Just had a shower installed but the PVC no-caulk drain is leaking into the basement. The plumber said everything was was tested and worked fine, and now left for vacation. It's leaking where he siliconed it to the fiberglass shower base (and then down between the threads and the big plastic nut underneath). I have no qualms about replacing it myself (in-laws are on the way) but I'm worried about damaging the shower base trying to remove the one that's already caulked onto it. Is this do-able, or will I damage the base trying to remove it? Thanks in advance.

I do not think you need to worry about damaging anything but I am confused. Your plumber caulked the no-caulk drain from what you have said, why? No-caulk drains do not have a large nut so I am not sure what you have. If you can see the exact area where the leak is happening you can wipe additional caulk into the spot without taking out the oild assembly.

I do not think you need to worry about damaging anything but I am confused. Your plumber caulked the no-caulk drain from what you have said, why? No-caulk drains do not have a large nut so I am not sure what you have. If you can see the exact area where the leak is happening you can wipe additional caulk into the spot without taking out the oild assembly.



The "no-caulk' drain assembly does get caulked under the flange. The part that doesn't get caulked is where the PVC pipe comes up through the drain, instead it has a rubber boot that gets compressed by tightening. The leak is running along the (threaded) outside edges of the drain assembly, telling me it is the caulk under the flange that has failed. The area between the PVC drainpipe and the drain assembly is not leaking. It does indeed have a large plastic nut, that's how the whole assembly gets attached. Sorry if I didn't make myself clear on my problem.

I better understand your situation. You have but 2 choices. Remove the entire drain and recaulk properly with fresh plumbers caulk. You could also try Goop Plumgers glue, seal the crack between the flange and the shower floor. The later is a quick patch and not how a plumber would approach it.

I'll remove it and do it right. Thanks for the help, great site.