[decorative storage boxes ] : There are times when you would find yourself in a scenario wherein the joint between the tub and the wall of your toilet has opened up. And there is leakage.
Thus it's time to do the process of caulking around the bathtub. Firstly, remove all loose material from the bathtub area and clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Then, remove the old caulk, either by softening it with a heat gun or by scraping out the old caulk with a sharp putty knife.
If that doesn’t work, then use a hammer and a chisel. You can also use a solvent called the ‘Caulk Remover’ from any local hardware store or home improvement store. Follow the supplied instructions. After a couple of hours, the loosened caulk can be removed with a putty knife.
If the caulk still remains firm, then you may want to carefully use a safety razor to remove it. After that, clean the surface with water and allow it to dry. Then, caulk the joint again with a flexible silicone- or urethane-based caulk. You can even purchase special bathtub caulks now.
These caulks resist water and mildew, and they stay flexible to allow for movement. make sure to pick a color that matches the adhesive which you use. It is a good idea to fill the tub with water before you replace the caulk.
A tub always moves with the weight of the water so, if there is water, you will be filling the joint when it's forced open and it will accommodate more movement when the tub is filled in the future. After the caulk has partially cured or placed, drain the water.
Discard the excess caulk and then use a damp rag or cloth to carefully remove any caulk that has got on to the porcelain or tile surfaces.
At this point, the caulk is moist enough to be wiped up easily. If you want to, you can repeat this process for the other interior seams also. If necessary, caulk the exterior seams between the floor and the top of the tub for extra protection.
If the caulk still seems a bit uneven after the whole process, then you can drag a wet finger across it before it dries. This will help to smooth it out. Allow the caulk to lay/stay for at least a day (preferably longer) before using the bathtub.
Safety tips to keep in mind:
Keep your hands protected (wear gloves)
Keep tools and other solvents away from children
Wear eye protection if you have to chisel out the old caulk
Be sure that you follow all the instructions properly
Important:
Make sure that you understand the whole process before you start. If you are not comfortable with any step or process, don't do the project. When you find yourself stuck at any moment, call for help - preferably a plumber or an expert in the same field.
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