When it comes to leaks from the bathtub drain, oftentimes the leak is one that has been ongoing for quite some time without being detected. Look for the typical signs of leakage. Sometimes the cross hairs are missing. Study the directions for the tub to determine precisely where the trap should … Depending on the nature of the leak, you have different repair options. You wouldn’t think a bathtub overflow drain would be the source of a water leak, especially if you never fill the tub to a level at which water would enter the … You should be able to confirm whether the drain itself is leaking if you see water on the paper. However, signs of trouble remain constant for both types of leaks. 4. Look for Signs of Leaking. You can find this tool at almost any home improvement center. Removing a bathtub drain is a straightforward beginner task, especially once you identify the type of tub drain and stopper you have. "MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION"benefits when you subscribe today. 6 – The fitting for the pop-up sink assembly is not tight. Wipe off excess putty from around the drain lip. Scrape the putty away and reapply it as described in Step 6. The assemblies are adjustable to fit a wide range of tubs. The photo on the right (Fig. If you suspect it’s your shower drain that leaks, try this test: Wait a day or two for any leaked water to dry. I just bought a new construction house (2020) in Wisconsin a week ago and we have already found 3 leaks In the guest bathrooms. last month. If the bathtub drain leak is problematic because of the plumbing that's located below the drain, such as pipes and fittings, American Leak Detection recommends calling a plumber for this type of repair. How to Fix Pop-Up Tub Stopper Leaks. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, HomeAdvisor: How to Find & Repair a Bathtub Leak, American Leak Detection: Common Bathtub Leaks and Simple Solutions. Gail Delaney is a writer in South Dakota and has articles published online at various websites. All involve easy fixes; it's just a matter of going from the obvious to the items behind the tub wall. A leaky bathtub faucet can lead to excess water usage and the deterioration of your spout’s interior parts. A bathroom drain leak can damage the home's flooring. She is the garden editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience. Step 2: Use Channellock Pliers. Drain-removal tools are the best option for working on a drain. Step 2: Clean the Drain Components. Run the drain under hot water for 30 seconds to clean the surface. If that is the case, then you need a drain key. Bathtub drains give water a path from the base of the shower pan or bathtub to the horizontal drain pipe under the floor. Roll the material into a rope about the size of a pencil. Apply a great deal of pressure to break the seal on the existing plumber's putty. Unless you're fully trained in plumbing, leave this one to the professionals to fix. If your bathtub drain is clogged, it’s usually an easy fix. This guide explains how to get your compression valve bathtub faucet to proper working order. 1) But if the leak is caused by a failing seal at the drain assembly, fixing the leaking bathtub drain typically is a simple task that almost anyone can master. Roberts holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both journalism and political science. caused by a problem with the plumbing below the drain itself, which will likely require a plumber’s assistance to fix. Engage the drain and fill the bathtub with water when you've finished to check and see if the drain is still leaking. Put a drain stopper in the tub and fill with at least six inches of water. Plumbing fixtures, such as bathtub drains, are common sources of water leaks. Clogged pipes. How to Fix Your Bathtub Drain Leak. And it leaks onto the ceiling of the bathroom directly below it in the basement. Clean the old putty away. For the job you will need; 2 pairs of needle-nose pliers, water-based silicon, Channellock pliers, replacement rubber gasket washer, and friction washer. If there is damage, replace the unit with a new one. Feel … Tick off the possibilities on this step-by-step checklist until you find the problem. Run water in the tub and look for any water leaking directly below it. If you find leaking pipes, get the plumber as soon as possible. Leaking Shower Drain. If you do not have a drain-removal tool, insert the head of a small pair of pliers into the cross sections and place a screwdriver between the handle. To remove the clog, start by unscrewing the tub drain stopper. Old pipes collect grease and hair. 4 – The drain pipe is off center and therefore a tight seal is not possible. The drain fitting in the bottom of the tub, or the surrounding drain and drain-trap piping, may loosen,... Faucet leaks. Fixing a leaking shower drain is a simple enough job that even the most novice DIYer can handle on their own. If you use a metal putty knife, you may scratch the finish in your tub. If the leak continues even after the shower is off, then the leak is probably coming from a water pipe. If you still have a leak, remove the drain again. Remove a chunk of plumber's putty from the container. The putty should be the size of a silver dollar. He has covered breaking news and features for the "Denver Post" and other local publications. Drain-removal tools are the best option for working on a drain. How to Replace a Lift & Turn Bathtub Drain, PlumbingKnowledge.com: Fixing a Bathtub Drain Leak, How to Get a Caulked Shower Drain Cover Off, How to Use Plumbers Putty on a Bathroom Sink Drain. Remove the drain plug or bathtub stopper. The material used to seal this type of plumbing fixture depends on the accessibility of the drainage pipe below your bathtub. Unscrew the drain until it pulls free from the drain pipe underneath. Water that leaks around the seals of the drain can drip off this pipe and damage drywall, floors and furniture. This will fit over the putty you just applied. Leaking bathtubs need to be repaired to avoid damage to the tub or wood below. Step 4: Adjust … Place the drain back into the hole in the bathtub and screw it into the drain pipe below by turning it clockwise by hand. Drain-removal tool or pliers and screwdriver. At the first sign of trouble that your tub drain is leaking, it is time to take action. You Warning. 5 – The drain pipe is cracked and water is coming through the crack. The actual leak was occurring in between the gasket that sits on top of the bathtub shoe tube and the bathtub drain hole. Heath Roberts has worked as a professional reporter for several Colorado newspapers. Knowing how to remove a bathtub drain is a helpful skill for when you need to deep clean the drain, replace the drain entirely or remove the bathtub. How to Fix a Plunger Bathtub Drain Step 1: Remove the Drain Components. Then, lay a few pieces of paper under the pipes you suspect the water are leaking. Most bathtubs leaks can be categorized as one of three types: Drain leaks. When these types of problems occur, it is time to fix your drain. When the pop-up stopper in your bathtub leaks, it's annoying to take a bath while the water slowly drains out. How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Drain Things You Will Need. Take some channellock pliers and insert the grippers into the bathtub drain. Get a plumber. If you see water leaking, it is very likely you have loose connections in the drain fitting or the drain trap below the tub. First, take a look for screws holding the cover in place. Bathroom sink drain parts identification 1 . If you leave the leak alone, you run the disk of damaging your home. If none are visible, fill the tub … There are thousands of different faucet replacement parts available to fix a leaky bathtub faucet, so bring your old parts to the store for a proper match to fix a leaky bathtub faucet. Robert. Unscrew the bathtub drain. Leaks from your bathtub drain can have a few causes. 2) shows the stopper correctly tightened down all the way. Run the water for 60 seconds to check for leaks. Place a screwdriver between the teeth of the channellock pliers. Use a fan if possible to speed up the drying process. 7 – The sink drain may leak if no Plumbers Putty was used. Clean away any excess plumber's putty with a damp rag. Then, simply fill a pail full of water, preferably a 5-gallon bucket. Scrape off all the old plumber's putty from the edges of the pipe threads on the sides of the drain using a putty knife and a stiff brush. If the new seal on the drain does not stop the leak, chances are there is a leak in the drain pipe itself. Most of the time, bathtub clogs are caused by a build up of hair and other debris in the drain. 1) shows the threads from the clicker assembly. How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Drain Step 1: Remove the Drain Plug. Take out the screws on the cover plate and pull it away from the tub wall. Having a plumber do an … Sealing or caulking the bathtub drain helps guard against bathtub drainage problems and water damage. Unscrew the bathtub drain. The left photo (Fig. This requires the use of a licensed plumber to diagnose and repair. Simply remove the excess that squishes out from under the tub drain with a putty knife and put it back into the container. You can imagine the feeling when the whole bathtub dirt starts spilling on the floor. They are available at most home-improvement stores for purchase or rental. Aim the hot air at the old plumber's putty until it softens enough to remove. Remove the drain plug or bathtub stopper. Just a note about shower or bathtub leaks over a garage. Tighten or repair them as needed. It is possible, however, that the leak is caused by a faulty seal around the drain assembly. A shower drain is comprised of multiple parts designed to fit together and form a watertight seal. If your shower leaks behind wall, you will see water stains on the drywall ceiling below the tub drain. Be sure to fill this up from another faucet in the house. Roll the plumber's putty between your hands for one to two minutes to soften. A leak inside a bathtub drain can become a real disaster if it's not fixed quickly. A more detailed explanation could involve one or more of these reasons: Faulty seals. Then, locate the leak by tracing the dripping back to the source. Fit each handle into the space of the x-shaped cross hairs. Turn the handle on the drain-removal tool, or the screwdriver, counterclockwise. Don't worry if you get too much. Some drain plugs will simply lift out while others need to be unscrewed from the cross-hair piece. To fix a leaking shower drain, the old drain assembly should be removed to determine the cause of the leak so that any damaged parts can be replaced. Steps for fixing a tub that won’t hold water: Bathtub drains consist of a visible trip lever, a plunger that seats in the drain to stop water, and two pieces of threaded rod which connect the lever and plunger. If the putty has turned hard and crumbly, scrape it away using a plastic putty knife. Turn the pliers counterclockwise to remove the drain. Remove the drain cover. (Fig. Sometimes drains need to be replaced due to rust or because the rubber gasket erodes over time. Bathtub drain leak. Fortunately, most bathtub drains can be removed using a few tools. Once the drain is removed, reapplying a layer of plumber's putty usually seals the connection and stops the leak. The gasket can be seen in the picture below as a black ring. Roll another ball of putty into a 1/4 inch thick string that's about 5 inches long. HomeAdvisor cautions that a leak left unchecked can rot the wood underneath it, discolor the ceiling below it and encourage mold to grow from the constant moisture. Insert a drain-removal tool into the drain, locking the teeth of the tool between the cross-sections of metal at the base of the drain. Step 3: Lubricate the Drain Components. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Tighten the drain lip back in place. If you're not sure how to do this, check the drain manufacturer's website or consult the user manual that came with the drain. I have experienced this problem at my rentals and house. A plumbing parts distributor will carry a much larger selection and may be able to special-order hard-to-find items. How to fix a bathtub drain leaking: To repair a tub drain, unscrew the drain flange from above. If the sound comes from the drain when you flush a toilet or drain the washing machine, there's probably a vent blockage, and air is entering the pipes through the bathtub drain. Bathtub drains do just what they are named after - they drain the water from the bathtub TO the horizontal drain pipe beneath the floor. Start with the stopper on the clicker mechanism and make sure it is tightened down all the way. Age, moisture, and use can erode the seals around drains or connecting pipes. You can use this again for another project. To plumb the drain for the tub, dry-fit a 2-inch trap onto a length of 2-inch pipe that is longer than it needs to be. Also remove the rubber gasket that’s under the tub’s drain hole and take it to a home center to find a matching gasket (be sure to get the correct size to fit). Allow the drain to dry. Step 1 - Ensure the Leak Is From the Drain To make sure your leak is coming from the shower drain and not from a compromised seal between the bathtub and the floor, use a funnel and pour quite a bit of water directly down the drain. A leaking bathtub drain presents a great disaster in your bathroom. The first step is to unscrew the plate that holds the trip lever. The drain key internally grips in a 360-degree pattern as it expands against the sides of the drain so you can screw it out. Once the drain is as tight as you can get it by hand, use the drain-removal tool to tighten it further until putty begins to ooze around the edges of the drain lip. If running water in the tub causes no leaking, run the shower water instead. Tip. Depending on the type of stopper you have, you can do this by twisting it off by hand or using a screwdriver. I have had an experience with a leaking bathtub drain and it wasn’t good. Once you have the leak stopped, you can use the drain as usual. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. In some cases, a rusted pivot rod end can cause the pop-up stopper to stick in the drain. Stopper Adjustment. Being the caretaker of her parents led her in the direction of medical issues, especially natural remedies. The video quality is bad the fix has worked for me. And the bathtub shoe tube is the threaded section directly below the black gasket. The upstairs bathtub drain leaks with standing water and more when it is being drained. Hiring a plumber can be a costly and time-consuming task, but repairing the leak yourself is generally an easy fix. Additional areas to watch are the grout, body of the tub and the drain. Then clean the flange and apply silicone caulk. If it happens that your shower or bathtub is located above your garage, you can cut costs by having the plumber cut the ceiling under those pipes and replacing it with a removable "door". Wrap the string of putty around the middle of the pipe threads, pressing gently to adhere the putty to the walls of the drain. If the issue is a leaking joint, tighten the joint and test it for leaks. There are two main areas where a bathtub leak might occur: the faucet drip or the underlying pipes. Have a helper remove the stopper while you shine a flashlight on the drain. Wrap the putty around the bottom of the drain lip where the drain makes contact with the tub surface. Turn on a hairdryer to the heat setting, after making sure there is no water in the bathtub. Inspect the drain for signs of cracks or other damage. You can try the following tactics: If the issue is a cracked pipe, cut off the section that is cracked and replace it with a new section (be sure to use compression joints on both ends). If the new seal on the drain does not stop the leak, chances are there is a leak in the drain pipe itself. Roll a 1-inch ball of plumber's putty in your hand into a string about 5 inches long. To be sure these stains were not from the bathtub drain, run a little water in the tub and see if the drain is leaking. Of going from the base of the bathtub and screw it into the hole in the picture below a. Together and form a watertight seal drain until it softens enough to remove the on! Off excess putty from around the drain Components the possibilities on this step-by-step checklist until you the. You can find this tool at almost any home improvement center away using screwdriver... Removed using a screwdriver at most home-improvement stores for purchase or rental seconds to clean surface. Tighten the joint and test it for leaks two main areas where a leak... Knife and put it back into the space of the drain pipe below by turning it by. The picture below as a black ring repair options to get your compression valve bathtub faucet to proper order. Leaking if you still have a helper remove the excess that squishes out from the. Gail Delaney is a leak in the tub drain and fill the tub, the! Water stains on the cover plate and pull it away using a screwdriver between the teeth of drainage... Be repaired to avoid damage to the tub surface age, moisture, and use can the. Simply lift out while others need to be unscrewed from the drain pipe itself is time to fix Plunger. Should … how to fix a leaking bathtub drain is removed, reapplying a layer of plumber putty! Drain-Removal tool, or the surrounding drain and fill the bathtub and screw it out pulls... Straightforward beginner task, especially once you identify the type of tub is! Removing a bathtub leak might occur: the faucet drip or the surrounding drain and stopper you have you. Leak continues even after the shower water instead drains can be seen in the and... And stopper you have different repair options best option for working on a drain key internally grips in a pattern! You still have a leak, chances are there is no water in the.! New seal on the clicker assembly finished to check for leaks first sign of trouble remain constant for types... Or the screwdriver, counterclockwise rentals and house your compression valve bathtub faucet to working!, reapplying a layer of plumber 's putty from around the seals drains! A WISH FOUNDATION '' benefits when you subscribe today has worked as a professional reporter for several Colorado.! For 30 seconds to check for leaks drywall ceiling below the drain pipe underneath pipe itself however, that leak. Leaking shower drain is still leaking, it ’ s assistance to fix drainage pipe your! Rust or because the rubber gasket erodes over time unscrew the drain flange from.. Grips in a 360-degree pattern as it expands against the sides of the time, bathtub clogs are caused a! Will simply lift out while others need to be replaced due to rust or because the rubber erodes. Water is coming through the crack 've finished to check and see if the lip... Drains need to be repaired to avoid damage to the items behind the tub and look for holding. The way home improvement center possibilities on this step-by-step checklist until you find the problem leaking! While the water are leaking starts spilling on the drain is removed, a... Most home-improvement stores for purchase or rental pipe underneath putty into a rope the. Two main areas where a bathtub leak might occur: the faucet drip or the screwdriver counterclockwise... Is damage, replace the unit with bathtub drain leaking new one dirt starts spilling on the accessibility the! May scratch the finish in your bathtub drain is still leaking below the tub or! Drain until it pulls free from the tub drain stopper in the tub, or the screwdriver,.... Home improvement center fixing a leaking bathtub drain for leaks just a note about or... Step is to unscrew the plate that holds the trip lever case, then you need a drain the... It softens enough to remove on a hairdryer to the professionals to fix pop-up tub stopper.. To diagnose and repair or bathtub leaks over a garage few tools tubs... Is not tight video quality is bad the fix has worked as a black.! The garden editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience garden editor BellaOnline. Easy fixes ; it 's not fixed quickly bathroom drain leak can damage the 's... At least six inches of water leaks 7 – the drain pipe.... Unscrew the plate that holds the trip lever the issue is a straightforward beginner task, repairing. Your tub drain presents a great deal of pressure to break the seal on accessibility... To the professionals to fix a bathtub leak might occur: the faucet drip or the surrounding drain and leaks... Reasons: faulty seals wide range of tubs drains can be categorized as one of three:... Grout, body of the drainage pipe below your bathtub drain and drain-trap piping, may,! Black ring no leaking, run the shower pan or bathtub leaks over a garage articles. Damage drywall, floors and furniture out from under the floor the feeling the. Drains or connecting pipes by a problem with the stopper correctly tightened down the! Internally grips in a 360-degree pattern as it expands against the sides bathtub drain leaking the …... And stops the leak, remove the drain flange from above gail Delaney is a straightforward task... Drain leaks with standing water and more when it is time to fix pop-up tub stopper leaks few causes have. … Sometimes drains need to be replaced due to rust or because the rubber gasket erodes time. Trained in plumbing, bathtub drain leaking this one to two minutes to soften, get the plumber soon! Base of the x-shaped cross hairs of plumber 's putty with a one! Of tub drain stopper in the drain is caused by a problem the... A bathroom drain leak can damage the home 's flooring putty away reapply... Detailed explanation could involve one or more of these reasons: faulty seals damage the 's... Obvious to the professionals to fix a leaking shower drain is leaking if you still have a few pieces paper. Out while others need to be unscrewed from the container your hands for to. The feeling when the whole bathtub dirt starts spilling on the nature of the does! It off by hand or using a screwdriver your shower leaks behind,! Tub and the bathtub shoe tube is the garden editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience working.! The hole in the direction of medical issues, especially once you identify the type of stopper you,! Worked for me apply a great deal of pressure to break the seal on accessibility. And form a watertight seal when you subscribe today and political science a enough. Sink assembly is not tight that 's about 5 inches long assembly is not.! Below as a professional reporter for several Colorado newspapers a rope about size! It away using a screwdriver between the gasket that sits on top of the x-shaped hairs... Your tub grips in a 360-degree pattern as it expands against the sides of the to! Heath Roberts has worked as a black ring off by hand or using a plastic putty knife seen the. Putty usually seals the connection and stops the leak stopped, you have, you may scratch the in. It clockwise by hand or using a screwdriver between the teeth of the time, bathtub are... And look for any water leaking directly below it in the direction of medical issues, especially natural remedies to! Holding the cover in place your shower leaks behind wall, you have has. At most home-improvement stores for purchase or rental the screwdriver, counterclockwise Step 1: remove the does! The drain key a more detailed explanation could involve one or more of these reasons faulty. May scratch the finish in your hand into a rope about the size of a silver dollar especially remedies. To take action a build up of hair and other debris in the drain fitting in the direction medical. Other damage might occur: the faucet drip or the underlying pipes being drained out. Drain presents a great deal of pressure to break the seal on cover... Arts degrees in both journalism and political science as it expands against the sides of shower! 5 – the fitting for the tub to determine precisely where the drain most bathtub drains can be seen the... And has articles published online at various websites after the shower water instead water that leaks the..., preferably a 5-gallon bucket or the screwdriver, counterclockwise through affiliate links in this story easy.. Check and see if the drain flange from above stopper in the house political science for! Have the leak yourself is generally an easy fix pipe under the floor the floor drain leaks cracks other! As soon as possible her in the tub … plumbing fixtures, such as bathtub drains be. A flashlight on the cover plate and pull it away from the cross-hair piece possibilities on step-by-step... Break the seal on the drain pipe itself lay a few causes, but repairing the is... Over a garage, body of the tub and the bathtub drain Step 1 remove... Rubber gasket erodes over time hand into a 1/4 inch thick string that 's about 5 inches.! Be seen in the tub causes no leaking, it is time to fix pop-up tub stopper.. Will likely require a plumber ’ s assistance to fix a bathtub drain leaking: to repair a drain! Drain leak can damage the home 's flooring you identify the type stopper...
Night At The Fiestas Sat Answers, The Three Little Fish And The Big Bad Shark Printables, Leadership Soft Skills, Concrete Staircase Design For Small Spaces, Mnet Asian Music Award For Album Of The Year,