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View Full Version : How to fix a leaking pipe between the ceiling & upstairs shower


marysol1969
Jan 26, 2010, 03:10 PM
I found a leak from the hot water pipe from the shower upstairs. How do I fix it and how to cut out the ceiling sheetrock? This is driving me crazy trying everything until now found the problem.

cdad
Jan 26, 2010, 03:19 PM
What is on the back side of the shower ? If it's a closet I suggest you open the wall there. It will give you access to the pipes and fittings.

marysol1969
Jan 26, 2010, 03:33 PM
There no access panel cause of the wall is towards the toilet. As you walk in the sink is on the right, then the toilet next then you have about foot of space between the toile and the wall where the back of the stand up shower is. If I put a access panel is going to be kind of ugly. Any other ideas or I just to do it?

cdad
Jan 26, 2010, 05:02 PM
Doesn't sound like you have much choice. If you open the sheetrock you can always put a new piece in its place and paint over it. You need access to the fawcets from the sounds of the problem. Unless the leak is from the drain.

speedball1
Jan 26, 2010, 05:27 PM
I found a leak from the hot water pipe from the shower upstairs. How do I fix it and how to cut out the ceiling sheetrock If you must make a cut in the ceiling cut a square and dry it out. You can use it as a patch later. When you're ready we'll walk you through the ceiling repair. Exactly where is this leak? Sure you'll see water on the ceiling no matter where the leak is , however, if the leak's where the hot water supply connects to the valve joint it's possible that the leak can be viewed, (and repaired) by simply removing the handle and chrome cover plate. Have you removed the plate and checked? Let me know, tom

marysol1969
Jan 27, 2010, 06:29 AM
If you must make a cut in the ceiling cut a square and dry it out. You can use it as a patch later. When you're ready we'll walk you through the ceiling repair. Exactly where is this leak? Sure you'll see water on the ceiling no matter where the leak is , however, if the leak's where the hot water supply connects to the valve joint it's possible that the leak can be viewed, (and repaired) by simply removing the handle and chrome cover plate. Have you removed the plate and checked? Let me know, tom

I let the hot water run yesterday for about 10 min & no leak. Today, I let my husband take a shower and the leak started again. I will look over behind the handle & chrome cover plate. It looks like is the drain, could that be possible, if there was no leak before? Will let you know later. Thanks!

marysol1969
Jan 27, 2010, 07:40 AM
Speedball1; I opened the chrome cover and look around the valve connection H&C are OK no leaks. No leaks from the top of the shower head either. I'm letting run as a regular shower right now to see if any leaks. I have a fitted stand up shower, just FYI.

speedball1
Jan 27, 2010, 08:16 AM
My bet's on the seal of the drain lip. (see image) This is caused by the shower floor not being bedded properly . The shower floor will flex when someone steps into it rupturing the drain sea in timel. If you still have a leak when you close off the drain and put a inch or so of water in the base then the first thing I would do is open up the ceiling, loosen the large retaining nut and running a small rope of plumbers putty under the drain lip. Now tighten the nut up, remove the excess putty that squeezed out and test again. Bet the leak's gone now. Good luck, Tom

marysol1969
Jan 27, 2010, 08:21 AM
Will this be the same diagram for a fitted shower?

speedball1
Jan 27, 2010, 08:38 AM
Please explain, "fitted shower". Are you referring to a custom tile shower? Tom

marysol1969
Jan 27, 2010, 08:45 AM
Please explain, "fitted shower". Are you referring to a custom tile shower? Tom

No tile, is all one piece of fiberglass stand up shower. See attached

speedball1
Jan 27, 2010, 08:52 AM
That's the drain that you have in your shower, (see image) Good luck, Tom

marysol1969
Jan 27, 2010, 08:57 AM
I tried to take the top part but is not coming out. I will put silicone and let it dry for a couple of days, let see if it works. Thanks I will let you know in a few days. Your are a great helper!


That's the drain that you have in your shower, (see image) Good luck, Tom

IT WORKED! I put silicone around the drain until I get a new one and it worked! Thanks for all your help!