Cost to Reseal a Bath or Shower in the UK
What it typically costs in the UK to have a bath, shower tray or sink resealed, what affects the price and how to tell when sealant needs replacing.
Cracked, grubby or mouldy sealant looks bad, but it is more than cosmetic. Water that gets behind a bath or shower tray can rot timber, loosen tiles and cause damp in the room below. Resealing is a small job with a big payoff, and it is usually one of the cheaper ones to pay for.
Typical prices
For a straightforward reseal where the old sealant is removed and replaced, typical UK prices are around:
- Bath: £60 to £120
- Shower tray or enclosure: £60 to £130
- Basin or kitchen sink: £30 to £60
- Full bathroom (bath, shower, basin, toilet base): £120 to £250
Prices rise in London and the South East and when access is poor. Many handymen apply a minimum charge, so a single small seal may cost the same as a larger one; see handyman minimum call-out charges.
What affects the price
- Amount of old sealant. Thick, multiple layers need more time to scrape and clean.
- Mould. Deep black staining may mean the sealant has to be fully cut out and the surface treated before re-sealing.
- Gaps. A bath that has moved away from the wall leaves a gap too big for silicone. That may need a flexible filler strip or the bath re-fixing.
- Drying time. The handyman may need to return, or you may need to avoid using the shower for 12 to 24 hours.
- Sealant type. Sanitary silicone with anti-mould properties costs a little more than basic sealant.
- Cleaning work. If the surface is soapy or limescale-covered, prep takes longer.
What a proper job involves
A correct reseal is mostly preparation:
- Cut out all old sealant with a sealant remover tool and scrape clean.
- Remove residue and soap scum with a suitable cleaner; surfaces must be dry.
- Fill the bath with water first, so it sits at its lowest position under load, then apply sealant to the gap. This prevents the seal tearing when the bath is later filled.
- Mask the edges with tape for a neat line, apply sanitary silicone in one continuous bead and smooth it.
- Remove the tape before the skin forms and leave to cure for the manufacturer's time, usually at least 12 to 24 hours.
If you want to try this yourself, our guide on how to reseal a bath with silicone goes through the steps and common mistakes.
Signs sealant needs replacing
- Black or pink mould that cleaning does not remove
- Cracks, gaps or sealant peeling away at the corners
- A soft or discoloured wall under the bath
- Water pooling or stains on the ceiling below
- Silicone older than around five years, which may have hardened and lost flexibility
Things that a seal will not fix
Resealing treats a symptom, not a leak. If water is escaping from a pipe, a failed shower seal or a damaged waste trap, new silicone will hide the problem and make it worse. Raise it with a plumber if you see damp patches on walls or ceilings that return after a good reseal. Also watch for mould that keeps reappearing; ventilation is often the cause, as discussed in how to deal with mould around sealant.
Getting a good quote
Include photos of the whole edge, mention whether tiles meet the bath, and say whether you have a preferred colour (white or clear). If there is visible damp, mention it. Providers on Compito can then offer a price based on the photos, and you can message them with questions before you accept and pay online.
A worked example
A family bathroom has a bath, a separate shower tray and a basin, all with tired sealant and a little mould. A handyman might price this at a typical £120 to £220 for the lot, including removing the old beads and applying anti-mould sanitary silicone. Add a similar sum again if the shower tray has pulled away and needs re-fixing first. Fitting a flexible strip to a wide gap may cost a little more than silicone alone but lasts better.
Timing matters
Because the bath needs to be full while the sealant goes on, and then left to cure, plan the visit so nobody needs it for a day. Tell the household, and decide whether you will provide a second bathroom or shower elsewhere. A provider who suggests an early-morning start so the seal cures overnight is thinking about the job properly.
Common reasons a reseal fails
- Old sealant left in the joint, so new silicone has nothing clean to grip.
- Surfaces still damp when sealant is applied.
- Bath empty during sealing, so it drops and pulls the bead away when filled.
- Bead applied too thick, trapping water in the folds.
- Early showering before the product cures.
Flats and rentals
In a flat, a failed seal can send water to the neighbour below, so act early. Tenants should report leaks and failing seals to the landlord in writing; see landlord repair responsibilities in the UK for what is normally expected of each party.
Frequently asked questions
How long should bathroom sealant last?
Typically several years, depending on the quality of the product, the preparation and how much moisture the room sees. Poor ventilation shortens it.
Can a handyman reseal over the old silicone?
It is not recommended. New silicone does not bond well to old, so a proper job removes the previous bead first.
When can I use the shower afterwards?
Follow the product instructions, which usually say 12 to 24 hours. The handyman should tell you when it is safe to use it.