[davenchar]

I've had a tub which has leaked intermittently over the past 1.5 years. It was only recently that we found out it was the tub and not a leak in the roof with rainstorms. It has over time ruined some cabinetry in our kitchen. Yesterday I found that there was a continuous leak into our kitchen and decided it was time to cut a hole in the ceiling above the cabinet and have a look at the bottom of the tub. We have a garden tub directly above. The wood is very wet around the underside of where the cold water spigot is, but the dripping is coming from the connection of the warm water tube to the faucet (all looking up from below). The wood directly above that area is wet also, however, and it is difficult to tell if the leak is from that connection (hot to faucet) or it's dripping from the wood. I've changed out the gaskets and stems on both the hot and cold, with (possibly) a slight improvement. The leak is now only when I turn the tub water on. What do you think?

[Milo Dolezal]

If the leak is only "...when you turn tub water on..." than check out dispenser spout connection. Turn water on, go to the hole in the ceiling with flash light in your hand and closely inspect where the drips develops. Be careful, water travels. Therefore, follow the wet trail to its source.

Also, you can fill up tub and let water inside for a week. See if your leak is still active after few days.

One of the sources of "mysterious" tub leaks is loose overflow cover. Some people even turn it upside so they get more water in the tub. Overflow has a fat seal that must be firmly pressed (tighten up) against tub to prevent leaks. Loose overflow cover will produce leak even when you are using only shower head.

[Flying Blue Eagle]

davenchar- You should have a access panel right behind the shower tud , in the next room. It may be in the clothes closet, Remove this panel and you should have good access to the back of tub where the water and drain is. Take a flash light with you and let someone turn the water on for you while you are watching for the leak. Before turning on the water try to see if you can locate the leak first. REmember that when the water is on the water will be spraying and will get water all over,and you may think the water is comeing from somewhere else. Good luck and GOD BLESS :: F.B.E.

[speedball1]

Hey Dave,
Follow FBEs advice and open up the access panel. If you don't have one then cut one in. Turn off the water and dry off everything. Now turn the water back on and track the leak back to its source. Turn the water back off and let us know what you've found. Good luck, Tom