OK so woke up this morning and noticed that a spot on the ceiling that has been there forever just got a lot worse. Always thought the spot was just a bad paint job but now I'm thinking it was a water stain. So the spot is under the upstairs master bath and it looks like a line. So I'm thinking that it is the shower drain that is leaking. Shower is a one piece also. I am a complete novice if not worse in terms of being able to fix things but I would be willing to try. Is this an easy fix or should I just get it over with and call a plumber?

Hi NCKenD...

I say you go through the basics first and then, if you can't resolve the issue, you can call in a plumber. By at least trying the basics it should save you some money... if not a bunch!

I would suggest that you start by observing the inside and outside of the shower. Does your shower floor flex a bit when you get into it... if so, then the culprit may be the drain. Are you sure no water gets outside the shower when showering? If not, it could be that water is getting outside and flowing down between the shower and the floor tile (or vinyl)... here, you would dry the area and caulk the joint between the tub and the floor.

After that, I would suggest that you remove the shower trim (no need to shut water off... usually) and use a flashlight to look around in behind the wall... be sure to run the shower and use any diverters if you have them. Be sure to check the shower arm connection by looking at the shower riser while the shower is running.

Next step would be to plug the shower drain with a rag wrapped in plastic. Push the rag in deep to the drain and be sure it sets in hard so you don't loose it down the drain... OK? Then you would fill the shower floor to an 1/8" or so... step in and see if the water disappears.. if so, the leak could be at the shower strainer assembly.

The next step would be to open the ceiling a bit and then run the shower... check the drain connection. Here, you would have a friend step into the shower while the shower is running and see if you can find anything. If you're lucky, the signs of a leak will be obvious and you'll know the next step.

Start there... let us know if you have questions along the way...

Mark

Yes the shower has been known to flex a little bit. I talked to my builders warranty guy and he seems to think by my description of the water stain that it is water leaking from the drain and down the pipe which is why the water stain on the ceiling is in a line.

A line in the ceiling won't tell you if a drain or water pipe from the shower, but the flex in the base certainly suggests that it is a good place to start.

I'd open the ceiling and confirm it. Let us know if we can help...

Mark

Well turns out it was the toilet. Didn't use the shower yesterday and woke up this morning to a far worse stain on the ceiling. Called the plumber(who was awesome) and he came right away. Immediately said it was the toilet. Cut a hole in the ceiling and confirmed it was the toilet. Took the toilet off and said it was not installed properly. Something about a piece not being flush with the floor. Called builder and he basically laughed but said that I should give the original plumber a call. Warranty guy said plumber is going to tell me that if it was installed improperly it would have leaked right away. So now I just have to call the plumber and then after that I guess my Insurance company. Any suggestions on dealing with this plumbing company?

Hi Ken:

What is it that the "awesome" plumber said was wrong with the other guys work? There isn't much that can be done wrong enough that you can say the other plumber really screwed up... ya know?

In terms of the plumber that did the work, I don't want to sound like a smart-alec, but I'd call him up and tell him the truth... word for word.

Call him up and tell him there is a leak and you have been told that it was because the toilet was installed incorrectly by someone at his company. Tell him there is damage and you would like to give him an opportunity to observe things and see if he can suggest any solutions. As long as you don't allow it to become personal it can't be and you guys can focus on the mechanics of it all. What happens after that is up to him... ;)

Back to you..

Mark