[Ceilidhnet]

I have a circa 1977 shower pan with a FIAT drain fitting. I have cut a hole in the drywall under the pan and confirmed that there is a leak coming down the outside of the PVC riser while the shower is on, more leakage with someone standing in (deflecting?) the shower pan. I would appreciate any advice on how to repair/replace the fitting. There is an internal metal collar which forms the lip on the shower pan floor, and a rubber insert within that tube - the rubber seems pliable. I would like to securely repair/seal it in place before replacing the drywall. Advice? Thanks,Tom

[massplumber2008]

Hi Tom:

I would try to remove the old rubber seal and see if you can get a replacement seal at a local plumbing supply store.

Here. Take a few long sheetrock screws and screw them into the old seal and then take a pair of pliers and see if you can tug the old seal out of place and then take it to the local plumbing supply store and see if they can find a replacement... hopefully, a FIAT seal (yes, they still make them).

Then you'll clean the pipe and the well of the strainer assembly and install the new seal.

At this point, you may also want to consider installing shimming materials through that hole in the sheetrock and under the shower base to stop the "deflection" that occurs when someone steps into the shower. You could even pour a very liquid structolite gypsum under the pan, let it dry overnight and that should steady things up well, too... ;)

Questions? Let me know, OK?

Mark