View Full Version : Shower drain repair
jfulgar
Jul 14, 2005, 09:21 PM
I believe my shower pan drain is leaking. When I step near the drain the thin washer between the shower base and the drain body squeezes out from under the drain lip. The base does give a little bit as I don't believe the shower drain nut was tightened enough before placing the shower base in place. No sealant was used in assembling the drain assembly (mistake) and the manufacturer advised against using plumbers putty or oil based sealants, only acrylic caulk sealant. This was a DIY project and the drain assembly was followed according to the instructions, except for the sealant part. Is there a way to fix this? Cutting from beneath and reinstalling the drain is not an option as we are in a 2nd floor condo. Do you recommend the wingtite in this situation? How reliable is it? Thanks for any assistance.
speedball1
Jul 15, 2005, 05:12 AM
I believe my shower pan drain is leaking. When I step near the drain the thin washer between the shower base and the drain body squeezes out from under the drain lip. The base does give a little bit as I don't believe the shower drain nut was tightened enough before placing the shower base in place. No sealant was used in assembling the drain assembly (mistake) and the manufacturer advised against using plumbers putty or oil based sealants, only acrylic caulk sealant. This was a DIY project and the drain assembly was followed according to the instructions, except for the sealant part. Is there a way to fix this? Cutting from beneath and reinstalling the drain is not an option as we are in a 2nd floor condo. Do you recommend the wingtite in this situation? How reliable is it? Thanks for any assistance.
I believe you might have misread the installation instructions. Shower drains are installed with a ring of plumbers putty or silicon gel under the lip of the male threaded piece which then goes into the hole in the base.
On the under side the neoprene washer goes first, then the fiber friction washer and finally the nut that secures the drain assembly. As you tighten the retaining nut the putty or silicone gel squeezes out from the lip of the drain to make a seal.
Ifyou can't redo the drain then a Wingtite may be your only option. Click on,
http://www.plumbrite.com/?page=faqs&PHPSESSID=6d0517535687395d34357b13eaa0aea5
And then click on "installation" to check them out. Good luck Tom
jfulgar
Jul 16, 2005, 01:52 PM
Thanks for the help. John.