I sure hope someone knows the answer to this
my bathtub leaks randomly when someone takes a shower and usually the drained is somewhat blocked with hair. Maybe 1 or 2 people have taken them back to back. This is a first floor bathtub and I can see water on the floor in the basement and can even see a drip down the wall.
At first I thought it has to be the tile, so then I put a nice layer of silicone in all areas that I could tell needed it.
I've looked behind the tub when someone is showering to see if I could see where it comes from, the drain and all the pipes look dry, but the floor is clearly wet. I do not understand how it is possible, but it seems as though the water is coming from top edge of the front corner of the tub. But I've got a good thick layer of silicone all around the top edge of the tub and can not see any missing grout around the tile.
Can someone please help me.

Thanks:-)
GaleR

ballengerb1

I need to leave so I'd have to correct myself and say you now have two detectives. Tom will stick with this I know. Good luck.

hkstroud

How much water? Do you mean an inch or two or do you mean a tub full?

speedball1

That should tell you what I've been saying all along, that you'll locate your leak where the stream from the shower head hits the tiles. if the pipes are dry behind the access panel then that indicates a tile leak to me. I know you siliconed around the lip of the tub but tile grout can shrink over the years and not be noticed. Check where the stream hits and recaulk the tiles. Let me know, tom..

Username Here

Get a plummer before the floor boards rot, if that happens you'll need a builder and a plumber. Save some money, sort it asap. Water damage is under-estimated.

hope this helps,
Louis.

GaleR

wow, I did not realize even ok looking tile grout could still let in water, the house is close to 30 years old, but yes the hair clog keeps throwing me on that, or could be both:-(
I can see the drain from the basement on the bottom of the tub, it had started leaking several years ago, but I siliconed it really good and it remains dry today, that's the first place I always look when I notice water on the basment floor and I have not seen any water coming from it. It's always against the basement wall and trickles down, can even see it seeping through the floor here and there about a 2 foot length along the edge of the wall. Think I may have dad go ahead and put one of those nice looking things completely over the tile and seal the whole thing up.
And maybe just have him replace the drain too, that would have to take care of it would'nt you think?
Thanks so much guys, you all are really nice and helpful, wish I'd came here sooner:-)
GaleR

GaleR

sorry hkstroud, did'nt see your question, it's usually about 4 to 6 inches when the drian is clogged