Skip to main content
Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
or
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

Our Price Guarantee

How to fix a leaking shower

Caulking gun inserting silicone sealant into a crack.

Overview

It's a relatively easy job to use silicone to seal the edges of your shower screen. The challenge is working out how to put the silicone on so that it not only does the job but also looks nice and neat. This video shows you all the tricks you need to know to give your silicone a professional finish.

Tools and materials

Tools

Materials

Steps

1Apply silicone sealant to the gap

Once you're sure that your shower surfaces are clean and dry, run a bead of silicone along the gap, to completely cover it. Don't worry if it looks a bit rough. Use an icy pole stick to scrape off any excess, wiping the stick on a rag as you go. The icy pole stick does two jobs – it removes the excess silicone, plus it pushes silicone down into the gap to improve the seal. 
Caulking gun inserting silicone sealant into a crack.

2Use sugar soap to clean up remaining silicone sealant

Spray sugar soap along the newly sealed joint and wipe it down smoothly with a cloth. To get the best results, hold the cloth onto the joint with consistent pressure and wipe downwards in one fluid motion. Once you've done that, go back to clean up any bits you've missed.
Person spraying some liquid onto a wall.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.