Tub still not fixed .. help again... 2 stubborn to hire plumber! lol?

Question

Just asked question about tub, more details in that question.

I did get some good replys. I went back upstairs and looked around a bit more. Realized that I highly doubt it is from the overflow considering it leaked more when my daughter drained it.. we are not talking buckets, but when water is dripping through your ceiling onto your favorite chair, it seems like buckets.lol

Probably 1/2 cup at most came through the ceiling.

As I said I could not see anything from the access panel, so it has to be the drain. That subfloor is lower there so it would make sense that I could not see the water.

I have a commercial tub and shower enclosure, I believe the grate instead of actual tub plug makes it commercial. Anyways, when I remove the grate there is no screw just a metal cross, so nothing to tighten. Unless a screw fell out.

2 get to those pipes as I am sure it is simple to remedy, can I cut through the side of the fiberglass tub surround instead of going in the ceiling

Answer 1

run water into the tub with the drain closed. Have someone drain the water while you look, feel around in the access hole. First thing you need to know is where the water is coming from. There are compression fittings on the waste and overflow, and very possibly on the p-trap. If you have galvinized drains, one could be rusted through. To get the drain out to re-putty it. use a pair of channel locks or pliers. Put the handles into the hole one handle on each side of that bar. Then insert a screwdriver in between the handles as a lever and turn. use plumbers putty, not caulk.

I've never heard of a commercial tub and shower enclosure. If its leaking from the tub, by feeling around in the access hole you should be able to find it, use a flashlight and a mirror if necessary. Find out exactly where it is leaking from, we'll take it from there.

Answer 2

Sounds like the tub is flexing when full of water. A fiberglass tub should have either a mortar bed under it or expanding spray foam. The only place that the tub is caulked is around the perimeter. If water was leaking through there, the walls and floor would be soaked.

You problem is probably where the drain meets the tub (the silver flange). Loosen the big nut under the tub and put more plumber's putty under the flange, then re-tighten. There should also be a rubber gasket on the bottom side of the tub, between the nut and the tub. If it's leaking there, you should be able to feel water on the drain pipe.

If you're getting a cup of water in the living room, you're getting a gallon up in the ceiling. Not every drop that leaks out makes it to the floor below.

BTW, if the water leaks when the tub is full, it's not the drain pipes, themselves. They only leak when you empty the tub. If it leaks after the tub has been emptied, it's the drain pipes.

Answer 3

You said you looked in the access panel. Did you use some tissue paper, and wipe all the joints? This is a sure way to eliminate the drain as a suspect. I would suspect the overflow gasket. It wouldn't leak all the time, but when the tub is full, water can leak by, follow the pipes down, and drip on the ceiling. By all means, DO NOT CUT THE TUB! The Sheetrock is the easiest to repair, but try and find the source of water, before resorting to Sheetrock removal. Why are you hesitant to call a plumber? If you equip him with all the information you have provided here, he can look at other areas, you might have overlooked. Good luck!

Answer 4

You can purchase or rent a drain wrench from Home Depot. Take the drain out, replace the "plumber's putty" between the metal drain lip and the tub.

If no luck:

DO NOT cut into the fiberglass tub surround. Cut a hole in the ceiling or sheetrock wall to gain access. You will probably need to replace a pipe joint that has broken.

Answer 5

I may be late to this party but I'll add my 2 cents. I had a similar problem and the problem turned out to be the spigot. It was made out of pot metal and had corroded and was leaking and filling up the spigot and feeding back into the hole in the wall where the pipe came through. It then dripped onto my 1st floor ceiling and ruined the drywall. It took me forever to find it because it didn't do it all the time. Hope that may help or at least give you something else ot look at.

Answer 6

No, a 1000X's no, do not cut the tub, it will ruin the tub (weaken the side wall). I didn't see the original question or answers so don't know the entire story, would like to help but need more info, message me if you want to.

Answer 7

it certainly relies upon on what's incorrect with the tub. Any variety of plumbing restore isn't a 10 minute restore, he might might desire to income get right of entry to to the pies or drain capture if clogged. in case you go with, purely peek in on him and ask if he got here across the priority and an estimate of how lots longer he feels that he needs to make the upkeep. honest question.. sturdy luck

Answer 8

remove the drain...re-caulk it...or replace it and make sure you caulk the new one...hope i helped