[Outtaluck]

Tub drain was broken (corroded so bad the stopper broke off and pulled all the way out). Thought this should be simple to fix so I removed the old drain (with difficulty) and put in a new lift and turn drain insert. Had trouble getting the new drain screwed in with needle nose pliers so bought a drain wrench. Used TFE paste on the metal part that screwed down into the plastic pipe below the tub and used plumbers putty on the drain flange. Rubber washer already there was fine, so I left it. Thought all was great until I ran water in the tub and my husband noticed a dripping sound on the kitchen ceiling (directly below the tub). Now there's a nice water stain on our ceiling. I tested the tub again and listened for the drip. It drips even with the drain closed. What went wrong? Did I strip the threads trying to get that darned old drain out and the new one in or jar loose some other pipe connection? This is my four daughters' bathroom that they share and my husband says we can't afford to have a plumber come in and start tearing stuff out, so it will have to go unused. Do we need to cut into the ceiling to fix this, or is there some other way? I was trying to save us money by doing this myself (I've had great success at other minor home repairs), but am afraid I've really messed this project up. Hubby is not happy and my kids will be taking over my shower until theirs is fixed. Help!

[speedball1]

"Used TFE paste on the metal part that screwed down into the plastic pipe below the tub and used plumbers putty on the drain flange. Rubber washer already there was fine, so I left it"

Are you saying you left the rubber washer under the lip of the drain when you applied the putty and tightened it down? Regards, Tom

[Outtaluck]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! No, the washer was under the drain opening in the tub, between the bottom of the tub and the drain pipe. Anyway, I fixed the problem last night. I thought that since the drain was leaking even with the drain plug closed, there must be an issue with the flange of the replacement piece not fitting down tightly enough against the tub itself. I pressed the putty a little thinner around the flange and was then able to screw the replacement down further into the drain "boot" (is that what it's called?). The water must have been running under the tub drain hole, not even making it into the drain pipe, because now there is no more dripping. Thanks again! If we hear more dripping or see more wet spots, I'll be in touch!

[speedball1]

Glad you found and repaired the problem. If you have more plumbing problems feel free to use us any time. Regards, Tom