Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    littlemama24's Avatar
    littlemama24 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 5, 2008, 02:33 PM
    Bathtub leak
    We are having a debate as to what is causing the leak in our second flr bath that is leaking into the downstairs bath. The leak has been slow but has been going on for some time. My DH thinks it is a crack in the caulking that is causing the water to drip down into the ceiling. I think we have a slow leak in the pipes. Today the leak is so bad that water is actually dripping through the ceiling. At this point we have got to fix the problem. I just want to make sure that we fix the right problem.
    Any ideas?
    twinkiedooter's Avatar
    twinkiedooter Posts: 12,172, Reputation: 1054
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Apr 5, 2008, 07:52 PM
    It's the pipes. The water leaking from pipes will ultimately be the culprit. For it to be leaking through a ceiling is going to be a not so easy repair. Better do it now before the whole ceiling falls down and really causes extensive damage. Shut the water to the house off if you can before MORE damage is done.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
     
    #3

    Apr 6, 2008, 07:49 AM
    Hi all:

    Littlemama... you need to work at this in little pieces. You want to eliminate the easy things you can get to, first. Does this happen during showers only? Does this happen when tub used as well?

    To start... if there is an access panel behind the bath, open that up and see what is going on in there. Run the tub and shower and see what you can find.

    If no access panel, If single handle tub/shower valve, remove the handle and chrome face plate to shower valve (if two or more handles, remove the handles and the chrome covers and plates) and slide the chrome flange at the shower head down the shower arm. Now, run the tub and shower valve and use strong flashlight to look at pipes/fittings behind wall... look down behind wall as much as you can. If multi handle valve, just observe what you can from the exposed valve... packing nuts leak heavily sometimes.

    Next step would be to open up an access panel behind the tub/shower if you can... see from there...

    To finish, If DH thinks caulking will fix things....then caulk away. Can't hurt anything. Have him use a hair dryer to dry the area of moisture.. then apply a rubbing alcohol to area.. let that dry and then caulk or regrout as needed (caulking should be a mildew resistant type of caulking).

    That is where you start... let us know what you discover as you go... Mark
    littlemama24's Avatar
    littlemama24 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #4

    Apr 6, 2008, 05:35 PM
    We did cut an access panel. Ran everything and no leak. We did this both with shower and with just the tub faucet. Also there is no evidence that there is a leak it that area, no mold or wet boards etc. So I think that he might have something when he says it is not the pipes.
    We think at this point what has happened is that the water is running down the side of the shower and slowly leaking through one of the base boards.. We have purchased a splash guard and are going to re caulk everything.
    We will know more when we start removing the sheet rock in the ceiling.

    Thanks for the info. I still welcome more advice.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #5

    Apr 7, 2008, 05:03 AM
    Follow Marks advice and give special attention to the spotwhere the shower stream hits the tile wall. Good luck, tom

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Water Leak near bathtub but no leak behind tub found [ 5 Answers ]

I recently noticed water marks in the ceiling on the lower floor that is about 3-6 feet away from the tub above that floor. I had noticed similar leak several years ago, just painted it over and did not see any more water marks for several years. I cannot seem to find where it is coming from. I...

Leak from bathtub [ 6 Answers ]

Hi we have a leak onto our ceiling directly below our bathtub. It seems to be from the drain but at a loss of what to do next. It only leaks during a bath or a few minutes into a shower. Any help would be great. Thanks Ed

Maddening Bathtub Leak [ 15 Answers ]

I sure hope someone knows the answer to this:confused: my bathtub leaks randomly when someone takes a shower and usually the drained is somewhat blocked with hair. Maybe 1 or 2 people have taken them back to back. This is a first floor bathtub and I can see water on the floor in the basement and...

Bathtub leak [ 1 Answers ]

TWTMC, When I have the bathtub running,water drips down through the kitchen ceiling. I have removed the sheetrock to uncover the wood planking. What do I Do now to detect where the leaks coming from and remedy it. I had also Flushed the toilet and ran the sink vanity a no of times and...

Bathtub Leak [ 2 Answers ]

I need help figuring out what to do with my bathtub drain. It leaks when draining. Water seeps out from the bottom of the tub to the bathroom floor. My house is approximately 35 years old & built on a slab. I've found that if you pull the drain lever up about halfway & let it drain very slowly,...


View more questions Search