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vollyhawk · Feb 7, 2007, 02:20 PM

Hello experts! I've isolated the leak in my upstairs tub to the drain itself. When the tub is filled a few inches with water, I can actually hear the water dripping down to the drywall (now wetwall) ceiling of the first floor living room. We've had several plumbing issues upstairs and one thing I regret is our decision to locate our washer/dryer upstairs. On the spin cycle, it literally vibrates throughout the whole upstairs... which can't be good for the plumbing seals and such. Anyway, I was wondering how or if I might remove the drain from the tub to replace it/reseal it? Can it be done? What tools are needed? What sealant should I have ready?

ballengerb1 · Feb 7, 2007, 03:42 PM

I am not sure but are you talking about two different issue: bath tub and a washing machine? If your dripping is from a bath tub you can buy a tub drain removal tool for about $16. It will remove the drain from inside your tub. When you buy the tool I'd buy a new drain assembly at the same time, another $8. Follow the directions on the new drain, caulking appropriately and use silicone tape when you re-install. If your whole question was about a washing machine tub I apologize for wasting your time.

vollyhawk · Feb 7, 2007, 04:20 PM

Thanks for the speedy reply. No the leak is definitely a bathtub. I was trying to guess at the real source behind several leaks that have developed in my plumbing systems upstairs over the past 2 years and I mentioned that having the washer/dryer upstairs could possibly be the problem. I was thinking it might be the tangible vibration caused by the high speed spin cycle and it's potentially damaging effects over time on the caulking of various crucial plumbing junction points (like this tub drain). Have you heard of anyone else having leaks develop who also have their washer/dryer systems upstairs? Just interested to know. Anyway I will replace the tub drain and assembly and I hope there are good instructions on the caulking and silicone tape installation because I fear that is what is currently failing.

ballengerb1 · Feb 8, 2007, 08:12 AM

Vibration from the washer and the dryer can do damage to your structure. Cracking drywall and floor tiles can result. Some vibration is normal but your machines might be out of balance. Machines vary so I am of not help giving instructions here.
The instruction are very good and you will need a gold ball sized lump of plumbers putty and white teflon tape, not silicone. It can be found in the plumbing department and comes in a blue and white spool. Wrap the tape clockwise around the threads of the new drain as the threads face you. My tub removal tool requires me to insert a 1/2 in. socket drive into the tool. It is not difficult to work but requires pretty heavy leverage to loosen the old drain. You will be proud of your new accomplishment.
Good luck

vollyhawk · Feb 10, 2007, 07:05 AM

Thanks! I'm going to try to tackle this today. I will also investigate how to balance the washer since it is shaking the whole upstairs.

vollyhawk · Feb 10, 2007, 10:50 AM

Things couldn't have gone smoother... that is until I found out that my tub doesn't have the standard drain size! I got the replacement kit, drain removal tool, plumbers puddy, and thread tape from Lowe's. I was surprised to find how easy it was to remove the old fitting... perhaps indicating that it was loose to begin with. I was all ready to screw the replacement fitting down in the tub when to my disappointment, I realized that the diameter of that drain fitting, was larger than the one I'd pulled out. When I returned to the store, I found that all of their fittings were the larger size. I was told I'd need to go to a specialy plumber's shop to find that smaller size. The thread spacing looks the same, but the replacement fitting is probably 1/4" larger in diameter. I'm just going to have to wait until Monday. My house was built in 1994; however, I know that the plumber used many of his old stocked plumbing parts. The other lovely item he put in was a lead shower pan (which leaked). The plumber who replaced that said he hadn't seen one like it in years.

ballengerb1 · Feb 10, 2007, 11:04 AM

That is a bummer. I have not seen a smaller sized tub drain. I'm wondering if the plumber did not jury rig a lavatory or sink drain. They should not fit but the again maybe that why you have a leak.
A lead show pan? Wow, surprised working with the lead hasn't killed him. Have you seen him lately.

speedball1 · Feb 10, 2007, 01:49 PM

Vollyhawk, " My house was built in 1994; however, I know that the plumber used many of his old stocked plumbing parts. The other lovely item he put in was a lead shower pan (which leaked). The plumber who replaced that said he hadn't seen one like it in years."

We went from panning showers with lead to plastic back in the 70's. I'm surprised to hear it's being done in the 90s.

Ballergenb1;
"A lead show pan?? Wow, surprised working with the lead hasn't killed him. Have you seen him lately."

I started as a young boy in my fathers plumbing shop in the 40s pouring and caulking molted lead and oakum joints. We used lead to pan showers and connect cast iron up through the 70s. That's 30 years of snorting lead fumes. I'm 80 and still going strong. What do you mean,
" Wow, surprised working with the lead hasn't killed him. Have you seen him lately."
If that's the case there should be a lot of old plumbers dropping like flies and there are still a lot of us left. OK Ball! Ya caught me! I'm really doing this page from beyond the grave.
Have a great week end, Tom

On another note Hawk, It sounds like all you need to do is to make a small rope of plumbers putty for a seal and reinstall the old drain. Or am I missing something? Regards, T

vollyhawk · Feb 12, 2007, 06:54 AM

I could re-install the old drain with a new seal of plumbers puddy; however, the original is a bit worse for wear and I thought since I was taking it apart I'd use new parts to give the shower a facelift. I'm going today to a plumbing supply store to see if I can get replacement parts in this smaller diameter. If I am unsuccessful, I guess I will have to put the old one back in.

ballengerb1 · Feb 12, 2007, 08:47 AM

I'm a little surprised you were able to get the tub removal tool to fit inisde an undersized drain. Maybe your tool is a different design than the one I use. If you reinstall the old drain be sure to clean the threads with a wire brush and use tow or three wraps of white teflon tape.