Shower Cabin and Bathtub Sealing in Warsaw — Silicone Replacement and Leak Repair

Blackened silicone around the bathtub rim, mould in every corner of the shower cabin, water on the floor after every shower — a familiar picture. Old sealant loses its flexibility over time, peels away from the surface and starts letting water through. Painting over it or adding another layer on top is pointless: you need to strip the old silicone completely and apply a fresh bead. The job looks simple, but removing old sealant cleanly, preparing the surface and laying a smooth new line is a skill. In flats on Bemowo, houses on Targowek, new builds in Bielany — the same problem appears 3–5 years after the last renovation. If you want it done once and properly, call a professional.

How much does it cost and what affects the price

The cost depends on the joint length (in linear metres), the condition of the old silicone and how easy the joints are to reach. A straight bead along a bathtub is quick. A corner shower cabin with many joints takes longer. If the old sealant has bonded into the grout or was applied in multiple layers, removal takes more time. Current prices for all bathroom work are in the table below. Sanitary silicone is included in the service price.

How the work is done

1. Inspection: we determine the scope — which joints need replacing and whether there are hidden leaks behind the bath panel or cabin walls.
2. Removing old silicone: we cut it away with a blade, then strip the residue with a silicone remover. Every trace must go — new sealant will not bond to old.
3. Cleaning and degreasing: we wash the joint and wipe it with alcohol or a specialist degreaser. The surface must be completely dry and clean.
4. Masking with tape: we apply painter’s tape on both sides of the joint for a crisp edge and to protect the tiles from excess silicone.
5. Applying silicone: we use sanitary silicone with a fungicidal additive (anti-mould). It is applied evenly from a caulking gun and smoothed with a spatula or a finger dipped in soapy water.
6. Removing the tape: the tape comes off immediately after smoothing, before the silicone starts to skin over.
7. Curing: the silicone reaches full strength in 24 hours. The joint must not get wet during this time.

Common mistakes

• Applying new silicone over the old — it does not adhere and peels away within weeks, leaking again.
• Using general-purpose silicone instead of sanitary grade — without a fungicide, mould returns in 2–3 months.
• Not degreasing the surface — silicone sticks poorly to greasy or soapy tiles.
• Applying too thick a bead — it cracks or peels at the edges as it cures.
• Skipping the masking tape — edges come out uneven, silicone smears across the tiles.
• Wetting the joint before the full 24-hour cure — the silicone does not polymerise fully and loses adhesion.
• Sealing only the visible sections — water finds its way through unsealed corners and joints.

What to prepare before the visit

• Remove all shampoo bottles, soap dishes and accessories from the bathtub rim and cabin shelves.
• Make sure the bathroom is well lit — the technician needs to see every joint clearly.
• If there is a bath panel, let us know — it may need to come off for access.
• Do not use the shower for at least 2 hours before the visit — the joints must be dry.
• If you know where water leaks through, show the technician.
• After sealing you cannot use the bath or shower for 24 hours — plan accordingly.
• If the kitchen sink sealant also needs replacing, mention it in advance — we can do both in one visit.
• Ventilate the bathroom — the silicone remover has a strong smell.

A real case from Warsaw

We were called to a flat on Bemowo. The bathroom had a corner shower cabin with four-year-old sealant. Black mould on every joint, the bottom corner had separated from the tray and water was leaking onto the floor with each shower. Removing the old silicone took over an hour — the previous installer had applied three layers, one on top of another. We cleaned everything down to the tile and acrylic, degreased and dried the surfaces. We masked with tape and applied Ceresit CS 25 sanitary silicone with an anti-fungal formula. Total joint length was about 8 linear metres (tray perimeter, cabin wall joints, wall junction). The result — neat white beads, no water getting through. The owners said it looked like a brand-new cabin.

Frequently asked questions

How often should silicone be replaced?
On average every 3–5 years, depending on usage intensity and bathroom ventilation. If mould has appeared or the sealant is coming away, it is time for a change.

Can I just paint over the mould on the silicone?
No. Mould lives inside the sealant — surface treatment will not help. The only solution is a full joint replacement.

Clear or white silicone — which is better?
For white sanitaryware, white silicone hides imperfections better. Clear works well with coloured tiles or dark surfaces. The key requirement is that it must be sanitary grade with a fungicide.

How long does the sealing take?
A standard bathtub (three sides) takes about 1–1.5 hours including old silicone removal. A shower cabin with many joints takes 1.5–2.5 hours.

Can I replace the silicone myself?
You can, but getting a smooth bead on the first attempt is rare. Uneven silicone is not just unsightly — it holds water less effectively. If you want a tidy finish, it is easier to call a professional.

Will sealing help if water is escaping under the bathtub?
If the problem is at the joint between the tub and the wall, yes — new silicone will fix it. If the drain or trap is leaking, that is a different issue and needs diagnosis.

Book the sealing service

We replace silicone on bathtubs, shower cabins and trays across Warsaw. We strip the old sealant completely and apply fresh sanitary silicone with mould protection. The work takes 1–2 hours and the result lasts for years. Get in touch — we will come at a time that suits you.