Quck answer
To find and fix a leaking bathtub drain, follow these steps:
1. Identify the source of the leak by checking for water stains or drips around the drain area.
2. Remove the drain cover and inspect the drainpipe and surrounding areas for any signs of damage or corrosion.
3. Tighten the drain flange using a drain wrench or pliers. If it is already tight, the issue might be with the seal.
4. Replace the drain gasket or seal if it is worn out or damaged. This will create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.
5. Apply plumber’s putty or silicone caulk around the drain flange before reinstalling it to ensure a tight seal.
6. Test the drain by running water and checking for any leaks. If the problem persists, consider calling a professional plumber for further assistance.
If you notice a decrease in water level while taking a bath or water damage and discoloration on the ceiling drywall below the upper-story bathtub, it could be due to a leaking bathtub drain. However, it is essential to eliminate other possibilities before making any repairs, as water damage can be costly if not dealt with promptly.
If the leak is from the tub drain, it is good news as it is easy to repair. However, if the leak is coming from the water supply pipes behind the wall, you may need to seek help from a plumber.
What Could Be Causing the Leak?
If you notice water damage to the ceiling drywall in the room below the bathtub, the leak could come from three potential sources:
- ​The water supply:​ The water pipes that connect to the tub faucet are hidden behind the wall, and if there is no panel to access them, look for signs of water on the floor at the base of the wall.
- ​The tub itself:​ Although rare, the fiberglass or acrylic tub may have a hairline crack. It is more likely that the grout or caulk sealing the tub to the wall has failed.
- ​The drain assembly:​ The tub drain travels through a fitting called the boot, a horizontal length of pipe, and a vertical drop-off that connects to the tub overflow drain. Water then proceeds downward through a P-trap to the waste pipe. The most likely source of a tub leak is the drain flange in the bottom of the tub.
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DonNichols/iStock/GettyImages
Determining the Source of the Leak
If your tub faucet has an access panel, you can check the faucet plumbing using a flashlight. If you see water dripping or spraying, you should call a plumber to fix it. Check for water on the floor around the base of the wall, soggy drywall, or moldy baseboards if there is no access panel. Any of these indicate the need to call a plumber.
If you’re unable to locate the source of a leak in your faucet plumbing, the next step is to check for moisture around the base of the tub. Place paper towels or dry newspaper sheets on the floor around the tub, turn on the faucet or shower, and observe whether they become damp. Look for signs of damaged caulk, grout, or sealant where the tub rim meets the wall, as well as hairline cracks on the sides and bottom of the tub. You can fix damaged caulk and grout on your own, and cracks in acrylic or fiberglass tubs can be repaired using a bathtub repair kit.
Once you’ve ruled out the faucet plumbing and the tub itself as sources of the leak, the only remaining possibility is the drain. The water is most likely seeping through the drain flange, and there is a straightforward method to verify this. Block the drain, fill the tub with a few inches of water, mark the water level with painters’ tape, and let it sit overnight. If the water level has gone down by the next morning, the flange is likely to be the source of the leak. Fixing it is a simple DIY job that should take no more than an hour.
Materials Needed:
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Plumbers’ tape
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Plumbers’ putty or silicone caulk
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Painters’ tape
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Drain key or drain extractor
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Adjustable wrench or joint pliers
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Wire brush
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Putty knife
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Flat-head screwdriver
How to Repair a Leaking Bathtub Drain
A bathtub drain flange, like a shower or sink drain flange, is a metal fitting that seals the drain opening. The bathtub flange is screwed into the drain boot, which is a horizontal pipe with a short elbow on one end that runs up to the tub’s bottom. As with a sink flange, plumbers’ putty is typically used to seal the bathtub flange, but it can begin to leak if the putty wears out, or if your fiberglass or acrylic tub wasn’t properly set on a mortar bed and flexes. Your job is to unscrew the flange, inspect the rubber gasket between the boot and the bottom of the tub for damage, replace it if necessary, reseal the flange with new putty, and tighten it back in place.
Step 1: Remove the Stopper
Depending on the type of stopper, either unscrew it or pull it out. If you have a pop-up stopper controlled by a lever on the front of the tub wall, it’s connected to a rocker arm. To remove it, raise the stopper an inch or two and pull it toward the back of the tub to extract the rocker arm. If your tub appears to hold water without a stopper, there’s a drain plug inside the overflow tube that you don’t have to worry about.
Step 2: Removing the Drain Flange
The process of removing the drain flange depends on whether there is a crosspiece or not. If there is a crosspiece, use a drain key to unscrew the flange. If not, use a drain extractor to wedge against the sides of the flange. Insert the tool into the drain and turn it counterclockwise using an adjustable wrench or joint pliers to remove the flange.
Tip
If you don’t have a drain removal tool, you may use adjustable joint pliers to unscrew the flange. Insert the handles of the pliers through the crossbar and use a wrench to turn the pliers.
Step 3: Cleaning Off the Old Putty
To clean off the old plumbers’ putty from the flange, scrape it off and use a wire brush to remove all of it from the threads. Use a putty knife to scrape putty away from the drain opening in the bathtub. Look for cracks around the drain opening and consult a plumber to determine whether they can be repaired.
Step 4: Removing and Cleaning or Replacing the Drain Gasket
Use a flat-head screwdriver to reach through the hole and remove the rubber gasket or washer on top of the drain boot. Inspect it for damage or cracks and replace it with an identical new gasket from a hardware store if necessary. If the old one is still good, clean off all the old putty and fold it before inserting it back through the drain opening.
Step 5: Preparing the Flange for Reinstallation
Wrap plumbing tape around the threads of the flange and pack the underside with new plumbers’ putty. Roll the putty into a rope and wrap it around the flange, ensuring there are no voids. Some plumbers recommend using silicone caulk instead of putty for better results.
Step 6: Reinstalling the Flange
Insert the threads of the flange through the drain opening and into the boot, and turn it clockwise. Use the same tool used to remove the flange to tighten it down, but be careful not to crack the material. Remove excess putty using a putty knife and a rag.
Step 7: Testing the Flange
Fill the tub with water and mark the level with painters’ tape. Leave the water for an hour or two and check if the level has changed. If it hasn’t, the flange is secure. If it has, tighten the flange a little more and repeat the test.
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Andrei310/iStock/GettyImages
What to Do if Your Bathtub is Still Leaking?
After checking the faucet plumbing, resealing the tub caulk or grout, and sealing the drain flange, if you still find water dripping onto the ceiling drywall in the room below the bathroom, it is likely that there is a leak in the bathtub drainpipe assembly.
If there is an access panel, you might be able to find the leak by looking through it. However, if not, you might need to cut through the ceiling drywall to reach the P-trap and the rest of the drain assembly. Although it is not a complicated job, it could be messy, so it might be better to hire a professional to do it. You do not necessarily need a plumber charging $75 per hour. A handy person can remove the drywall, find the section that is leaking, replace drainpipes and fittings as necessary, and reinstall new drywall for a lot less than a plumber would charge.
If the downstairs drywall is soggy and discolored, you will need to replace it regardless of the situation. Therefore, you can save time by cutting it out and examining the bathtub plumbing from below with a flashlight at the beginning of the diagnostic procedure. Water dripping while the stopper is closed and the tub is full is coming from the drain flange, whereas water that drips only when the tub is draining is coming from some other part of the drain assembly.
FAQ
1. How can I identify a leaking bathtub drain?
A leaking bathtub drain can be identified by several signs. You may notice water stains or discoloration around the drain area, a persistent musty smell, or even water pooling around the bathtub. Another indication is if you hear dripping sounds even when the water is turned off. These signs suggest that there may be a leak in your bathtub drain that needs to be addressed.
2. What are the common causes of a leaking bathtub drain?
There are several common causes of a leaking bathtub drain. One possible cause is a worn-out or faulty drain gasket, which can deteriorate over time and cause water to seep out. Another cause could be loose or damaged drain connections, which can result in leaks. Additionally, cracks or damage to the bathtub itself can lead to leaks around the drain area. It is important to identify the specific cause of the leak to effectively fix it.
3. Can I fix a leaking bathtub drain myself?
Yes, you can fix a leaking bathtub drain yourself in some cases. If the cause of the leak is a loose or damaged drain connection, you may be able to tighten or replace the connections to stop the leak. Similarly, if the drain gasket is worn out, you can remove and replace it with a new one. However, if the leak is due to significant damage or cracks in the bathtub, it may require professional assistance to repair or replace the bathtub.
4. What tools and materials do I need to fix a leaking bathtub drain?
To fix a leaking bathtub drain, you will need a few tools and materials. These may include a wrench or pliers to tighten or loosen connections, a screwdriver to remove drain covers, a new drain gasket, plumber’s tape, and a caulk gun with waterproof caulk. It is important to gather all the necessary tools and materials before starting the repair to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
5. When should I consider calling a professional plumber?
While some leaking bathtub drain issues can be resolved on your own, there are instances where calling a professional plumber is necessary. If you are unable to identify the cause of the leak or if the damage is extensive, it is best to seek professional help. Additionally, if you have attempted DIY repairs but the leak persists or worsens, it is a sign that a professional plumber’s expertise is required. They can accurately diagnose the problem and provide the most suitable solution to fix the leaking bathtub drain.