[handyman09]

Hi.

I have a plumbing problem. The bathtub leaks onto the ceiling below only if shower is not used for a few days. My guess is that it dries if not used for a few days and looses seal. Can this be fixed without opening the ceiling? If not, what hole size and where I need to cut the ceiling to access the drain? Also, is it easy to open the drain or I need a plumber? Is the drain glued or screwed?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

[ballengerb1]

We need to do some detective work before we can recommend a fix. Do you have an inspector trap door on the other side of the wall where the supply valves are mounted? Get a few 5 gallon buckets and direct the spigot water into the buckt. Fill 2 or 3 buckets but do not dump down the drain. Does the leak appear?

[handyman09]

Could you be more specific. I do have access to valves on the other side of the wall. Should I close the valves? And pour water from buckets into the drain? Sorry I am new to plumbing.

Thanks

[ballengerb1]

No do not pour the buckets into the tub. By filling 2-3 buckets with water we are testing the piping to see if it's a pipe leak. Leave those valves open but do have someone inspect that valve compartment while you are filling the buckets.

[handyman09]

I did fill up two bucket of water and checked the valves as you said. There was no leak from the pipes or below the tub. What do you suggest to do next?

[ballengerb1]

OK now refill those 5 gallon buckets from another source other than the tub. Dump each down the tub as fast as you can, any leak this time?

[handyman09]

I dumped several buckets of water (not from the tub) in the drain and water started leaking into ceiling of lower floor again. Does this mean it is from drain? What do you think/suggest?

Thanks

[ballengerb1]

Yes, sounds like a drain leak. Could be the seal right there at the drain or the piping of the drain and trap. You probably should cut out and remove the ceiling anyway since it has been wet many times, mold will likley already be growing on top side of the drywall. Tell us what you find.

[handyman09]

Thanks for your help. I will let you know what I find out.

[speedball1]

Thanks for your help. I will let you know what I find out.

Bob already told you what you're going to find.

Yes, sounds like a drain leak. Could be the seal right there at the drain or the piping of the drain and trap.

A question. Does your tub flex or give a bit when you step into it?
My bet's on the putty seal under the lip of the drain. Purchase a drain removal wrench, (see image) and back the drain out counter clockwise. Clean off the old seal from the drain and tub and run a small rope of plumbers putty or Silicon Jel around the drain lip. Reinstall the drain and clean off the excess. Now test the tub again. Good luck, Tom

[handyman09]

No. The tub is fairly rigid and does not flex at all. Could it still be from the putty seal under the drain?

I opened the drain and to my surprise there was no old seal just a rubber washer between the drain and the tub. Should I remove the washer and apply the plumber putty?

[ballengerb1]

Yes, that should be plumbers putty not a washer. Remove, make a roll of putty about 5" long about the size of a clothes line and insert between the drain that shows and the tub. As you tighten you will see the excess squeeze out, just wipe away.

[speedball1]

I opened the drain and to my surprise there was no old seal just a rubber washer between the drain and the tub. Should I remove the washer and apply the plumber putty?

Bob gave you excellent advice. He should have added that the drain was installed wrong from the git-go. The washer belongs under the tub on top of the drain shoe, (see image). Slip the washer under the tub drain hole before you install the drain. Then do the putty thingy. Good luck, Tom

[handyman09]

I removed the rubber gasket and applied the putty and screw the drain back. It is sealed tight and leak has stopped.

I saw the last comment about the gasket having to be under the tub this morning while I fix the drain last night so there is no gasket in between the shoe and tub. Should I reopen the drain and insert the gasket?

[massplumber2008]

Hi Handyman09:

I am sorry to say... but yes you need install that rubber gasket where it belongs!

Good luck!

MARK

[speedball1]

I removed the rubber gasket and applied the putty and screw the drain back. It is sealed tight and leak has stopped.

I saw the last comment about the gasket having to be under the tub this morning while I fix the drain last night so there is no gasket in between the shoe and tub. Should I reopen the drain and insert the gasket?

Yes, If you leave the rubber gasket off you'll only be sealed on one side.
It shouldn't be too much trouble to simply slip the gasket to top of the tub shoe and reseal the drain lip with a rope of putty. Good luck, Tom

[handyman09]

I reopened the drain and inserted the gasket and sealed it again.

Thank you for your help. You were very helpful.

Amir

[speedball1]

Hi Amir,
Thanks for the update. If you ever need us again we're as close as a click. Tom