Fix Leaky Shower Drain

Access the upstairs drain by cutting through the ceiling below.

Problem: The shower drain in the upstairs bathroom has become loose. Water is going around the edge of the drain and is dripping onto the downstairs ceiling.

Solution: You can cut a hole in the ceiling downstairs to access the drain for repairs.

Equipment list:

measuring tape
hammer
carpenter's square
slip-joint pliers
drywall saw
screwdriver
putty knife
caulk gun
silicone caulk
plumber's putty
drill, with Phillips driver bit
safety glasses

1. Mark the ceiling for a 12" to 18" square hole around damaged area.
2. Use a drywall saw to cut out the opening.

   * Be sure to put down a drop cloth to minimize the mess.
   
   

3. Remove the locking nut and gasket from the shower drain.
4. Go upstairs and remove the notched packing nut from the drain. Use the screwdriver to loosen the nut. You may need to tap it once or twice with the hammer.
5. Pull out the drain collar.
6. Use the putty knife to clean the bottom of the collar and the surface of the shower drain.

   * If both surfaces are not clean, the plumber's putty will not adhere properly.
   
   

   * Be careful not to scratch the shower base.
   
   

7. Place a 3/8"-thick roll of plumber's putty all the way around the bottom of the drain collar.
8. Press the drain collar firmly into place until putty begins squeezing out from underneath.
9. Tighten the locking nut from underneath the shower.
10. Clean up the putty and screw the packing nut back into place. Apply silicone caulk to prevent the packing nut from coming loose.
11. Use standard drywall repair techniques to fix the hole in the ceiling.

Guests
Jason Qualls
Plumbing Consultant, American Plumbing
4014 Seahorn Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37914
Phone: 865-471-6833

Rick Sands
Plumbing Consultant, American Plumbing
4014 Seahorn Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37914
Phone: 865-471-6833