5 Signs Your Shower Silicone Needs Replacing
Shower silicone is the flexible sealant that runs along junctions, where your wall meets the floor, where tiles meet the shower base, around taps and fittings. When it fails, water finds its way in. Most New Zealand homeowners don’t realise there’s a problem until the damage is already done.
Why it happens
- Black mould that keeps coming back: if mould returns within weeks of cleaning, the silicone itself is contaminated and needs replacing, not just scrubbing
- Silicone pulling away from the wall or base — creates a gap water goes straight into
- Silicone that’s gone hard and brittle: it loses flexibility over time and cracks under the movement of daily use
- Discolouration or yellowing: a sign the silicone is degraded and no longer providing a proper seal
- Visible gaps or missing sections: this is urgent; water is actively entering your walls
Why You Shouldn't Apply New Silicone Over Old
The most common DIY mistake is applying fresh silicone over existing silicone without removing the old layer first.
The new silicone won’t bond properly to the old surface and will fail within months.
Professional removal from ShowerFix and replacement is the only approach that lasts.
What Type of Silicone Should Be Used?
For showers, use a neutral-cure, mould-resistant silicone rated for wet areas. Acetoxy (acetic acid-cure) silicone is cheaper but can cause issues on certain surfaces and doesn’t last as well in high-use showers. ShowerFix uses professional-grade wet area silicone on every job.
Expert Shower Repairs and
Installations Across New Zealand
When you need a leaky shower fixed, a shower door replaced, or complete installation. Our friendly, reliable, and no-nonsense team will be on the job and will provide quality services each and every time.
How Long Does It Take?
A full silicone replacement — removing all old silicone, prepping the surface, and applying new sealant, typically takes 2–3 hours.
The silicone then needs 24 hours to cure before the shower is used again.
Ready to Fix Your Shower Silicone?
At ShowerFix, we’re all about clear communication, fair pricing, and quality workmanship. From minor leaks to full shower overhauls, we’ve helped hundreds of New Zealand homeowners get showers they love again.
👉 Book your free consultation with ShowerFix today — let’s make your bathroom one less thing to worry about.
Expert Shower Repairs and
Installations Across New Zealand
When you need a leaky shower fixed, a shower door replaced, or complete installation. Our friendly, reliable, and no-nonsense team will be on the job and will provide quality services each and every time.