Random shower leaking
#1
11-07-14, 08:21 AM
Random shower leaking
Our shower is leaking at random. We found out because the water saturated the ceiling in our living room below and started to drip. We cut a hole in the ceiling to locate the source of the drip and it's not coming from the exposed piping but rather from behind the greenboard.
We obviously want to fix this but the problem is, it will not leak on a consistent basis. It can leak 2 showers in a row and then again for weeks.
Any suggestions on what could be causing it to act so random?
We obviously want to fix this but the problem is, it will not leak on a consistent basis. It can leak 2 showers in a row and then again for weeks.
Any suggestions on what could be causing it to act so random?
#2
11-07-14, 08:45 AM
Group Moderator
You just have to do the investigative work until you find the source. It could be the drain piping under the shower, the water supply piping in the wall, the faucet, riser to the shower head and then there are all the possible seams and cracks in the shower enclosure itself.
#3
11-07-14, 02:05 PM
Member
What type of shower is it- fiberglass unit, base with tiled walls, Tub with tile walls or a full tiled floor and walls? What type of door or curtain are you using? What type of diverter - multi handled, single handled? We need some more specifics.
You can also provide us some pictures which will answer a lot of the petty questions we will have as we pin point the leak. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html
You can also provide us some pictures which will answer a lot of the petty questions we will have as we pin point the leak. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html
#4
11-07-14, 02:20 PM
It sounds like the plate behind the mixing valve may need to be caulked. If it were from the shower body itself, I would think that it would leak all the time.
#5
12-10-14, 11:38 AM
Hello again. I'm back to the shower conundrum again. So I have taken a picture and 1 minute video. Hopefully this will give you, the more experienced readers a little more information and some ideas on where I should begin in tracing the leak.
FWIW, the damn thing hasn't leaked in weeks now. Is it possible that there is a piping leak and that maybe some sediment clogs up the "hole" and then eventually unclogs and that's why the leaking is so erratic and not consistent?
I was thinking of taking off the "tap" and the plate behind it and having a look at the diverter but I'll be honest, I don't even know how to take that knob off (so ashamed). There are screws on the plate but I can't get at them because of the tap knob. Does it just pop off with force?
VIDEO:
http://vid1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/grtfled/IMG_0786_zpswp5hycsk.mp4 IMAGE:
FWIW, the damn thing hasn't leaked in weeks now. Is it possible that there is a piping leak and that maybe some sediment clogs up the "hole" and then eventually unclogs and that's why the leaking is so erratic and not consistent?
I was thinking of taking off the "tap" and the plate behind it and having a look at the diverter but I'll be honest, I don't even know how to take that knob off (so ashamed). There are screws on the plate but I can't get at them because of the tap knob. Does it just pop off with force?
VIDEO:
http://vid1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/grtfled/IMG_0786_zpswp5hycsk.mp4 IMAGE:
#6
12-10-14, 03:52 PM
Member
Remove the overflow cover and check for a gasket between the overflow pipe and the tub.
To remove the shower handle, pry the front teardrop cover from the extreme front of the handle. It will expose a screw that holds the handle on. Once removed, you can take the two screws holding the faceplate on to see the diverter valve. Also, see if water is getting behind the diverter trim plate at the grout line directly to the right of the handle.
How well does the shower curtain seal against the wall when in use. The oval shape may be leaving gaps large enough for splash to get past the curtain. Place a towel on the floor at the front of the outside of the tub and see if it gets wet during a normal shower.
Lastly, inspect your drain to see that it looks in good order, I can not see it in the picture or video provided.
To remove the shower handle, pry the front teardrop cover from the extreme front of the handle. It will expose a screw that holds the handle on. Once removed, you can take the two screws holding the faceplate on to see the diverter valve. Also, see if water is getting behind the diverter trim plate at the grout line directly to the right of the handle.
How well does the shower curtain seal against the wall when in use. The oval shape may be leaving gaps large enough for splash to get past the curtain. Place a towel on the floor at the front of the outside of the tub and see if it gets wet during a normal shower.
Lastly, inspect your drain to see that it looks in good order, I can not see it in the picture or video provided.
#7
12-10-14, 10:39 PM
Some wonderful tips and suggestions there czizzi, I appreciate it greatly!
Shower curtain does a good job, never seen any water on the floor after a shower. I will be going through your suggestions and report back. Thank you!
Shower curtain does a good job, never seen any water on the floor after a shower. I will be going through your suggestions and report back. Thank you!
