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    ci_98yr's Avatar
    ci_98yr Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Oct 23, 2006, 04:24 AM
    Shower leak -mysterious
    Hello All,

    When someone takes a shower in our upstair bathroom (directly above our
    Kitchen downstairs), I hear water drops hitting the ceiling of the kitchen, very
    Slowly but steadily ( 1 drop hitting the ceiling ~30-45 secs). I don't see any
    Wetness on the ceiling from the downstair kitchen, but I know for sure that when
    Someone takes shower, somewhere there's a leak.

    Can some plumbing gurus advise me on this? I would like to do some
    Diagnostics before engaging a proper plumber..

    Thanks a bunch in advance,

    -CI
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
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    #2

    Oct 23, 2006, 05:10 AM
    You've got to get to where you can see that tub drain. There might be an access panel to it either behind the short wall that the head (where the faucet and drain are) of your tub... or in a ceiling below it.

    Run the tub and shine a flashlight back there to see exactly where it's coming from.

    If you don't have an access panel - or can't see well enough at the one you have, then the next best option is to cut an access hole in the ceiling below it.

    Even a plumber would have to do all of the above...

    Check Lowes/HomeDepot before you do, though: They sell decent looking access hole covers for this. Check to see what sizes they have so that you don't end up cutting your access hole too big.
    ci_98yr's Avatar
    ci_98yr Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Oct 23, 2006, 07:11 AM
    Thanks a lot Rick! Appreciate your input very much. If it is not too much to ask,
    Is there any website where I can see some pictures of what you are suggesting.

    Yes, I confess 'am a novice and a "dumb-guy" as far as house plumbing issues go :-))

    Google search didn't result in much..

    Thanks once again!

    -bregs
    CI
    iamgrowler's Avatar
    iamgrowler Posts: 1,421, Reputation: 110
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    #4

    Oct 23, 2006, 07:38 AM
    Is this a shower only, or is it a tub/shower combination?
    ci_98yr's Avatar
    ci_98yr Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Oct 23, 2006, 07:44 AM
    This is a tub/shower combination. The regular ones (white plastic tub) you see.

    The shower area is tiled on three sides and there is shower curtain on the other side.
    Tiles are in good shape, clean, but still 'may have missed something's..

    I am also looking at caulk status, not much 'can make out from what I see..

    Any suggestions, greatly appreciated to toruble shoot..

    -bregs
    CI
    iamgrowler's Avatar
    iamgrowler Posts: 1,421, Reputation: 110
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    #6

    Oct 23, 2006, 07:55 AM
    If it's only happening when the shower is in operation, rather than when the tub is draining from just taking a bath, then it is possible the water is running down the wall and getting behind the valve trim or the tub spout.
    ci_98yr's Avatar
    ci_98yr Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #7

    Nov 27, 2006, 12:38 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by iamgrowler
    If it's only happening when the shower is in operation, rather than when the tub is draining from just taking a bath, then it is possible the water is running down the wall and getting behind the valve trim or the tub spout.
    Dear All,

    Thank you for your replies. I am back from vacation trip and wanted to get this fixed.

    I called a plumbing company; When I explained, the guy told me that it's the PVC pipes
    That had contracted during winter (or cold weather) and its taking time to expand on
    Incoming hot water. Until we see water stains on the ceiling (kitchen downstairs) he
    Said not to worry. How does this analysis sound?

    Would appreciate if you can give me you opinion on this analysis.

    Uptill now, I shut the water off the shower..

    Thanks
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