We noticed water damage starting on our living room ceiling from the upstairs bathroom recently. We have found that it only happens when the water is diverted to the shower head. I have tried to search for the leak since it should be fairly narrowed down but not really sure what I am doing. Tried looking around the valve but nothing is really jumping out...

Hey Jc...

What kind of diverter do you have..? Is the diverter on the tub spout, on the valve itself (single handle valve) or is it a separate handle as part of a three-handle tub/shower valve?

First place to check is behind the shower valve if you can remove the trim plate(s). Remove the trim that you can and then divert from tub to shower and see what you can see behind the wall. Also, check behind the shower arm trim piece.

Finally, if diverter is on a tub sput it could be leaking from the tub spout and into the wall... remove tub spout to check this. This would be done by spinning tub spout counterclockwise OR using an allen wrench of proper size to remove the allen screw holding the spout on. Of course, depends on which type tub spout you have).

Check the obvious stuff as you have already... then get back with answers to my questions. Also, be sure to let me know if you have a TILE surround or a fiberglass/acrylic type... ok?

Thanks..

MARK

Hi jcbelt,

Follow Mark's instructions and respond to his questions I am sure you will find your problem and will be resolved accordingly, on top marks recommendations I am attaching the following images just for an info, good luck.

John

There's really only one way to check. Open up the access panel behind the tubs drain and check around the drainand trap for moisture. No access panel? Then either cut one in or open up the ceiling to check. If you have a faulty drain seal the moisture will be on the trap and raiser. If not then it's leaking from the shower walls as the stream hits it. Let me know what you find. Good luck, Tom