I have recently noticed stains on the 1st floor from a shower above. I have ruled out water supply as it only leaks when the shower is used. I think it is the drain as I have recauked the base and water is not leaking outside that I can see. Anyone know what kind of drain this is and how to remove it. Also is it possible to replace from above ? See pic

Hi NIghtfly:

Don't rule out shower valve completely yet.. ok?

First, I want you to remove the trim plate and handle from the shower valve... then run the shower. Use a flashlight to inspect inside the wall and check to be sure water in not dripping from above at the shower ARM or at the shower valve itself.

Then double check that water is not getting outside the shower and running down between the shower base and the floor (sometimes, if unsure, I pour 1/2 cup of water on seam and see if disappears).

Tell me.. when you step into the shower... is it spongy? Does it make creaking sounds..

Look around as mentioned... and also want to double check that the toilet is not rocking at all. I have had quite a few people try to convince me that the shower was leaking because stains showed up downstairs when in fact the toilet was loose and water was just seeking out lowest point of ceiling!

Let me know what you think... MARK

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HI Mark, thans for your expert opnion. The new about not being able to replace from above is not what I wanted to hear, but oh well... I will remove the trim plate and shower handle and see what I find. The base is pretty firm and not much flex from what I can determine and no creaky sounds. I have not used th shower for a few months and have had no indication of water leaking so I assume its not the toilet or sink. Would one of those wingtite or similar jobbies work here ? I was also think of putting in some silicone around the lip of the drain - any idea what type of silicone I could use ? Thanks so much for the quick reply.

Hey NF...

Check shower valve first... ;)

Then, since the shower floor is firm... the wingtite drain may in fact work for you... if it didn't, then you would have had to open ceiling anyway. I say you have nothing to lose.

Check out this web site:

http://search.aol.com/aol/imageDetails?invocationType=imageDetails&query=wingtite+shower+drain&img=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plumbrite.com%2Fimages%2Fdo-it-urslf.jpg&site=&host=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plumbrite.com%2F%3Fpage%3Dfa qs&width=74&height=114&thumbUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fimages-partners-tbn.google.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AkV72l1wz147tdM %3Awww.plumbrite.com%2Fimages%2Fdo-it-urslf.jpg&b=image%3FinvocationType%3Daolcomimage%26query%3Dw ingtite%2520shower%2520drain

Be sure to click on the installation instructions. They also have deatiled instructions on removing the old drain... pay particular attention to removing old drain because you can't make a mistake and cut the shower floor... ;)

Also, you want to use any silicone that says it is mildew resistant... too many different kinds in each area. Just find one that is mildew resistant.

How long is the pipe from the old drain down to the ptrap under floor (stick tape measure down inside drain 'til it hits the trap)?

If long enough to do this, you will need an inside pipe cutter (see picture), a 2" ABS coupling, ABS cement and primer, a small piece of 2" ABS plastic pipe, and the wingtite shower drain and correct silicone.

I also recommend that you practice using the inside cutter by setting small piece of pipe in vise or similar and practicing straight cuts from inside the pipe... 2" ABS coupling only has a 3/4" socket makeup at each side of coupling... so need to be good and straight.

Review info... let me know if need more information.


Mark

Cool.. thanks MassPLumber, I will look into the valves and let you know what I find