We have a bathtub which leaks into the dining room ceiling every time it drains. A plumber told us to tighten the trap cover, which sort of works. However, the screw doesn't tighten well enough to stay put and gets loose.

I can't remove the cover either as the screw just turns with no bite.

This is a raised 2nd floor bathroom floor (about 6 inches) with a simple metal cover and a slotted screw holding it in place.

Is this a common repair item? I'm fairly handy but don't want to start a fight I can't finish. Should I just prise off the cover and get a replacement? WHat am I likely to find underneath?

Thanks much,

Don

You have a drum trap. If it's leaking out of the cover then you have two options. (1) tear up the floor and reconfigure the drain with a "P" trap noropen up the cover and get a gasket that fits the cover or form your own out of graphite packing. You might also try grouting the cover with silicon jel to make it waterproof. Good luck, Tom