Resealing a bath is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to waterproof your bathroom and give it a fresh look. It:

• Helps prevent leaks and water damage

• Freshens up tired, discoloured or mouldy sealant

Check out our reseal bath cost guide for average prices to remove and replace old bath sealant, plus who to hire for a neat, long-lasting finish.

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How much does it cost to reseal a bath?

The average cost to reseal a bath is about £50 - £100. This includes supplying and installing the new sealant, which is usually white or clear silicone.

That said, some plumbers will charge by the hour, which is approximately £50.

That's why it's worth checking when you ask for quotes for a reseal bath cost.

To get an instant estimate for new bath sealant based on your bath size, try our free cost calculator below.

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Or if you'd rather get a personalised quote, download our free app to connect with tradespeople we've checked and reviewed.

Factors affecting the cost of resealing a bath

There are a number of factors that can affect the price of bath resealing, including:

• Condition of old sealant (deteriorated sealant may be more fiddly to remove, which increases prep time)

• Mould or damp (if the old sealant has significant mould underneath, a mould-treatment step may be needed)

• Type and quality of new sealant

• Type of bath surround (freestanding baths have more exposed edges than wall-mounted baths, which take longer to seal)

• Where you live (trades in London and the South East may charge more)

What does resealing a bath involve?

Here's a quick step-by-step rundown of the process:

1. Your trade removes all the old sealant (more on that below)

2. They'll fill the bath with water (which will affect where the edge of the bath sits)

3. The new sealant is added and left to dry

4. The bath is emptied once the sealant is dry

The whole process of resealing a bath takes between 60-90 minutes

How to remove old bath sealant before resealing

Old sealant must be fully removed before you apply the new silicone. Applying fresh sealant on top of old won't bond properly and will fail faster. Here's the process:

• A tradesperson uses a sealant remover tool (or a utility knife) to cut away the old bead

• Area is cleaned with a damp cloth

• Mouldy areas are treated with a mould-killer spray before the new sealant goes on

If you're doing it yourself, chemical sealant remover is the easiest option, but allow an hour for it to work before scraping.

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Why do I need to reseal a bath?

Worn or cracked bath sealant lets water seep behind the bath – and that moisture can cause mould, rot, and structural damage to the walls and floor beneath.

The good news is, replacing bath sealant is one of the cheapest home repairs you can make.

Here's why resealing your bath is important:

• Creates a watertight seal along the wall

• Stops leaks or water seeping down the side of your bathtub, which can lead to mould and rot

• Removes unsightly mould build-up

• Freshens up the appearance of bathrooms

For the small cost of resealing your bath, you can avoid expensive repair work down the line.

Reseal a bath cost: Checklist

• Request at least three quotes to reseal a bath for fair and competitive prices

• Always hire a plumber or handyperson who's been well reviewed

• Consider getting shower tray sealant or other small plumbing jobs done at the same time, to save on call-out costs

• Check what’s included in your quote (supply of materials, removal of old sealant and application?)

Can you reseal a bath yourself?

Resealing a bath yourself is more than doable. You'll just need silicone sealant, masking tape, a caulking gun, and a steady hand!

The trick to resealing a bath is thorough prep. This means removing all the old sealant and letting the surface dry completely before applying the new bead.

How to apply silicone sealant for a neat finish

Applying silicone sealant and achieving a neat finish can be a bit challenging for beginners, but it's achievable with patience and by carefully following a series of steps.

Learn more

That said, it's worth calling in a tradesperson when:

• There's extensive mould under the existing sealant

• The bath has shifted (leaving a gap)

• The sealant has failed in multiple places (these are signs of a bigger problem, such as a leak behind tiling or elsewhere)

• You're after a straight, smooth sealant line (harder to achieve than you think, especially on corners!)

A local plumber or handyperson can fit a reseal into a short callout visit.

To find plumbers or a handyperson in your area, request a quote, download our Checkatrade app, or search your postcode.

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• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million verified reviews from real jobs have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

Is your bathroom in desperate need of a freshen-up? From bath re-enamelling and regrouting, to a complete bathroom remodel, we've got all the key jobs and costs ticked off.

Reseal bath cost FAQS

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