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Bathtub leaks only after shower not used for a few days
Hi.
I have a plumbing problem. The bathtub leaks onto the ceiling below only if shower is not used for a few days. My guess is that it dries if not used for a few days and looses seal. Can this be fixed without opening the ceiling? If not, what hole size and where I need to cut the ceiling to access the drain? Also, is it easy to open the drain or I need a plumber? Is the drain glued or screwed?
No. The tub is fairly rigid and does not flex at all. Could it still be from the putty seal under the drain?
I opened the drain and to my surprize there was no old seal just a rubber washer between the drain and the tub. Should I remove the washer and apply the plumber putty?
Yes, that should be plumbers putty not a washer. remove, make a roll of putty about 5" long about the size of a clothes line and insert between the drain that shows and the tub. As you tighten you will see the excess squeeze out, just wipe away.
I opened the drain and to my surprize there was no old seal just a rubber washer between the drain and the tub. Should I remove the washer and apply the plumber putty?
Bob gave you excellent advice. He should have added that the drain was installed wrong from the git-go. The washer belongs under the tub on top of the drain shoe, (see image). slip the washer under the tub drain hole before you install the drain. Then do the putty thingy. Good luck, Tom
I removed the rubber gasket and applied the putty and screw the drain back. It is sealed tight and leak has stopped.
I saw the last comment about the gasket having to be under the tub this morning while I fix the drain last night so there is no gasket in between the shoe and tub. Should I reopen the drain and insert the gasket?
I removed the rubber gasket and applied the putty and screw the drain back. It is sealed tight and leak has stopped.
I saw the last comment about the gasket having to be under the tub this morning while I fix the drain last night so there is no gasket in between the shoe and tub. Should I reopen the drain and insert the gasket?
Yes, If you leave the rubber gasket off you'll only be sealed on one side.
It shouldn't be too much trouble to simply slip the gasket to top of the tub shoe and reseal the drain lip with a rope of putty. Good luck, Tom
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