I'd like to know why there appears to be no water in the u bend under the shower tray? Is there a leak?

Question

A similar question was asked a few months ago about toilets - I'm not sure if I've a similar problem here. The shower room is downstairs, another bathroom upstairs, and no problems anywhere else (kitchen, washing machine, etc.) Last year the builder fitted a nice stone cover around and over the outside drain, which the shower pipe under the shower tray goes into - since then, we've noticed we can hear other water draining through the pipe (when the washing machine pumps out, for example, the kitchen is the next room along from the shower room), and there is no water in the u bend. So, it could be the drain? How? Why? Or could something have happened under the shower tray, and if so what? The system is about 11 years old, and the original builder put the tiles on round one side of the tray with silicone sealer so they're relatively easy to shift (I hope!).

Answer 1

Has the stone completely sealed over the outside drain? If so when water drains out and into the drain it could cause air pressure in the pipe and cavity to drop, potentially enough to drain a shallow shower trap by sucking the water through.

Alternatively the stone cap may not allow the sound of running water to escape into the environment and the sound waves may reverberate in the pipework more.

If the shower trap is draining because of the new stone then you may need to add an air inlet to one of the vertical downpipes higher in the system. This will ensure air is reintroduced to the system after water has run through it and no pressure drops will be experienced to suck the water from your shower trap which I presume is the lowest and shallowest trap.

The air vents are easy to install and are very cheap, (about £5 from Wickes in UK), just cut a section from the waste pipe and fit the inlet the right way up using compression couplings.

I had a similar problem in my bathroom and this cured it. It is certainly worth trying before you rip out tiles and a shower tray.

Answer 2

If there is no water in the trap, you may have a clogged (or no) vent. The pipe(s) you see prtruding out of the house roof are vent pipes. drainage systems depend on air to work properly. Vents provide this air. If a vent becomes clogged, when water is drained it creates a vacuum and, in it's search for air, will suck water out of the traps in other fixtures. You may want to check the pipes on the roof (if it is safe to do so) to see if there are birdsnests or other materials that may be clogging the pipe. Could be a crack in the trap also, letting the water leak out.

Answer 3

There is probably a shallow 'running trap' a foot or so from the bend, this is where the water seal will be. There will be no room for a standard trap below a shallow shower tray.

Answer 4

yeah probley a leak in u bend cant see anything else could cause this exept evaperation over long period of time if shower wasnt used but this is very unlikly the water in the u bend is just to stop the smells coming up from drains

Answer 5

hi the problem is there is no vent on the outlet pipe (could be covered drain outside) hence the pipe is being syponed out.,
if you look at your toilet pipe it usually has a tee in it then goes up & terminates above the roof or into an air emmitance valve

Answer 6

yes he broke the pipe and its leaking, causing severe structural damage to the concrete floor and footings.In a short time the structure will start sinkinking causing large cracks in floor and walls , the at the ceiling.Eventually , in about a year , the roof will begin to sag , crack and leak. Water damage will then occure within interior walls , and mold and fungus will grow. Its a toss up as to how your family will die. Will it be from inhaling mold spores , or the house collapsing and crushing you all in your sleep. Id get it fixed asap.

Answer 7

Odds are good that the shower and laundry share a common trap that is located abit further downline. If you don't notice sewer odor then you are trapped fine.

Answer 8

Probably yes but it may be a siphon effect but a leak is my bet.

Answer 9

u bend,., if it's water on the floor you have a broken pipe,.right,cause where else would the water appear from,.??
htpp://www.plumbers.com

Answer 10

if the shower does not see regular use, it could just be evaporation.