Log in

View Full Version : Leaking Tub


suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 02:39 AM
Hey all.. I need some help. I noticed today some water in between my tiles near the drain of my tub (not on the other end). We had our tub installed probably 3 or 4 years ago I think now. Anywhoo, I looked at the other end of the tub (I have a piece of "wall" there right now I can move until I get something permanent) and I saw some mold and other stuff I have no idea about. Now, I think the large pipes are draining pipes right? Anyway... I've checked the caulking and it seems "ok" and the cold water knob seems a little loose... but I'm not sure where the leak is coming from. Hopefully with this picture someone can tell me how bad the problem is. We live in the basement by the way and I'm guessing those pipes also lead upstairs because that is where their bathroom is too. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Image:

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/3659/picturecb0.jpg

speedball1
Mar 2, 2008, 05:58 AM
Before we can help you have to tell us exactly where the leak's at. Since you didn't complain about a steady leak I'm going to assume that it's in the drainage,(larger pipes). Check around and tell me where you feel moisture and we'll get right back to you. Regards, Tom

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 11:43 AM
Ok, will do. My husband is going out right now to snowblow the driveway and I'll have to wait until he comes back (we have a miniature daschsund that will get in the way... or worst yet, get stuck LOL).

speedball1
Mar 2, 2008, 03:40 PM
(we have a miniature daschsund that will get in the way... or worst yet, get stuck LOL).
Back in Wisconsin a million years ago I lost my miniature daschsund when he jumped off a set back into a 4 foot drift. One surprised puppy when I dug him out. Which just might be the reason we moved to Sarasota over 50 years ago. I don't miss the ice and snow a bit! Regards, Tom

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 04:04 PM
LOL

Ok, so my husband won't go near the pipes (because he has a spider thing and there are cobwebs). But I took a shower and there is no leaking of the pipes in the above picture. There was however still water on my tiles. Also, we did laundry upstairs and when the water drained, I checked the pipes (just to make sure it wasn't from upstairs) and there is still no leak. I've got to assume it's either the tub drain or the drain from the tub? Oh, I'd reach down and touch the pipes... but I can't reach (there's a sink in my way from the side I took the picture).

hkstroud
Mar 2, 2008, 04:14 PM
I don't know where the leak is, I don't know where the tubs, heck I don't even know where the bathroom is.

Is the leak on the wall that the faucet is on?

speedball1
Mar 2, 2008, 04:31 PM
OK! If you have a leak there's got to be moisture somewhere. Most tubs have a access panel behind the spout end so the trap and waste can be serviced. If you have one open it up and dheck. One other thing that I've found, Tile grout shrinks over time. Check around where the shower stream hits the tile. If the tile grout's shrunk it will allow water to run down the drywall and out on your floor. As I've ststed. We can't help until you tell us what's leaking. Any wet spots on the ceiling? Back to you. Tom

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 07:26 PM
:) I drew I diagram and hope this helps! I appreciate the help by the way

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/7601/showerfa3.jpg

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 08:42 PM
OK! If ya have a leak there's gotta be moisture somewhere. Most tubs have a access panel behind the spout end so the trap and waste can be serviced.

Not sure what you mean here. The actual spout itself? I can't actually view the place where the pipes go for hot and cold for the tub (I don't know why... I just can't see them).

hkstroud
Mar 2, 2008, 08:48 PM
Correct??

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 09:12 PM
You're correct about the tub and pipes and moisture... but the tiles I were referring to were floor tiles. I should have specified that, I'm sorry. I can see now how you read that.

hkstroud
Mar 2, 2008, 09:45 PM
Correct??

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 09:58 PM
Yes, exactly (close to the tub wall) Ooh, the moisture is on the tile by the way (not on the other side that is a wall)

hkstroud
Mar 2, 2008, 10:19 PM
Do I have it right now?

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 10:24 PM
Yes lol

hkstroud
Mar 2, 2008, 10:28 PM
OK.

Do you have a shower curtian or a shower door?
Do you get a wet floor when the tub is used (for a bath) or when the shower head is used (showering) or both?

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 10:58 PM
I only take showers and I have a shower curtain. I should probably specify that the wet spot is the same spot every time. I had no idea of course about the mold behind the jyprock (sp) so I have to assume it's been doing it for some time... But like most people I have a carpet there and just always assumed (without giving it much thought) that it was from getting out of the shower.

hkstroud
Mar 2, 2008, 11:24 PM
Suggest that close the tub drain, run water in the tub and let it sit for a while. Water on the floor immediately after filling the tub will tell us that the faucet is leaking. Water on the floor later will tell us that the tub flange is leaking. No water will tell it is not. Let the water out. Water on the floor will tell us that the drain pipe is leaking. No water will tell us that it is not a drain problem.
Next run the shower head. Be sure to close the curtain well. You do check that when you shower don't you? Water on the floor will tell us that the shower riser is leaking, or that the water is getting through the tiles. You do have tiled shower walls don't you.
I suspect that the shower pipe is leaking where the shower arm is screwed in.

suvoth
Mar 2, 2008, 11:50 PM
Thanks, I'll try that tomorrow! :)

speedball1
Mar 3, 2008, 05:18 AM
Not sure what you mean here. The actual spout itself? I can't actually view the place where the pipes go for hot and cold for the tub (I don't know why...I just can't see them).
Our local code mandates that we leave a access panel behind the front of the tub for inspection and repair of the trap and tub waste. This panel can be in a closet or on a wall. You really need to get in there and locate the source of that leak. Take Harolds advice and get back to us. Regards, Tom

suvoth
Mar 3, 2008, 10:04 AM
Well... My mother in law got a family member to do the installing... So I have no idea if he did that.. ick

suvoth
May 6, 2008, 03:49 PM
Thought I'd update everyone with what was the issue. We had a plumber come by a few days ago and apparently the person who did the job forgot to turn off some nozzle completely and it's been slowly leaking continuously for 2 years! Apparently we hadn't noticed before because the wood soaked up all the water (until it couldn't)! SHEESH!