Now What?

I opened up the back of a linen closet which came me full back access to 2 tubs! The leak is coming from the drain. I will try best to describe it...

Drain comes directly down and then makes a 90 degree turn then straightens out for 4-5 inches or so then hits a tee - one side goes straight down and into the wall cavity and the other straight up as a vent I suppose. The leak is in the 4-5 inch straight section that is parallel with the floor. The piping is black ABS. I saw a nut on the vent section and tried to turn it with my hand, when I did, the 4-5 inch straight section completely separated in the middle. When I attempted to bring the 2 pieces back together, I could not figure out what kind of joint it was... both sections appeared to have the same diameter.

In any event, I believe I have full access - albeit awkward - to all piping. What is recommended at this point to fix this leak once and for all?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Theo...

Where is the p-trap? See pic. Below...

Also... just making sure that the leak is not in the tub waste and overflow assembly (see other picture)...

Just want you to confirm that leak is directly in abs piping and not in the overflow assembly... or is leak between the tub shoe and the tee fitting as in the assembly below.

Also wondering if the nut you are talking about attaches on bottom of the tub waste and overflow tube... let me know...

MARK

Mark:

The leak is between the tub shoe and the tee. Its as if the straight parallel piece just separate from the shoe.

I was mistaken in my earlier description. My set up is very similar to your image titled Bath Tub Drain and Waste.

The nut I referred to is above the tee on the vertical section of ABS. It was when I tried to turn this nut that the piece separated from the shoe. But, the leak was already at that point.

There are 2 other nuts...

One is between the tee and the part that is leaking. There is also one below the tee.

Am I correct in the following?

Loosen the nut between the tee and the leaking piece. Remove that piece and the shoe and replace. My wife is due back on Sunday... she has the digital camera. I can take a pic and send to you.

Hi Theo...

No need for a picture at this point... IF WE'RE LUCKY! The tub shoe may have just separated or it may have been cut short to begin with and finally started to lek.

Refer to the posted picture for the following... ok?

You will need to remove the tub basket and the tub shoe and replace with new ones... if possible. You may also need to replace the entire bathtub drain and waste, but let's hope not!

Go to local home supply store and see if they sell a tub shoe with washers and nut (if not, local plumbing supply house will) You will also need to purchase a basket strainer removal tool (see 1st picture) and some plumber's putty and a hacksaw. They sell these in plastic or brass... get the brass replacement at this time.

Then come home and use the basket strainer removal tool to remove the tub basket (spin basket out counterclockwise.. someone may or may not have to hold the tub shoe from under tub... or it may hit a joist which is fine, too).

Then, remove old nut from the tee and place the tub shoe deep into the tee fitting and determine how much to cut off the tub shoe... cut longer than shorter.. ok? Then slide the nut and washer onto the tub shoe and install tub shoe hand tight.

Then putty up and install the tub basket (make sure the rubber washer and the friction washer are UNDER the tub... rubber against the tub)... go hand tight, check connections in back and then come around to front and use the strainer tool to tighten the tub basket (go pretty tight here... putty squeezes out).

Then go around back of tub again to tighten the nut at the tee fitting with a large pair of pliers (hold against yourself a bit so don't disturb any of the other fittings).

Finally, test your work... ;) Hopefully that will do it for you!

If not, may need to replace the entire tub waste and overflow assembly. If that is the case let us know so we can discuss details with you on that!

Good luck...

MARK