jacuzzi tub drain leaks
#1
10-03-02, 11:14 AM
jacuzzi tub drain leaks
I recently installed a new jacuzzi bathtub in my bathroom and I am having a recurring problem with a slow leak from the drain. The leak is coming from the 90 degree waste elbow directly under the tub drain (the part that the brass waste flange screws down into from the tub). The leak is seemingly coming from a seam in the waste elbow, which is ABS. I replaced the original elbow, thinking that I had cracked it during a somewhat rough installation. However, the new elbow also leaks from the same exact spot on the seam. It only leaks when the tub is full, not when the drain is open. I am certain that the leak is not coming from the seal between the gasket and the tub bottom. The leak is very slow (maybe one drop every 60 - 90 seconds), but I have an old tin ceiling below that I don't want to damage.
Is it possible that I am overtightening the drain flange? I tightened only until it was snug and could not be comfortably turned anymore. I am using thread tape on the male flange threads and plumber's putty under the lip of the flange...could that have anything to do with it? I have my third elbow on order and am tired of trying to make the drain on my $2,000.00 tub leak-proof with a $2.00 part. Any advice would be appreciated.
Is it possible that I am overtightening the drain flange? I tightened only until it was snug and could not be comfortably turned anymore. I am using thread tape on the male flange threads and plumber's putty under the lip of the flange...could that have anything to do with it? I have my third elbow on order and am tired of trying to make the drain on my $2,000.00 tub leak-proof with a $2.00 part. Any advice would be appreciated.
#2
10-03-02, 12:24 PM
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jacuzzi tub drain leaks
BPowell,
What you describe appears to be a fitting not tight enough.
What are you using to tigthen the brass basket strainer?
Are you using a basin wrench to securely tighten it?
Are you sure that you have installed the drain to the tub properly?
(Verify your installation is correct)
Have you done the paper towel and flashlight trick?
Fill the tub up
First check high first, starting at the base of the tub then continue down - I'm sure that if there is a leak, that it may be from a fitting not tight enough.
**Rarely have I ever seen an elbow crack or be faulty. When you have leak at the same spot, 2 replacements later, there is another issue at hand and usually it is a simple fix**
Ensure that your slip joint nuts and washers are all ok, check for any wetness.
If in doubt on any of this, call a plumber to check it out - doesn't do much good sitting idle if you can't use it.
Let us know, good luck!
What you describe appears to be a fitting not tight enough.
What are you using to tigthen the brass basket strainer?
Are you using a basin wrench to securely tighten it?
Are you sure that you have installed the drain to the tub properly?
(Verify your installation is correct)
Have you done the paper towel and flashlight trick?
Fill the tub up
First check high first, starting at the base of the tub then continue down - I'm sure that if there is a leak, that it may be from a fitting not tight enough.
**Rarely have I ever seen an elbow crack or be faulty. When you have leak at the same spot, 2 replacements later, there is another issue at hand and usually it is a simple fix**
Ensure that your slip joint nuts and washers are all ok, check for any wetness.
If in doubt on any of this, call a plumber to check it out - doesn't do much good sitting idle if you can't use it.
Let us know, good luck!
#3
10-04-02, 06:29 AM
Thanks for your response. Actually, I initially assumed the leak was due to not tightening the drain enough. However, I have used the paper towel and flashlight trick (numerous times) on the drain and that is how I know the leak is coming from the elbow itself and not the seal around the tub. I can hold my finger on the seam and feel where the water is coming out.
I was wondering whether the plumber's putty or thread tape would have adverse effects on the ABS plastic elbow.
I was wondering whether the plumber's putty or thread tape would have adverse effects on the ABS plastic elbow.
#4
10-04-02, 09:54 AM
My experience with both PVC and ABS threaded fitting is that it's an ABSOLUTE MUST that the threaded areas must be CLEAN and FREE of any debris.
If you checked out tightness of joints per Doug's advice and indeed they're tight, I suspect that there's a tiny debris in the threaded connection that causes a small leak. As long as it stays in there, you'll never fix the problem.
Do you have an access to the bottom of the tub?? If so, I strongly advise to detach the drain fitting from the elbow, clean them up thoroughly(old toothbrush will do the trick), teflon tape and re-attach.
If not so, you don't have too many options.
If you wanna avoid taking the tub out at any cost, there's one little trick that I actually used and got successful(thank God).
It's very unorthodox; but at that time, I wanted to try everything else other than taking out the tub that I just finish installing.
Unscrew the drain cap and apply ABS cement around the connection between drain fitting and elbow.
Use a very thin coat so that it doesn't all run down and form a puddle somewhere.
Let it dry and apply another coat.
Repeat few more times.
Since drain isn't always pressurized, this might just do the magic.
If you checked out tightness of joints per Doug's advice and indeed they're tight, I suspect that there's a tiny debris in the threaded connection that causes a small leak. As long as it stays in there, you'll never fix the problem.
Do you have an access to the bottom of the tub?? If so, I strongly advise to detach the drain fitting from the elbow, clean them up thoroughly(old toothbrush will do the trick), teflon tape and re-attach.
If not so, you don't have too many options.
If you wanna avoid taking the tub out at any cost, there's one little trick that I actually used and got successful(thank God).
It's very unorthodox; but at that time, I wanted to try everything else other than taking out the tub that I just finish installing.
Unscrew the drain cap and apply ABS cement around the connection between drain fitting and elbow.
Use a very thin coat so that it doesn't all run down and form a puddle somewhere.
Let it dry and apply another coat.
Repeat few more times.
Since drain isn't always pressurized, this might just do the magic.
#5
10-04-02, 10:02 AM
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BPowell,
Questions -
Why are we using ABS (black pipe)?
Some information that I should have brought up earlier;
"It turns out that ABS is not stronger than PVC. It's not solid plastic -- it has a thin foam core (thus lending some flexibility). It won't hold up to the same load that an equivalent length and thickness of PVC can tolerate. It is not widely used in residential applications, however, because it offers few advantages over PVC."
I am used to using PVC and know that I never have leaks. You mentioned that you feel the leak but can you see it, have you used a mirror to check it out?
Plumbers putty and teflon tape would have no adverse effect on abs or pvc but the walls of ABS are not as strong and this can flex, possible leak could be created.
I'd use PVC fittings.
Let me know, maybe others have some ideas as well!
Questions -
Why are we using ABS (black pipe)?
Some information that I should have brought up earlier;
"It turns out that ABS is not stronger than PVC. It's not solid plastic -- it has a thin foam core (thus lending some flexibility). It won't hold up to the same load that an equivalent length and thickness of PVC can tolerate. It is not widely used in residential applications, however, because it offers few advantages over PVC."
I am used to using PVC and know that I never have leaks. You mentioned that you feel the leak but can you see it, have you used a mirror to check it out?
Plumbers putty and teflon tape would have no adverse effect on abs or pvc but the walls of ABS are not as strong and this can flex, possible leak could be created.
I'd use PVC fittings.
Let me know, maybe others have some ideas as well!
#6
10-09-02, 08:06 AM
Actually, I did not choose to use ABS (I would have chosen PVC...Home Depot and other supply shops don't even carry ABS). Jacuzzi's drain kit comes with ABS parts for some reason. I think I'm going to take your advise and have my plumber install the drain elbow/flange. Thanks for the advice.
