Last updated: 2025-11-13
The Ultimate Guide to a Dry Bathroom Floor (No Plumber Needed!)
We know the feeling.
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.
You don't need a pricey plumber; you just need the right SIMBA seal, and you can fit it yourself in 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
While the industry standard is 50N, our SIMBA seals grip at over 90N. That's pure peace of mind.
When you install a SIMBA bottom seal, you know it's not going anywhere—no loosening, no slipping, even with daily use.
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.
Like snapping a lid onto a container.
👉 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.
🚿 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
If you’re finding that your shower door won’t close properly, it’s worth double-checking that the shower door 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
Why is my new shower door bottom seal making the door hard to close?
This is a common issue and it's nearly always down to excessive friction.
It means either:
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The fins are too long: They're pressing too hard against your shower tray or sill.
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The wrong type: You might have chosen a Twin Fin seal when a smoother, lower-friction Single Fin was required for your specific gap.
The Fix: You need to purchase the correct type of bottom seal. Always measure your glass thickness and the existing gap accurately to ensure a smooth, quiet fit.
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?
Don't worry, we've got a backup plan! Try adding a threshold strip (we stock the exact match for your seal!).
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?
The Golden Rule: The drip rail/fin always points inside the shower. It’s designed to push the water back to the drain, not onto your floor.
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.
What if my gap is tiny?
If the gap is under 25mm, talk to us about our self-adhesive trims—sometimes the simpler solution is the best.
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 Shower Door Screen Seals Complete 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 your seal is the easiest upgrade you can make this weekend.
Measure it right, buy the right one, pop it on – job done.
Job Done. We’re SIMBA Seals, your UK-based experts.
👉 Tap here to choose your perfect SIMBA shower door bottom gasket —Free UK delivery & 10-month warranty included.
Got a specific question?
Drop it in the comments below—Laura and the team are always watching!
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. |