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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.

(my apologies for having previously posted this question under construction topics, I'm new here and didn't realize there was a specific plumbing category)

Duplicate post

Yes, indeed, it is improperly installed drain.

1. If it leaks from the large white nut accessible from under the pan, than your plumber didn't put enough plumber's putty under the drain flange before inserting it into the shower pan and screwing in the nut. For this type of installation, Plumber's Putty works the best. If he used caulking instead, there may be your problem. Caulking will never dry in almost no-opening between shower pan and flange ring. Caulk needs air to dry. Otherwise it will remain liquid and will never achieve sealing properties.

2. Pipe penetrating your shower pan has to be sticking up under no angle. It has to be 100% plumbed. No play here. Otherwise, the seal you install from top will not be squeezed evenly between the drain and walls of shower pan and will produce leak.

You will have to cut open ceiling from below, remove the drain, re-apply Plumber's Putty, and reinstalling it.

Yes, indeed, it is improperly installed drain.

1. If it leaks from the large white nut accessible from under the pan, than your plumber didn't put enough plumber's putty under the drain flange before inserting it into the shower pan and screwing in the nut. For this type of installation, Plumber's Putty works the best. If he used caulking instead, there may be your problem. Caulking will never dry in almost no-opening between shower pan and flange ring. Caulk needs air to dry. Otherwise it will remain liquid and will never achieve sealing properties.

2. Pipe penetrating your shower pan has to be sticking up under no angle. It has to be 100% plumbed. No play here. Otherwise, the seal you install from top will not be squeezed evenly between the drain and walls of shower pan and will produce leak.

You will have to cut open ceiling from below, remove the drain, re-apply Plumber's Putty, and reinstalling it.


Thanks, Milo, - - I looked up the direction to the "OATEY" no-caulk shower drain for fiberglass showers and it does indeed say that it should be silicone caulked under the flange, but if what you say is correct maybe that is why it is leaking. Anyway, back to the main question, beings I already know that he silicone-caulked it on there, will I damage the shower base by wriggling/prying it off? Thanks again for your time.

P.S. No ceiling to open from below, - - I can get right to it from my basement (it's both visible and accessible).

Years back, we have had very bad experiences with caulking drains. We never caulk drains may it be shower drain or sink drain. You are just another example.

However, there is a break in logics somewhere: No-Caulk Drain is recommended by manufacturer to be Caulked :-D Hmmmm... Got my point ?

You should be able to remove that drain w/o damaging your pan. Once you apply pressure to it, it will give away. You have to clean the old caulk very well from the drain and pan before reinstalling. Reinstall as you wish.

However, there is a break in logics somewhere: No-Caulk Drain is recommended by manufacturer to be Caulked :-D Hmmmm.....Got my point ?



Yes, it's almost laughable.

Thanks much, I'll change it out (and take your advice on the plumber's putty).

One more question before I change this out. The plumber has the height of the top of the PVC drain pipe installed about 3/4 of an inch down below the shower drain flange level. Is that the correct height?