Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Recaulking bathtub and surrounding tiles

I am trying to recaulk a bathtub where the tub joins with tiles and I have following two questions:

1. After removing the old caulks, I noticed that the spacings between the tub and the tiles have been grouted. Should the old grouts be removed as well before recaulking?

2. To do a thorough job, I removed all of the old caulks from the tub even though only a small part of tub caulking needed to be repaired. Now, do I need to remove the old caulkings from the vertical joints of the tiles where the two tiled walls meet or is it ok to leave those alone and patch up the corners some how?

Yes. I would remove all caulking to determine if there is any leakage behind the caulk.


Along with all new caulking in the tub @ one time will not "date" the old caulk that is presently in the area.


I would remove grout between tub and tile and silicone as your expansion joint between the two in case there is movement of the tub while in use.

Thanks, Dunbar Plumber for your response.

So just to clarify, I should remove all of the old caulks. I should remove not only the old caulks surrounding the tub, but also vertical joints between the tiles and the joints between the tiles and the shower door even though they don't appear to be damaged?

Yes. If you want to prevent a difference in appearance between caulks as time wears on.