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mlmmm
Mar 16, 2007, 08:26 PM
We have small master bath that has a plumbing leak. We have torn open the wall that backs up to the shower head and controls-the pipes are not wet or leaking. A plumber said it was the shower door ( it is a shower stall, completely tiled- about 40 years old). He replaced the shower door. It was good for a few days. The wetness started again. It becomes wet in the door way to the bathroom-the bedroom carpets meets the tile in the doorway-this is where the carpet becomes wet. There is no noticeable wetness in the bathroom itself.

We then completely torn open the wall-again no wetness from the shower pipes, only down by the bottom near the bathroom door.

The second plumber decided it was the toilet-he said the seal had completely worn away-he replaced it. It was dry for about 3 days. Wetness returned.

We are at a loss. Could the shower be leaking under the tile?? Is there some sort of drain pan under the shower? Remember the shower is completely made of tile, as is the floor. One other clue: there are a few cracks in the floor tiles, and I noticed awhile back that they began mildewing-an orangy color-the cracks are not new-but the mildew is. Could this mean there is wetness under the tile??

I know this is probably difficult without seeing it-but maybe someone had a similar problem.
Thanks for anything you can tell us.

Linda M.

doug238
Mar 16, 2007, 09:22 PM
Were the 2 plumbers under 27 years old?
Do a pan test... get a wash rag and wet it and put it in a baggy. Remove the drain screen. Push the baggy into the drain and wedge tight. Using a bucket, fill the shower about 2 inches deep. Get the water from somewhere except that fixture you are testing. If the pan has failed, it will leak within half hour. Complain to both companies and request a refund.