Check out some similar questions!

MannyTG · Apr 30, 2008, 08:29 PM

My shower stall recently leaked down on my ceiling below and when I unsrewed the drain nut from the top I found that the it had 6 holes along its vertical wall - 3 on each side. I have attached a pic of the drain nut and the strainer that snaps on top of the nut. Does anyone have any experience with this type of a nut? Is there a tool available to refit this thing (2.75" inner dia)from the top. I have no access from bottom.

Thanks a lot.

speedball1 · May 1, 2008, 05:56 AM

How about a picture of the shower drain itself? This blue "drain nut" threads into another drain that's in the shower? And has weep holes for what porpoise? I just don't know enough about the drain. Can you furnish more pictures and details? Is this a custom tile shower or a manufactured base and shower enclosure? Regards, tom

MannyTG · May 1, 2008, 06:53 AM

Tom,
The picture of the drain is at the following link
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbi...ml#post1014295
Thanks

ballengerb1 · May 1, 2008, 11:58 AM

Manny, I'm confused. That link takes us back to you and Tom discussing the same drain a few days ago. Are you still unclear how to resolve the leak?

speedball1 · May 1, 2008, 12:30 PM

Bob, If you're confused think how I feel. I'm attemptingt to work both threads.

ballengerb1 · May 1, 2008, 12:32 PM

Man-o-manny come on back and help us out before we get a split personality. I'm about ready to tell Manny to slap some plumbers goop around the nut and washer and call it a day.

speedball1 · May 1, 2008, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Man-o-manny come on back and help us out before we get a split personality. I'm about ready to tell Manny to slap some plumbers goop around the nut and washer and call it a day.

I would if it were a regular shower drain. But it's not,(see image)

ballengerb1 · May 1, 2008, 01:41 PM

Its either the nut or the PVC connection both of which will carry no real water pressure and are a pain in the neck to uncouple. I had a lav drain that just would not stop a 2 drops per hour drip after use. Took it apart 3x and it still drip[ped, stopped after a dose of goop.

MannyTG · May 1, 2008, 06:49 PM

Tom and Bob,
Thanks for your help. It is a regular stand-up shower stall. I think I have everything now.
The weep holes on the drain nut are apparently for fitting the strainer (snap) into place on top of the drain nut. Weird! Just another avenue for stagnant water to escape.

superplumber · May 1, 2008, 09:14 PM

HELLO, you might need to take the rubber gasket out and take some mineral spirits and clean between the drain and shower base to clean any soap scum that may have accumulated between the gasket and the drain and base. Also clean the gasket then apply some 100% silicone between the drain and shower base, and on the gasket, then work the rubber gasket back into place and put a bead of silicone around the top part of the drain under the ridge. Reinstall the drain nut, and hand tighten the nut as much as you can. To tighten down the nut you can use two screwdrivers , put the ends inside the nut on a spline crossing them and causing them to force against each other when you turn them clockwise to tighten the nut. I know that's easier said than done. But if you don't have a tool to grab the inside of the drain nut this method will work. Once you tighten down the nut clean the excess silicone off the drain with mineral spirits. Give the drain a day to dry the silicone before running the shower. I hope this helps solve the problem. Good luck.

MannyTG · May 2, 2008, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the advise. Seems like you have been down this road before. The silicone on the underside is a good idea. I have been considering that, hope it stays in place as the base of the shower is plastic and so there is some flex.

ballengerb1 · May 3, 2008, 10:12 AM

Not just silicone but actual product called plumbers goop. Adhesives for Minerals - page 3 The real plumbers are probably laughing at me right now but I always have a big tube for when no one is looking.

speedball1 · May 3, 2008, 02:15 PM

hope it stays in place as the base of the shower is plastic and so there is some flex.

There should be no "flex" at all in the shower base. If there i8s then the base wasn't bedded in properly when installed. That's just asking for a drain seal leak on down the line. If you can, bed the base before you button up. Good luck, Tom

ballengerb1 · May 4, 2008, 08:57 AM

Manny, Tom is correct about the bedding. What ever you do do not try using expanding foam insulation to embed the pan. I don't know how much room you have but I use globs of thinset, about 20 in a pattern on the floor. If you can't get under than pan which is what I would guess maybe send us a pic and we'll see if there is another option.