We have a slab floor and developed a leak in the shower drain. I tore it apart and have been watching it for about a week. The gravel around the drain pipe is moist with no standing water. Is that OK? The level in the P trap stays constant. Could there still be a leak? We've had a huge amount of rain for the last 4 days. I thought maybe this is why the gravel is moist still but want your opinion.

Hi Lkucala

Do you have issues with water anywhere else? If not, I would dig into this shower drain hole a little bit and see if any water pools over a day or two...go 6" deep, if possible.

If no water pools after a couple days proceed to install a new pan. If you are using a new composite floor or a fiberglass (or acrylic) shower floor be sure to consult with the manufacturer instructions as most require some kind of bedding substrate with the shower pan installation.

If water pools in the hole, you may have a leak (see "leak detector" arrow on you water meter if you have one) in the water or heat pipes (if pipes go below slab)...or could be ground water issue, but would need further investigation.

Back to you...

Mark