[toolbox75]

I have a one-piece fiberglass shower on the second floor, above the kitchen. It was installed when the house was built 22 years ago. Never had a problem with it. Noticed this week water stains on the ceiling below, two different locations about 4 feet apart. Looking at the construction drawings the larger of the stains appear to be under the shower. I can find nothing visible leaking in the bathroom. Is it possible the drain connection between the shower base and PVC pipe has developed a leak? Is this something common in installations of this age? Is there a fix? One problem I have had over the years is this drain line clogs with hair and I have to snake it every few months. I am wondering if I might have loosenened something with the snake. If this isn't the problem, what is the best way to figure out what is leaking. I am guessing the kitchen ceiling will need to be opened up to see under the shower.

[speedball1]

I am guessing the kitchen ceiling will need to be opened up to see under the shower.

Perhaps not! If the shower floor flexes a bit when you step on it the drain seal might have been ruptured. Before you start to tear up the ceiling Let's check and see. Before you can begin to repair the leak you must first locate it. Some tests should be done before you open up the ceiling. Let's start with the drain. Before you go to bed remove the strainer and put some wet rags in a baggie and stuff them down the drain to seal it off. Now run about a inch or so of water in the shower floor and let it set over night. Make a pencil mark at the water level. Next morning check the mark and your ceiling. Water level down? Ceiling wet? If yes you have a ruptured drain seal. Remove the lip of the drain and clean up the old seal. Now make a rope out of plumbers putty or Silicon Jel and reseal the drain. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom

[toolbox75]

Thank you for your suggestions, I will try it. But I don't understand what you mean by "remove the lip of the drain". I went to Home Depot today and examined some drains. There apprearred to be two main types, one glued on the pipe and one was a slip on. Both were threaded to clamp tight to shower base with both a paper and a rubber gasket. It seems to me remove the drain I would have to unscrew it from the bottom... Am I missing something?

[speedball1]

I don't understand what you mean by "remove the lip of the drain".

Sorry! I should have explained that the lip of a drain is the top section of a drain that you see on the shower floor and is the part you install the putty seal under. More questions?" I'm as close as a click. Tom

[DICNIC]

I would recommend that you use rubbing alcohol with a rag to clean the pipe and seal. This will ensure a good seal between the silicone caulking, rubber seal and the pipe. I have used this method for years and it always seals the leak for good. No need to replace the gasket or cut out the floor.

[speedball1]

DicNic,
Good advice but he's not installing a new drain. It sounds like his seal has ruptured allowing water to drip down on his ceiling. Welcome to AMHD. Tom

[ballengerb1]

Tom has the plumbing end of this covered so I will talk about that ceiling. Might as well open it now since mold strated growing in the first 48 hours of repeated wetness. You can see your leak better and the ceiling needs to be replaced anyway.