Help, my shower is leaking through downstairs ceiling. Had a plumber make a hole in the ceiling above the shower and no pipes seem to be leaking. Did a tile check to make sure tiles were not leaking by covering with tape. No leak but as soon as the tape was pulled off the drain it started dripping through the ceiling... leaks more when weight is on it. Had a blockage over a year ago and when it was snaked it went down through the walls to the basement.. yeah, a big problem that 4 plumbers can't figure out. The shower is tile and separate from the tub. House was built in late 60's. Any idea where the next person can check before the whole house has holes? I like swiss cheese but won't like my house looking like it!! Please help!! Rose

Turn shower ON and go downstairs with flash light and trace the leak. See if the leak is coming from the wall or from the drain.

Back to you... Milo

I had a similar problem and it turned out it was leaking from the drain. The drain was just loose. Just tightened it and leak stopped.

I had a similar problem and it turned out it was leaking from the drain. The drain was just loose. Just tightened it and leak stopped.

I have someone coming over today and he is going to try what you posted! Crossing my fingers. 1 guy pulled out the soap dish and did a hack corking job. Another guy tightened the shower door, Another guy looked behind turn on valve, Another guy said it was the tiles and the tile guy said it was a plumbing issue. Let's see what this guy says! Thanks for answering!


Turn shower ON and go downstairs with flash light and trace the leak. See if the leak is coming from the wall or from the drain.

Back to you...Milo

Another guy is checking it out today... crossing my fingers! Thanks for answering, I will let you know if problem gets solved!

No leak but as soon as the tape was pulled off the drain it started dripping through the ceiling... leaks more when weight is on it

That indicates that the leak is at the connection of the drain to the shower base.


Repeat drain test.
Tape drain, fill shower pan using a bucket or pail. Do not use shower valve. You don't want a possible leaking supply pipe to confuse the issue.

Open ceiling below shower and remove tape from drain. If no signs of leak, repeat test, this time have someone stand in shower as it drains.

That indicates that the leak is at the connection of the drain to the shower base.


Repeat drain test.
Tape drain, fill shower pan using a bucket or pail. Do not use shower valve. You don't want a possible leaking supply pipe to confuse the issue.

Open ceiling below shower and remove tape from drain. If no signs of leak, repeat test, this time have someone stand in shower as it drains.

That's when it leaks when someone is standing in it. A guy looked behind the turn on valve and there was no leak. It is being checked today seeing a guy couldn't make it here Friday. The water was also leaking along the ceiling into another rooms closet. At one time when it was backed up it was leaking though the light fixture right below the shower. We know it's a copper pan underneath. The ceiling already has a hole in it, water can be seen on wood beams but no pipes exposed appear to be leaking. The drain will get tightened today and we'll see if that's the problem. I will let you know!

That's when it leaks when someone is standing in it.
Sure sounds like a ruptured drain seal to me.
Have your guy check the putty drain lip seal.
If the shower floor "gives and flexes" a bit when someone steps in it that tells me the shower floor hasn't been bedded on installation and unless there's a way to puddle cement or mortar or something to support the floor expect the same problem to come back after some use. My advice? Reseal the drain lip and bed the shower floor, Good luck, Tom

It was the drain! A plumber came over and resealed it and it hasn't leaked since! Thank you ALL for replying.

Thank you for the undate. We like to hear back when our solutions work. Regards, Tom