Comments on: How to Fix a Leaky Shower Drain – Part 1

By: BobJackson

BobJackson — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 15:32:46 +0000

You’re welcome and thanks for writing!

By: Tom Guidera

Tom Guidera — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 14:08:16 +0000

Hello, Bob Jackson,

I want to thank you for this wonderful explanation of the leaking shower drain issues. It was a great help to us in trying to diagnose the problems, and deal authoritatively with a contractor (who had at first glance proposed cutting the shower pan out . . . yikes.)

Keep up the great work.

Best wishes,
Tom

By: Bob Jackson

Bob Jackson — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:42:17 +0000

I’d be pleased to help you. E-mail the pictures of your drain to bob (at) handymanhowto.com – replace (at) with the @ sign. I’ll post them here if we figure out a solution for you.

By: Don

Don — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:20:11 +0000

Hi Bob.
I have a one piece fiberglass shower stall in the master ensuite on the second floor. About 2 1/2 years ago we detected a stain on the popcorn ceiling on the first floor. A plumber was called. He said the ceiling needed to be opened and a new drain installed. As a quick fix alternative, he cleaned out the area around the drain in the shower and filled it in with silicone caulk. That solved the problem for about 1 1/2 years , when the stain reappeared. On that occassion I decided I would repeat what the plumber did. That held for about 1 1/2 years, until this week. The stain is much larger this time. I wouldn’t mind cutting into the ceiling if it weren’t for the fact it is popcorn surface. I found this site and I’m very impressed with the detailed descriptions and outcomes for others who have tried this fix. I decided I would try the repair. I now need help identifying my situation. I cannot find any markings/model numbers. I will be happy to provide photos if you opt to help me out. Thanks.
Don

By: Bob Jackson

Bob Jackson — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:16:04 +0000

Thanks for writing. I’m happy for you.

By: Mike Madd

Mike Madd — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:25:15 +0000

I don’t usually write comments on forums; however, your detailed visual instruction regarding a leaking shower drain repair warrants this comment. Thank you Bob! In this tight economy you have saved my family a costly repair job. GOD BLESS You. Keep up the good work.

By: Bob Jackson

Bob Jackson — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:03:54 +0000

Nice work and excellent photos!

Cutting into the ceiling was the only way to do the job. You could install a plastic access panel and save the bother of finishing the drywall.

By: mike

mike — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:40:50 +0000

Bob you were totally right about the type of drain I have as an Oatey no-caulk type, with a lock-nut securing it to the underside of the shower pan. I finally got around to cutting into the ceiling and identified the leak coming from the point where the lip of the drain body meets the underside of the show pan. It wasn't much, just a small droplet forming and then dripping. You were also right about the lock-nut, it was loose. As soon as I removed it the old drain popped right off the end of the pipe with little effort. I bought a new brass Oatey no-caulk drain, the lock-nut type, No 421503. $20 at Lowes. From the shower stall, I was planning to use 100% silicone to seal around the drain lip where it meets the top side of the shower pan. Then put the drain in from above, pushed onto the top of the pipe, then tighten the lock-nut from below. Should I use plumbers putty to keep the lock-nut secure? The shower pan is 5/8" thick at the point of the drain (not including the lip), with the overall pan thickness of 3/4". It is braced with the floor beams pretty well but I may put an extra cross brace in. Ceiling cut out: Photo of damage to sheetrock: Ceiling cut out showing the faulty drain :- Old drain removed: New shiny oatey brass drain, $20 at Lowes: Thank you so much for the expert help. Mike

By: Bob Jackson

Bob Jackson — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:52:13 +0000

Shower drain strainers are attached with screws or snap-in. The snap-in models should have a small notch to insert a screw driver to pry it off. If this doesn’t solve your problem, please send a photo.

By: Mrazz

Mrazz — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:41:27 +0000

Any suggestions how to effectively break free a metal strainer without busting the fiberglass pan?.