How Often You Should Be Replacing Grimy Shower Door Bumpers

Soap scum, hard water, and mineral deposits can take your shower from a gleaming fixture to a grimy mess. One hardworking yet sometimes neglected shower element is the bottom door seal or bumper. This bathroom accessory works as a barrier against water leaving your shower and splashing onto the floor. Cleaning your door seal can help keep it in good shape, but many homeowners forget to clean this gross spot in the shower. Sometimes, you might need to replace it instead, so as when it is in poor condition or at the end of its lifespan. Glass installation experts recommend replacing your shower door bumper every six to 24 months. However, you should also replace the seal anytime you notice it featuring visible damage or discoloration.

Shower door seals are available in various materials including rubber, vinyl, PVC, silicone, or polycarbonate plastic. No matter your seals' material, they are subjected to wear and tear thanks to frequent use as you open and close your shower door. Regular use of abrasive cleaning products and mold or mildew growth can also weaken the seal, eventually leading to its deterioration. Inspect for any bumper damage both on a monthly basis and during the times you're cleaning your shower.

As you clean or inspect your shower seal for wear, test the material to see if it's brittle. Check for any holes or cracks, or declines in performance. If you regularly have puddles of water on the floor, leaks, or can't fully close your shower door, these signs indicate you should replace the seal. Ignoring these problems only worsens the issue, plus it can compromise your bathroom's health and safety. In addition to potentially causing water damage, your shower leaking water from a faulty seal creates a slipping hazard. You also increase the risk of mold or mildew growth. 

The presence of fungi can make tile floors slippery, and may also cause serious health symptoms, including skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, and trouble breathing. Outside of these practical reasons, you might consider replacing your door bumper as an aesthetic choice, since sometimes the old seal can detract from a sleek modern shower. Regardless of the reason for the replacement, you don't need to hire a professional for the job because this is an easy DIY project you can do in an hour. 

To replace your shower door seal, you'll need to first remove the old bumper, pulling it gently by hand or with a tool, such as pliers. Be careful you don't scrape the glass during the process. For a stubborn seal, use a hair dryer to loosen the material, then remove it. For the right-size bumper, measure first the width of the shower door, and then the glass thickness. Many companies sell replacement shower door seals, but you must buy one with compatible thickness for the perfect fit. For instance, the Prime-line M6258 Frameless Shower Seal is solely for 3/8-inch thick glass, so it might not work for your needs. If you have a large gap between your shower door's bottom and the floor, you must also measure this space. Write down these measurements to ensure you buy a bumper with a large enough sweeper that adequately keeps water from flowing out of the shower.

Once you remove the old seal, it's time to prepare the surface for the new bumper. With a glass cleaner and a soft cloth, carefully clean away any remaining adhesive, then wipe clean. Measure the new seal against the length of your door, and, if needed, cut to size. Insert the seal on the door with the side with the deflector, or lip, facing inward, and press to adhere. Test the fit by opening and closing your door, then trim the seal if needed.