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    mesev1's Avatar
    mesev1 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 31, 2009, 08:21 PM
    Bathtub leaks only when filled with water
    Hi,

    My second floor bathtub leaks onto ceeling bellow only when filled with water. When I use shower only, there is no leaks.
    Does this help to locate the leak location. Thanks very much.

    Sandy
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jul 31, 2009, 10:21 PM

    Yes, it means that the leak is in the supply piping and not in the drain. Would almost have to the in the piping to the tub spout. That is, unless you fill the tub and then get in it causing water to go out the overflow. In that case it is probably the gasket at the overflow pipe.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #3

    Aug 1, 2009, 05:27 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by mesev1 View Post
    Hi,

    my second floor bathtub leaks onto ceeling bellow only when filled with water. When I use shower only, there is no leaks.
    Does this help to locate the leak location. Thanks very much.

    Sandy
    Hi Sandy,
    Harold thinks you have a leak in your supplies. I don't think so since your complaint doesn't mention a leak that runs when the tub's not in use.
    Is this a steel or plastic tub that flexes and gives a bit as you step into it?
    Do you get more leakage when the tub's full and the drain's closed or when you drain it. Let's check and see.
    Close the stopper amd fill the tub up to the overflow. Watch the ceiling to see if any moisture starts to drip. If the spot gets wetter then you have a ruptured drain seal. If the sopt remains the same then drain the tub and observe the spot. Did it get any more wet? Do these tests and get back to me with the results. Good luck, tom
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Aug 1, 2009, 05:49 AM

    Looks like overflow plate is loose. Tighten it up all the way. Leak should stop. Make sure the fat washer between the tub and overflow is sitting all the way around the hole.

    Also, some people flip the overflow plate bottom side up so they can fill up tub few inches more. That's no good and usually results in leak.

    In some cases, spout may be leaking on the inside. Water than travels inside the spout and towards the hole in the wall and than into the wall and the ceiling.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #5

    Aug 1, 2009, 06:04 AM

    I'm betting a pizza that it's an overfilled tub, a long hot bath with candle light (scented candles) and a glass of wine. Got to do away with that wine.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #6

    Aug 1, 2009, 06:11 AM
    OK Harold but I'm not climbing into the tub with you. You're the only guy I know that can make plumbing sound romantic. LOL! Tom
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #7

    Aug 1, 2009, 06:14 AM
    :-)
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