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    jptx7823's Avatar
    jptx7823 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 30, 2004, 06:02 PM
    Fiberglass Jacuzzi Tub Drain Leak
    I have a drain leak on my fiberglass jacuzzi tub. I have removed the metal drain from the tub and cleaned it, cleaned the rubber washer on top of the PVC drain pipe, and applied a new coat of plumbers putty to the metal drain before reinstalling it. I still have a small leak coming from where the rubber washer meets the bottom of the fiberglass tub. All I can guess is that unlike metal tubs, the fiberglass is not as smooth and solid, and the rubber washer is not sealing as well. The local Lowe's store said that I should not put any plumbers putty or other sealent on the gasket. Are they correct? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get it to stop leaking, or what I may be doing wrong?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks & Happy Holidays!

    JP
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Dec 30, 2004, 06:50 PM
    Leak
    "I still have a small leak coming from where the rubber washer meets the bottom of the fiberglass tub. All I can guess is that unlike metal tubs, the fiberglass is not as smooth and solid, and the rubber washer is not sealing as well. The local Lowes store said that I should not put any plumbers putty or other sealent on the gasket. Are they correct?"

    Yes you should never use any thing with oil,(such as putty) or any petrolium product on neoprene. It deteriorates the material.

    When we install a tub drain we always use a levered helper such as a tub tool which is a piece of metal with a cross machined in to it so that it fits snugly in the draincross. For purchase. If we don't have a tub tool handy we jam the handles from a pair of pump pliers between the cross and stick a screwdriver in the jaws for leverage. I mean, CRANK DOWN ON THAT SUCKER HARD! You might want to back it off and run another ring of putty,( don't sweat the amount of putty, it squeezes out,) around the drain lip before you do. If you get it tight enough it should hold water. Good luck and Happy New Year Tom
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