A leaky shower door is typically caused by a bad door seal. Normal aging and wear causes the strip at the bottom of the door to break, crack or just seal poorly. Replacement seals provide an inexpensive solution to the problem. Although these seals look like plastic, they are more typically made of rubber or vinyl because these materials have a longer life. The type of strip necessary depends on the design of your shower door.
Inspect the bottom of the shower door to determine the plastic seal attachment method. Seals typically slide into a channel at the bottom of the door or they are placed between the base of the door and the metal drip rail.
Remove the metal drip rail if necessary for plastic seal access. The rail is attached to the door with small screws. For channel-style seals, pull the old plastic strip out of the rail channel. Use needle-nose pliers to grasp the strip and pull it out, if necessary.
Wipe the door channel and bottom rail with a damp cleaning rag to remove dirt and soap residue. Use an ammonia-based cleaner to cut through heavy grime buildup. Wipe dry with a clean rag.
Remove the adhesive backing from the new seal, if applicable. Not all seals have adhesive.
Slide the seal into the channel, using the pliers to pull it into place if necessary. For those placed behind the drip rail, stick the adhesive portion of the strip to the bottom edge of the door with the plastic seal portion hanging beneath the door frame.
Cut the excess seal length flush with the edge of the door, using a utility knife. Place a small bead of silicon caulk at the end of the strip to prevent moisture from getting into the channel. Replace the drip rail.
Things You Will Need
- Needle-nose pliers
- Cleaning rag
- Utility knife
- Silicon caulk
- Remove the old seal strip and take it with you when you purchase the new strip. This ensures you purchase the correct type of seal for the shower door.
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