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lucky777 · Jul 4, 2009, 06:48 AM

I have 40 years old house and my shower drain is leaking. What is a better way to get it fixed? Space is tight there and I'd rather keep old shower tab to avoid messing up with pipes.

speedball1 · Jul 4, 2009, 07:03 AM

It looks as if the leak's at the lead joint. Recaulk the joint and jam some wet rags in the drain and fill the base with a inch of water. Now check for leaks. Good luck, Tom

lucky777 · Jul 4, 2009, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by speedball1

It looks as if the leak's at the lead joint. Recaulk the joint and jam some wet rags in the drain and fill the base with a inch of water. Now check for leaks. good luck, Tom

How to recaulk the joint? It is not removable.

massplumber2008 · Jul 4, 2009, 08:42 AM

Hi Lucky777:

The lead ring is around the pipe in the strainer. It is a malleable metal that seals the strainer to the pipe.

You can purchase a set of caulking irons at any plumbing supply house... see image, or, you could just take a dull cold chisel and peen the edges of the lead into the outer rim of the strainer and again, in towards the pipe.

By looking at the picture, it seems the inner edge is most likely culprit.

MARK

lucky777 · Jul 4, 2009, 09:57 AM

I will not be able to purchase caulking irons before Monday, looks like Home Depot or Lowe's don't carry them... All my chisels are to sharp for this work. Is it good idea to try peen copper pipe edge a little outwards? This is bigger picture of a strainer.
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/o...c/IMG_1254.jpg

massplumber2008 · Jul 4, 2009, 10:31 AM

Best bet is to peen the lead... just the way it's done! If you peen the copper it will only be tougher to seal correctly later.

You could also try a dull flat screwdriver for this... ;)

MARK

speedball1 · Jul 4, 2009, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by lucky777

I will not be able to purchase caulking irons before Monday, looks like Home Depot or Lowes don't carry them... All my chisels are to sharp for this work. Is it good idea to try peen copper pipe edge a little outwards? This is bigger picture of a strainer.
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/o...c/IMG_1254.jpg

Rent a set of inside and outside caulking irons, (see image) while these irons are beveled for inside and outside they are also curved to fit the pipe. See the image to see how it's done. You don't have to use a lot of force a moderately light tap with the iron will culk just dandy. Good luck, Tom

lucky777 · Jul 4, 2009, 11:35 AM

I dulled a chisel and tapped around the inner and outer edge of a lead ring. Strainer doesn't leak anymore after that. Hope it is going to last. Thank you, speedball1!! I'd never figured out this one myself. I went to Home Depot and they suggested to cut off the copper pipe and replace a strainer with a new one, then extend a pipe with a rubber extension, what a bunch of idiots.

speedball1 · Jul 4, 2009, 11:46 AM

Glad we could help Lucky.

I went to Home Depot and they suggested to cut off the copper pipe and replace a strainer with a new one, then extend a pipe with a rubber extension, what a bunch of idiots.

That's why most big box guys are "selling" instead of "doing".
If it doesn't leak now you nailed it. God job and BIG savings! Cheers, Tom