanks. Grease spray? Is that WD40?

[@MrSimpsonSimpson]

I'm in the comments to find the answer to this question too!

[@thomashutchinson1]

From Google 'WD-40 is very good at removing silicone sealant but just make sure to completely remove it from the surface before applying the new silicone sealant as they can react together.'

[@merylwilliams1060]

Brilliant video! All the information I needed. Many thanks 😊

[@sarahtheorme]

Really useful - thanks for sharing, Philippa, and please don't let those of lesser minds put you off making your excellent videos - you could disallow comments?

[@hitewakeasllielimsolls8443]

*Totally.* *Philippa, you are awesome !*

[@shredder9536]

Was a great job for a woman doing it

[@jonnylongmire]

Saw her patio video, your damned brilliant.!... Great video.

[@DjZubes]

Thanks for this. Great video with tips I'd have never thought of!

[@iancurror1853]

As a very reluctant DIYer, I found this demonstration and relaxed explanation deeply reassuring. I bit the bullet, followed the excellent instructions and hope that I have a watertight shower in 24 hours time. Thank you.

[@munkittytunkitty]

This is such a helpful video - I'm following it carefully. Thank you very much :)

[@cjfeather]

That spraying it with water always makes me think why get the surface bone dry only to spray it with water and washing up liquid, would it not now not stick properly on the outer edges after you run your finger down it? Only asking because I will be doing this in the coming days

[@ljgirlcochise9283]

I'm concerned about that also, won't it stop it sticking generally? :o

[@cjfeather]

@@ljgirlcochise9283 unless some magic happens lol, I did it when it was bone dry and used a tool to smooth it down the edge,,,

[@ljgirlcochise9283]

@@cjfeather Thanks. I don't have a tool though, could I use a spoon handle or something, do you think? :D

[@Alaningham]

Brilliant video really helpful thank you Alan

[@SilviaVanThreepwood]

"Have on hand: Some tissues." I never expected a caulking video would get this emotional!

[@davidlennard2729]

I don’t mean to sound disrespectful. Could you please tell me if you are a lady? you’re a gentleman? Apart from that an excellent video very well explained.

[@ljgirlcochise9283]

@@davidlennard2729 What difference does it make?

[@NeutronX101]

I have a question i have old groit thats cracked between tub and tile should i regrout or apply the caulk instead? Thanks

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

NeutronX101 It should be silicone between the bath and tiles, to allow for movement. A good 6 mm bead is something like.

[@dsmithc]

Great video. Great personal tips as well!

[@magicalleela666]

What's the spray? Mule Spray? Can't find any info about it. Can you list the chemical you used? Thanks.

[@timlist4173]

How do you reseal the end of the caulk tube for later use?

[@junipergreene2467]

Thank you for sharing the details!

[@True-trini]

I feel empowered to tackle my own tub now. Thanks for sharing.

[@mazdakmorati2297]

Great job, but I would put the tube on a hard surface(floor) and then cut the tip !!

[@essemsween818]

What do you do when you get to the corners? I noticed that you began a new line halfway through the back wall but wasn't sure if that was because of the taps. When you started the side wall though you didn't have a clear space, there was already sealant in it, so did you go corner to edge or edge to corner? The same question applies to clearing the excess how do you get the neatest finish? Thank you.

[@SquirelAunt]

Best video I've seen on this!

[@jameshofton]

thanks for making an easy to follow video.

[@dJ.kNiGhT23]

Very smart and intelligent girl I love it ❤️❤️❤️ I'm going to do this myself thanks! For the video...

[@Dischordian]

good tip if you cba with tape or lack confidence to get a very straight line......also with tape a mm raised ridge will be left where the tap has been removed of course

[@highlandutilities]

Excellent video, just away to do my bath, thanks for the tips

[@anthonycooke3548]

The plastic tool used in the video is excellent.

[@MattCampbell-h4g]

Great video! Many thanks

[@SuperSoniayadav]

Very nice job. But I didn’t see how to remove and see under the tub.

[@johnbeck5795]

No mention of checking that the base legs are all correctly adjusted and secure?

[@mizabellaogbe]

Amazing. You work very neet. Thank you for the video.

[@BradyRay_333]

Going to be doing this today. Thanks to your instruction I can do the job with much more confidence! Thank you.

[@spotless4444]

What about applying behind taps with the sealant? That would have been a tip but that was cut out shame

[@rickgreen7643]

I've seen tilers put a biro tube on the end of the screw on tube to give more reach

[@stuey36]

Nice clean job

[@Abubaker42]

Informative and cute too absolutely delighted, thanks

[@davidm.fosteriii6495]

Is that water and washing up liquid she said in the bottle?

[@purpleangel4]

Thanks Philippa I'm going to have a go at this in the coming weeks.

[@DubSalvation]

Shes not reading this you nob

[@Wellnessinspire22]

thank you Philippa!! Great video

[@azhotmom]

What is in the old bottle with water? Didn't catch that