I noticed the second floor shower pan leaking, so I cut a hole in the ceiling and noticed a leak where the 1.5" pipe goes into the base of the shower pan. I noticed the flange was metal, so I purchased a new plastic one.

I went to turn the bottom, and I realized that it is one piece. The top (inside the shower pan) and the bottom (underneath the pan) cannot be separated. As I dug, I realized that the gap between the PVC pipe and the metal flange was half filled with caulk (old and nasty) so I dug it all out. Below the culk was (plumbers putty?)

Now I have a nice clean PVC pipe inside of a metal flange... what do I fill the gap with?

Thanks in advance...

Hey Kram... is this an old copper pan? Any chance you can post a picture... if so use the go advanced feature to post it.

There is normally a poured lead and oakum that surrounds these pipes... but not 1.5 inch plastic pipe. YOU SURE it is 1.5 inch? All shower drains are required to be 2" pipe.

If you want this to go away for good... You may need to hire a plumber to increase pipe size and/or to pour a lead joint for you. We can also tell you how to do this work if you want... but requires some special tools. Let me know.

Whatever you do.. do not just fill that drain with caulking again.. will fail twice as fast as last time as there is moisture in there now.

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Here is what I have... Attachment 6335

Attachment 6336

Hi Kram... Hey, what is the loose stuff around the pipe? And the pipe is 2".. so that is good.

Here is what I think you should do:

1) Go to home supply store and buy a cheap, plastic NO-CALK shower drain... (see pics... I have included the plastic one I am talking about AND an exploded view of what is inside (it is just in brass in this picture).. You want that donut inside)... set drain aside and try to see if the rubber donut that comes with the drain will fit into/and seal your drain... may need liquid soap to make donut slippery enough to slide over pipe and into drain. Then test the drain. That may do it for you.

If that does not work, I would have you call a plumber and tell him you need to have 1-2" lead joint packed and poured. It should only be a service call and charge for parts. This is absolute best... and to have you buy lead, oakum, lead ladle, torch to melt lead, etc. your time to run for all this and do the work... *whew*.. not sure worth it (but if you really want to let me know and I will give you detailed instructions on how to do it). Note here,that one mistake with hot lead and could damage entire shower base... so best left to pros...

They have some liquid leads out there, too (in a can)... I do not like them... and do not think this is a good place to start exploring. Anyway... lots of people with lots of ideas here.. so give them a chance, too... but, in my opinion.. these are the two best ways to try to solve this permanently. Good luck... let me know what you decide or how it went.

WOW! What an ordeal that was! I contacted a few folks, and only one knew how to do the lead... for my first born!

I actually cut out the old drain with a grinder and pliers and a lot of cussing. (about 2-3 hours) After removing the drain, the new 2-piece drain fit nicely. BUT... there was not enough room to fit the new piece between the underside and the pipe. To make a long story short, I broke the 2" PVC about 2 feet away at the wye to the 3" main. 4 hours later, I am fixed and leak free... I think...

Thanks for all of the information!:D

You removed the old drain? Then replaced with a new drain? Good for you. Sorry so involved.

Some people stink... and tell me... how much is a first born worth these days... hmmm? Just a ballpark idea would be fun to know.. and where you are in country. Thank you... and glad it is all over for you.

Everything still appears to be dry, sso I am buttoning up the drywall.
I believe he valued my first born at about $250.00
I figure I can pay myself about $40.00 an hour for the whole project and still come out ahead.
Thanks again for all of the good information, it helped me to decide what I was going to do.
By the way, I am in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.