You step out of the shower and into a puddle. Again. The water has crept out from under the shower door and is now on the bathroom floor, right where your socks were. Usually, it's not your shower, but a worn or missing shower door seal strip. Such a strip, costing only a few euros, keeps the water where it belongs. We'll explain where that water comes from, which strip you need, and how to install it in ten minutes.
Where does that water actually come from?
Before you buy anything, it's helpful to know where the leak is. There are roughly three places:
- Under the door. The most common. There's a gap between the bottom of the glass and the shower tray, and water seeps through it.
- At the side or the latch. If the door doesn't seal tightly against the wall or the other door, water splashes out the side.
- Across the floor, in a walk-in shower. No door, no threshold? Then the water simply runs into the bathroom. A seal strip won't help there, but a water barrier will. More on that shortly.
First, do the test: shower once and see where the floor gets wet. If the puddle is right in front of the door, the bottom strip is worn. If the water is more to the side, it's at the seal.
Seal strip or water barrier — what do you need?
Two different problems, two different solutions. And they are often confused.
Do you have a glass shower door or enclosure and is water leaking along or under the glass? Then you need a shower strip for the door. This is a transparent PVC strip that you clip onto the bottom edge or side of the glass. It fills the gap, so the water runs back into the shower tray instead of out. Our set is 90 cm and fits glass from 6 to 7 mm — the thickness you find in most Dutch bathrooms.
Do you have a walk-in shower without a door, or does the water run over a flat floor towards the rest of the bathroom? Then you don't need a strip but a threshold. The 120 cm self-adhesive water stopper is a flexible silicone ridge that you stick to the floor. This keeps the water on the shower side. You can still walk over it; it's just over a centimeter high.
A small honest point: a seal strip is a consumable item. PVC hardens after a few years and then no longer seals as well — which is why our set immediately includes a spare strip. If you're looking for something that truly never comes off, you'll end up with a custom-made glass profile solution from a glazier. For most bathrooms, a good clip-on strip is much cheaper and easy to replace.
What size shower strip do I need?
Two things determine the correct strip: the thickness of your glass and the length of your door.
Glass thickness. Take calipers and measure the thickness of the glass a little away from the edge — not precisely on the edge, because it might be beveled there. If you get 6 or 7 mm, our strip will fit. Most shower doors in the Netherlands are that size; 8 and 10 mm are mostly seen in heavier, more luxurious enclosures.
Length. Measure the width of your door and place the strip along it. Is it too long? Simply cut it to size with sharp scissors or a knife. It's better to buy slightly too long than too short, so you have some leeway.
Are you unsure whether to put it on the bottom or the side? Refer back to your leak test. If it leaks underneath, the strip goes on the bottom edge. If it splashes sideways, you place it vertically at the closure. And yes, you can use two if it leaks in both places.
How to install the strip (in ten minutes)
- Clean the edge. Wipe the glass dry and remove any limescale or old soap residue with some vinegar or glass cleaner. A clean, dry edge is half the battle.
- Measure and cut to size. Place the strip along the door, mark the length, and cut off the excess.
- Clip or stick it on. A clip-on strip slides over the glass edge until it's secure. A self-adhesive water barrier is firmly pressed along its entire length.
- Let the adhesive set. If you're using a self-adhesive variant, give it a few hours before showering. That way, it adheres best.
- Test with a bucket. Pour a little water against the door and see if it drains back neatly. This way, you'll be sure before your first real shower.
Keeping water out after showering
A strip solves the leak. But a large part of the moisture on your floor simply comes from drops running off the glass and off you. A simple habit helps with that: after showering, wipe down your walls with a stainless steel shower squeegee. It takes thirty seconds and saves a lot of limescale and mopping. The glass stays clearer longer, and less water remains to creep out.
Are you redecorating your entire bathroom anyway? Then this is a good time to look at your storage and drying area. In our article on choosing a towel rail for a small bathroom, you can read how to keep everything dry and tidy with limited space.
Want to look around? From shower strips and water barriers to squeegees and racks — everything for a dry, tidy bathroom is gathered here. 👉 View bathroom accessories
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size seal strip I need?
Measure the thickness of your shower door with calipers, a little away from the edge. If you get 6 or 7 mm, our shower strip will fit. Then measure the width of your door for the length; if it's too long, you can simply cut it to size.
Why is my shower door suddenly leaking?
Almost always due to a worn or dried-out strip. PVC and rubber harden after a few years and no longer seal properly. A new strip usually solves it immediately. If the gap is near the hinges or the seal, check if the door is still properly aligned.
Does a seal strip also work for a walk-in shower without a door?
No. A strip fills the gap at a door or enclosure. If you don't have a door, you stop the water with a water barrier or shower threshold on the floor, such as the self-adhesive water stopper.
Can I install the strip myself?
Yes, you don't need a professional for that. Clean, cut to size, clip or stick — done in ten minutes. Only with a self-adhesive variant, you let the adhesive cure for a few hours before showering.
How long does a shower strip last?
Expect a few years, depending on how often you shower and how much limescale you have. If the PVC hardens or it lets water through, it's time for a new one. That's why our set immediately includes a spare strip.
In short: first, find out where the water is leaking, then choose a strip for your door or a water barrier for a walk-in shower, and measure your glass thickness before ordering. If you do that, you'll step out of the shower onto a dry floor from now on. View all Buddley bathroom accessories here and keep your floor dry.
