Had a call from tentant who found a leak in ceiling overnight. Called in plumber, he cut holes in the ceiling and could not find source of the leak. We thought it might be the caulking around the tub, however, when my husband went back to reseal the tile, he left water in the tub overnight so that the caulking would not separate once again from the weight of the water in the tub. Next morning tenant phoned to say that the tub was still leaking, water level dropped a couple of inches. Hubby went back, he though it might be from one of the jets or the suction on the jetted tub ( which is 20 years old). We called in another party who removed the access panel from th rear of the tub and could not see any leak either, they filled the tub with water again to check for leak. They reported back that the leak took about 10-15 minutes to surface and they say the leak is coming from the drain. Is it possible that the leak would take this long to surface? My hubby was sure that the leak was the jet or suction as the subfloor was wet right about where the jets are aligned, but third party says no. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks B

There are many places for a whirlpool tub to leak from but my money's on the tubs drain, (see image). If the tubs floor "gives or flexes" a bit when stepped in to it's very possible the seal under the drain lip's ruptured. Purchase a tub drain removal tool,(see images),a can of plumbers putty and remove the drain. Clean out around the area and make a small rope out of the putty and put it under the lip of the drain. Tighten with the tub wrench and fill the tub and check for leaks now. See any? Good luck and thank you for rating my reply. Tom

Thanks once again speedball for the quick answer. I have aplumber coming to replace the drain tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes. Funny thought the plumber that was out the first time couldn't have figured this out!