[dlingley]

We had a custom tile shower built. The guy was problematic (drinking on the job, etc.) and left the job undone. There are a few issues with the job (water pooling at one edge of the shower--not drainging properly, and one of the floor tiles come undone--loose). This caused me to do some research and I have read that there are "weep holes" that need to be drained properly (surrounded with gravel and not blocked with mortar). I had a plumber come in and he said that I do not have weep holes nor do I need them (at first he looked puzzled when I mentioned weep holes). He said I have a cheap, basic drain from HD and there are no weep holes and I don't need them. So I am confused. Do I have them? Do I need them?

I need an expert who can assess the work that has been done and what, if anything, needs to be redone.

Shower info: custom shower with a copper pan. The tile floor is 2 x 2 ceramic (connected on 12 x 12 sheets). The walls are marble.

My question is: Do I have weep holes? How do I know if I have them? If I have them, how do I know if they are done correctly (I doubt I could get back in touch with the guy who abandoned the job)?

Please help.
Thank you.
Daureen

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[Milo Dolezal]

Yes, you definitely need weep hole in shower drain. No way around it. Weep holes drain condensation that occurs when hot water hits cold concrete floor. If you don't have weep holes, concrete floor will be constantly wet and concrete itself will eventually deteriorate. Deterioration happens faster than you think...

Take off the shower drain grit and look inside. There, you should be able to see 3 small weep holes.

[dlingley]

Thank you for your prompt response.

I tried to take off the shower drain (removed the screws), but it is sealed shut (solid) with grout. I will try to pop it off later when my son gets home (I want to take photos of everything first, in case whoever helps us fix it needs them).

Next question: How do we determine if the weep holes are blocked (or not)?

... and: What if they are blocked? Do we need to rip out the shower basis and start over? (If so, will this damage my copper pan?)

Thank you so much. I really want to get this right and not cause more damage (we have radiant heat in the bathroom and I don't want to mess around with water leaking).

[Milo Dolezal]

The grit will pop up. It should sit inside a metal frame. Can you snap a picture of it and post it here ?

When you look inside the drain you should see 3 weep holes. See if there is concrete inside the holes. You can take piece of wire and try to insert it into them. Wire should go in about 1/2". If you see concrete "pouring" out of the weep holes than they are clogged.

You cut 12" x 12" square around the drain. Carefully chip out tile and concrete and clean weep holes. Push inside weep holes toilet paper or bread. (... don't worry, it will dissolve later ). I believe they even sell weep holes plugs. Re-pour concrete and set tiles.

It is not a big job but you have to pay close attention to what you are doing. Be careful with tools: do not damage the pan.