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geewilicurs · Nov 28, 2008, 10:08 AM

Hello all hope some where is there that can help. I have had a ceiling leak from upstairs shower/tub combo. It has damaged the ceiling in the kitchen below to the point I have had to cut ceiling and no leak. So repaired ceiling and yep leak came back. Son came home for an extended stay and shower has completely damaged the ceiling again.

Here is what happens, after I open ceiling he starts tub to warm water and no leak. He starts shower and maybe 5 minutes later a leak begins and appears to be coming up past the drain not sure if higher the spout but up that way. What do you guys think? Really appreciate any help, I am ready to rip out the whole shabang this time! :mad:

clhend · Nov 28, 2008, 02:52 PM

Well you've got to repair the leak before fixing the ceiling that's for sure! As you've found, if you don't, the leak will simply ruin the repairs.

If you can't do the repairs yourself the you'd better hire a plumber to come in a fix the problem. If you don't get the leak fixed, you will continue to have problems with the ceiling. Also you are risking deadly mold developing or the wood supporting the upstairs shower weakening to the point of falling through to the kitchen.

Rereading again, you may have a blockage in the lower drain that is causing a backup of water. Have you tried using some Draino or other clog remover? Shower drains are notorious for getting clogged with hair.

geewilicurs · Nov 28, 2008, 03:05 PM

But my son and I have both run the tub and it drains without any problem? Just to be sure though I will go and run the tub now and see if it backs up and leaks. THANKS!

Nope no leak. Ran just the tub for well over 5 minutes and drains fine and no leak.

clhend · Nov 28, 2008, 03:22 PM

Did you run the shower or just the regular faucet? You may have a problem with the shower pipe...

geewilicurs · Nov 28, 2008, 04:13 PM

Just ran the tub spout.

clhend · Nov 28, 2008, 05:42 PM

Try running the water through the shower head for the same length of time and see if the problem (leak) returns

mygirlsdad77 · Nov 28, 2008, 05:50 PM

Do you have a fiberglass unit or tile surround. If you only experience the leak when using shower head, water may be running down wall and leaking through damaged grout(if tile), or running down inside shower and leaking through at faucet trim plate or tub spout. Try siliconing around tub spout and faucet trim plate. May also be a leak at shower arm threads, or supply pipe.

Try filling the tub all the way up to the overflow, let it keep filling and see if you don't see a leak then.

geewilicurs · Nov 29, 2008, 06:55 AM

I have the tile grout around the tub. I will try and give this idea a shot later today thanks!

speedball1 · Nov 29, 2008, 07:12 AM

Got a hunch that this will be simple to locate the leak if you have the ceiling opened up. My bet's on one of two p-laces.
1) when taking a shower the stream hits the yile wall where the tile grout has shrunk allowing water to run down the wall board omto the floor. **or**
2) The tub flexes and gives a bit when you step into it. Over time this will rupture the drain seal and it will leak past the trap and raiser.
Both of these can be checked out from the open ceiling. Let me know what you find. Good luck, Tom