We have a slight leaking problem in the downstairs bathroom ceiling last year and the homeshield contractor came to check it. We were told it was not a plumbing problem and the water coming from the shower upstairs. We did the caulking as suggested and the problem seemed to go away.

Recently we found some fresh water stain (about 3-4 inches in diameter) and we thought it was time to do the grouting/caulking again. To make sure it was not the draining pipe problem, I poured about 3 gallons water into the hole and didn't observe any water leaking downstairs. That encouraged me to spend half day looking for tiny holes/cracks on the tile wall and fixing them.

Today, after 72 hrs of caulking and grouting, I used the shower again. The water seems to find a shortcut to go through the ceiling. It not just leaks, it rains! I tested the draining hole again, and this time the leaking on the downstairs bathroom ceiling started almost immediately.

My question is, does this mean there is some pipe problem, or do I need to replace the whole shower basin?

Thank you so much!

Hey duluthman,
One of the first jobs I had was working the ore boats on the Great Lakes.
I know Duluth very well.
"I tested the draining hole again, and this time the leaking on the downstairs bathroom ceiling started almost immediately"
Before you go through the hassle of removing the ceiling and checking the trap unscrew the lip of the drain enough to force silicon grout/caulk under the lip all the way around and retighten. Now test again. Good luck, tom

Some times the bypass valve for the tub to shower leaks when the shower button is pulled to activate the shower. The water leaks behind the water spout out of the o ring because of the pressure caused by diverting the water to the shower head that's why the leak is not visible and leaks back behind the water spout down the inside of the drywall through the ceiling

Hi sajonad and welcome to the Plumbing pageat at AskMeHelpDesk.com. You piggybacked on an a 6 year old dead thread. In the future, before you post, look in the upper left hand corner for the date.
We thank you for the Input. The problem was a ruptured drain seal. We look forward to seeing more of you in the future. Regards, Tom