Question. I have had discussions with several plumbers that come into my shop. I would like to reach out here to get an answer. When installing a 4 piece shower unit (1 base, 3 wall units) do you caulk the seam from the back wall to the end walls?
4 PIECE SHOWER SYSTEM
- Thread starter SHEPLMBR
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no one? The reason I am asking is that my other half is installing one for his brother's gf. Of course his bro knows everything because it is on youtube.
I installed a sterling a while ago I used caulking made it slide into the grooves with less friction
I did also put a small bead of caulking on the flat surfaces
At work the carpenters caulk all connecting surfaces
I did also put a small bead of caulking on the flat surfaces
At work the carpenters caulk all connecting surfaces
Install a brand that the side's snap into the base and there is no need to caulk anything.
It depends on the surround and the instructions. Some are caulk-free so you only caulk around the flange and maybe about an inch and a half at the front edges. Others require caulking at all of the seams.
It would help to know what brand & model unit is being installed & read the instructions.
It would help to know what brand & model unit is being installed & read the instructions.
Like zanne said it depends on the unit. Even though some don't require caulk, a nice smooth bead really looks great and finishes off the product.
That's what I thought. My ole man installed a beautiful top line one that I sell here. It has a pin system. His brother kept insisting that he caulk the back walls to the side walls that overlap and are "seamless". I just wanted to get other people's opinion.
Always defer to the manufacturer's installation instructions. Some of those snap together units have no caulking between panels because they have channels to direct water flow to the tub/shower base. Using caulk on some of them can actually impede the ability to drain out moisture.
I'm curious as to what model this was bc it sounds like a nice one. I'm going to be installing a couple Sterling units (Performa & I forget what the other one is-- I think Ensemble) in my home.
I'm curious as to what model this was bc it sounds like a nice one. I'm going to be installing a couple Sterling units (Performa & I forget what the other one is-- I think Ensemble) in my home.
If the instructions say no caulk then that's what it means. Caulking it anyway could be causing more harm than good.
I've never had a call back because of caulking a shower wall seam and I've installed many. The instructions may say no caulk required for ease of installation for do it your selfers.
Zanne had a point that if you get caulk in a channel that lets the water drain into the base then there could
be a problem. But if you had no problems that great.
be a problem. But if you had no problems that great.
