Big problems at this end. I have a house built in 1960. I noticed the paneling in the hallway getting water damamges at the bottom a while back and then in the adjoining room closet after I removed the old carpet. Thought it might be leaking at the shower handles or spout in the wall, so I took out the wall paneling in the hallway behind them. Not the source.
So, my next guess was the grout. I chipped out a lot of the old damaged grout, and then regrouted. At the bottom 12" of the shower, I also put on a good silicone bead after the grout had dried. Not the source.

My only other guess is the pee trap. The slab undr the shower is 8" concrete, and I have no idea what other plumbing is running there. Like with many old houses, I've heard, the shower probably doesn't have any kind of pan at the floor, but don't think that could be the problem anyway.

So, I busted out the lower 18" of the tile walls around the inside of the shower, and am looking at 2X4's at the floor level that are damp. Could this be a pee trap issue, or does anyone have any better ideas. Really can't afford a thousand bucks to have it fixed right now, but have to do something. Is my only alternative to bust out the concrete floor, then have a plumber replace the trapif that's the issue, then Sacrete a new fllor in, and redo the tile work?

Help!

Hi Rclrec

You said, "I've heard, the shower probably doesn't have any kind of pan at the floor, but dont think that could be the problem anyway"...

In fact, the Ptrap is very unlikely to be the issue... more likely the shower pan ESPESCIALLY If it wasn't done properly with a pan. Here, I would bet you money they did a pan, but I'd also bet that the pan has failed and that the entire shower floor needs to be redone, but it must be done right with an appropriately built shower pan or a pre-fabricated floor.

This is not a job that should be taken lightly or done by just any handyman because if done wrong you'll be right back where you started in just a few short years, so if you want the job done right talk to some bathroom general contractors and see what they think! Estimates should be free, so I would suggest bringing in 2-3 people and see what they say/observe, OK?

Back to you...

Mark

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by damp 2x4s at the floor level but I think you've found your problem; but there may be a few issues. A common problem is cracking around your drain. Newer drains use a rubber donut that allows some movement between the shower and the drain pipe. Without a little 'give,' the concrete around the drain can crack and cause leaks. If the concrete floor is not supported properly (poor compaction of the ground under the slab, or inadequate framing above the ground,) your slab can crack. Rubber flashing is now used to seal the joints between a shower pan and the walls, which is absent in your installation, this could be your problem. Old grout can soak up water and leak without visible cracks. Keep in mind when you shower, water and humidity go everywhere. Replacing the grout for the bottom couple courses of tile probably is not enough. When you've finished, apply some silicon sealer on your grout for greater protection and durability. A good tile store can help you get the supplies. I would avoid the High School kid at the big box store. It's a lot of work, but not that much money. Hope this helps.