Can I caulk over old caulk?
No, new caulk should not go over old caulk. It will not bond well to the old bead and can trap moisture and mold behind it. EPA advises against caulking moldy surfaces and says to clean up mold and dry surfaces first.
Recaulk a tub or shower
Tom Hanks, owner, 24/7 Express Handyman Service · Updated September 2026
24/7 Express Handyman Service recaulks tubs and showers in Salt Lake, Park City and Heber. 24 to 48 hours is how long EPA says you have to dry water-damaged areas before mold starts to grow. (A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home | US EPA)
What tub caulk costs
| Salt Lake City & Millcreek | from $205 |
|---|---|
| Park City & Summit County | from $225 |
| Heber Valley & Wasatch County | from $225 |
Tub caulk in Salt Lake City & Millcreek starts at $205: the 2-hour minimum at $95/hour ($190) plus the $15 fuel surcharge, with no dispatch fee. Time past 2 hours is billed in 30-minute steps. Larger parts are billed at cost plus 25%.
Call now
Answered 24/7 by Tom or his dispatcher.
24/7 Express Handyman Service confirms the address, the zone rate and the dispatch fee, and takes a card, before rolling.
Quick answers
How often should a tub be recaulked?
Recaulk when the bead cracks, peels away from the tub or tile, or shows mold that does not clean off, rather than on a fixed schedule. Catching it early keeps water out of the wall behind the surround.
Why does mold keep coming back on my shower caulk?
Mold returns when the joint stays damp. EPA notes that increasing ventilation by running a fan or opening a window, plus cleaning more often, usually keeps bathroom mold from recurring. Caulk with mold growing under the surface has to be cut out and replaced.
What 24/7 Express Handyman Service does on site
- Cuts out old, cracked or moldy caulk down to clean tile and tub
- Cleans and dries the joint so the new bead bonds
- Runs a new mildew-resistant silicone bead and tools it smooth
How it works
- Remove all old caulk and residue
- Clean mold off the joint and let the gap dry fully
- Tape, apply and tool new silicone, then pull the tape
- Referred out: a leaking valve, spout or drain goes to a licensed plumber
When to stop and call
If the wall above the tub feels soft, tiles move when pressed, or water shows up in the ceiling below, caulk alone will not fix it. 24/7 Express Handyman Service can check the surround and tell you what needs to be referred.
What happens next
- The written scope and price come first; the tub or shower stays unused until the caulk has cured per the label.
- Photograph the damage before anything is moved and keep every receipt; 24/7 Express Handyman Service provides an itemised invoice your insurer may ask for. The dispatch fee and job cost are paid by you on the day.
Every job 24/7 Express Handyman Service takes on is under $3,000 including labor, materials and any change orders (Utah Code §58-55-305); a change that would push a job over that line is referred to a licensed contractor, not written up as a second job. plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas appliance / combustion system work is referred to a licensed trade.
Sources
- A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home | US EPA — retrieved 2026-09-23