When your shower door seal turns yellow, feels loose, or starts leaking at the bottom
Yep, it’s time for a shower door bottom seal replacement.
No need to call a plumber. You can do it yourself in just a few minutes!
Works for all kinds of shower doors: pivot, sliding, curved, screen, folding...
If it goes on the bottom, the method is the same.
how to remove plastic strip from bottom of shower door
SIMBA seals grip tight — over 90N of clamping force, according to our tests. That’s way above the 50N industry minimum.
That’s why trying to push it off won’t work — it’s too snug.
But removing it is still dead simple:
👉 Just grab the soft fin and pull straight down.
Usually, it slides off easily.
If it’s a bit tight, give it a firm tug.
How to Install a Shower Door Or Screen Bottom Seal
Time to install your perfectly sized new bath bottom seal.
Some drip rail seals are directional — check our blog:
Shower Screen Seal: Which Way Round Should It Go?
Installing it the wrong way is one of the top causes of leaks at the bottom.
Now for the actual install:
As mentioned before, our bottom seals or drip rail clamp tightly onto the glass.
So don’t try to slide them on from the side — it won’t work.
Start by lining up one corner of the seal’s U-channel with the edge of the glass.
Use this corner to gently stretch open the channel—this gives you just enough space to snap it onto the glass.
Once the corner is in, work your way along the glass, pressing the seal on bit by bit with your hand to make sure it fits snugly all the way across.
Still unsure? Check out our installation video.
No glue. No screws. Just push it on.
👉 Tip: A good seal should have a clamping force over 50N – try tugging it. If it stays on, you’re good.
Maybe you are interested in: how to install side shower door seals
❌ Wrong Way to Install:
Don’t try to slide the seal along the glass – this can damage it.
Push it on directly.
5. Test for Leaks
Close the door and turn on the shower.
Check the bottom edge—any drips?
🚿 Important: Don’t use water hotter than 60°C – it can warp the fin.
Still seeing leaks?
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Double-check if the seal is fitted the right way
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Consider adding a threshold strip to boost waterproofing （Why? View Video)
If you’re finding that your shower door won’t close properly, it’s worth double-checking that the seal is fitted correctly — and that it’s the right size for the gap between your doors.
Sometimes the problem is simply that the fin on the seal is a bit too long, which can stop the door from closing all the way.
If the seal is brand new and unused, it’s best to contact your supplier to exchange it for one with a shorter fin that fits your setup properly.
However, if the seal has already been used or trimmed, your only option may be to carefully cut the fin down to size. Just be aware — trimming it straight by hand can be tricky, and if it’s not perfectly even, you might end up with leaks.
FAQ
Can I use this on curved doors?
Yes! Just pick the bottom – same install method.
How often should I replace it?
Every 1–2 years, or when it turns yellow or feels loose.
Still leaking?
Try adding a threshold strip. We stock them too!
Do I need silicone to fix it?
Nope! Our seals snap on securely.
Only use silicone if your seal’s slightly too big.
Which way does the seal go?
Look for the drip rail – that fin points inside the shower.
It helps guide water down to the floor, not out the door.
Need help? Check our full guide: Shower Screen Seal: Which Way Round Should It Go?
Can I skip the aluminium water bar and just use the seal?
Yes, but for the best waterproofing, use both the bottom seal + a threshold strip.
Tiny gap under my shower door—what now?
If the gap is under 25mm, a self-adhesive bath trim might be better than a clip-on seal. We’ve got those too!
Are shower door bottom seals universal?
Yes – as long as your glass thickness and gap match the seal’s specs.
They all do the same job: keep water where it belongs.
Still leaking? Check out our ultimate seal buying guide to find the real cause.
Don’t forget – if you're not sure, just send us a quick message. We’re always here to help.
Dry Floors, No Fuss
Replacing a shower door bottom seal isn’t hard.
Measure it right, buy the right one, pop it on – job done.
Ready to stop the leaks?
We’re SIMBA, based in the UK.
👉 Tap here to choose your perfect SIMBA shower bottom seal – with free UK delivery and 10-month warranty included.
Live chat help with sizing and video guides.
Drop your questions in the comments – we reply to every one and keep this page updated!
This article was edited by Laura.
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Author: Laura Liu Laura joined SIMBA in January 2017 and has since become an integral part of the team. As a seasoned content manager and seal expert, she oversees website optimization and specializes in crafting informative and engaging content about sealing solutions. Her deep knowledge of shower seal technology and market trends ensures SIMBA stays ahead in providing value to customers worldwide. |
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