Sent : Thursday, August 17, 2006 9:33 AM
To : <[email protected]>
Subject : Re

Tom,

I don't know if this next problem falls under the "plumbing" category, but you've helped me so much with two other things, I figure I'll give it a shot. A few years ago, we had an acrylic tub put right over our old tub. A number of companies in our area do that sort of thing. The company is no longer in business, otherwise I would call them. The caulking is looking sort of old, and it must have some gaps in it because when I clean the tub I hear water trapped between the old tub and the new one. I know I need to remove the caulking and re-caulk. I'm just not sure how to get rid of the trapped water before I re-caulk. I don't want to damage the new tub. Any ideas? As always, I appreciate your help.

David

"I'm just not sure how to get rid of the trapped water before I re-caulk. I don't want to damage the new tub."
The way I see it you have two options, (1) Remove th tub cover and dry it out or, (2) let the tub alone and don't use it until it drys out. Perhaps I can be more helpful with the caulk.

Caulk removal begins by manually scrapping out the bulk of the old caulk. You can use a razor blade or any other type of cutting or scraping tool that will not hurt you or the materials adjacent or beneath the caulk. If you decide to use a razor knife of any type, I suggest you wear medium duty leather gloves to protect your hands during the removal process. Feel free to incorporate some water as a lubricant. The water will help to minimize scratches to tile or plumbing fixtures. Work slowly and carefully. Remember, the more power you exert while scraping or cutting, the more control you lose over the scrapping tool.


Once you have removed the bulk of the old caulk, you can try several off the shelf caulk removers or products you may already have in your own home. Experiment first with plain water. If the original caulk was a non-acrylic water based caulk, soaking it with water saturated rags for 3 days can soften the caulk remnants. Water based acrylic caulks and those made with polyvinyl acetate resins can often be softened by soaking them with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. The alcohol swells the old caulk molecules and helps to lift them from the surrounding materials. Be careful when using the alcohol as it is a flammable substance and often burns with little or no flame.
Silicone caulks are the hardest caulk to remove. There are not really any solvents you can buy to easily remove silicone caulk. Multiple applications of strong alkaline compounds like sodium or potassium hydroxide can soften silicone caulk. However, these chemical compounds are dangerous and can often burn you or the materials surrounding the caulk. You can try oven cleaners or strong powdered cleansers that you mix with water to a paste consistency. Apply these carefully to the caulk with a cotton swab. These compounds can dull plastic laminate tops, acrylic and fiberglass tub and shower units and many other bath and kitchen materials. You must work slowly and carefully.
Once the old caulk is removed, purchase new mildew proof caulks that are widely available. These caulks often contain vast quantities of mildewcides - chemicals that leach from the caulk over time and poison the mildew spores. Some of the caulks come in beautiful colors and offer lifetime guarantees against mildew growth.
You can minimize mildew growth in bath and shower areas by cleaning them on a frequent basis. Cleaning and rinsing all surfaces with clear water will remove mildew food sources. You should also keep tub and shower doors and curtains open after you leave a bathroom. Leave bath doors open as well to speed the drying process.
Good luck, Tom