Are you looking for an easy and quick way to fix a leaking shower drain without having to take out the pan? Indeed, this article contains the simplest instructions for doing this DIY project! By following the steps below, you will be able to easily fix your leaky shower drain.
Table of Contents
You can fix a leaking shower drain by following these steps instead of removing the pan:
- Firstly, the drain cover must be removed before you can fix a leaky shower drain
- Secondly, the compression gasket should be discarded
- Thirdly, the body of the shower drain should be removed
- Then, by wiping the drain rim with a damp cloth, ensure that it is clean
- Gaskets should be replaced with new ones
- Make sure the new drain body is sealed with putty after it is installed
- Finally, any excess putty should be removed around the drain
The good news is that you can fix a leaking shower drain by yourself without spending a lot of money or time on it. Moreover, take a look at what’s coming up next if it’s your first time completing this task.
This section will elaborate on the steps already listed. In addition, with their help, you won’t need to call a professional to fix your leaking shower drain!
How to fix a leaking shower drain without removing the pan
It has been noticed that there is a yellow stain or mold on the ceiling. What is its location? It’s right under the shower unit upstairs. There’s only one possible explanation. Indeed, a leaking shower drain is the cause of this problem.
That’s what you’re thinking, now isn’t it? Moreover, you get a bad feeling in your stomach every time the word “leak” is mentioned at home. Can you tell me how much it will cost this time?
Fortunately, there is good news as well. In order to fix a leaking shower drain, you will not have to spend a lot of money. However, leaky shower drain can be fixed without removing the shower pan. There’s no need to rip up the tiles and no need to redecorate.
To fix leaking shower drain, follow these steps. The following are all the tools you’ll need to get started:
- A #2 Phillips screwdriver
- A flathead screwdriver
- A hacksaw
- Groove pliers
- A rag
- Your local hardware store can help you find the right size gasket
- A cleaning brush
- Plumber’s putty
1. The drain cover needs to be removed
As the first step in the process, it is necessary to remove the metal drain cover from the drain first. However, you may be able to flip the cover off of some drains with a flathead screwdriver, depending on the type of drain. In addition, the lid may need to be removed by removing the screws in some cases. Moreover, the screws should be kept in a safe place so they can be replaced later if necessary.
2. Compression gasket should be discarded
The compression gasket should be removed and discarded using the pliers. However, using the pliers, clip one side at a time on each gasket. In order to loosen it, turn it counterclockwise once it has come loose. In addition, pull the gasket out of the drain by pinching one side with the pliers.
Moreover, the large compression nut should be removed with the pliers by unthreading it and removing it from the drain.
3. Drain the shower by removing the drain body
Here’s where the fun begins. Make two vertical cuts through the drain’s body approximately one inch apart with the hacksaw. Once the drain flange has been cut through, use the hacksaw.
Be careful not to cut into the shower pad when cutting the drain flange! It is also important that you make sure that the blade does not go through the riser on the pipe!
Using the flat-head screwdriver, remove the one-inch piece from the drain. The rest of the drain body can then be squeezed and teased out.
The outside of the shower drain body should not be covered with plumber’s putty. The putty can be removed with the help of a flathead screwdriver or even with your hands if you prefer.
4. Make sure the drain rim is clean
The pan rim will be exposed once the shower drain body has been removed. No matter how clean your shower is, the rim will still be filthy. Before continuing, make sure the rim is thoroughly cleaned. Rims can be cleaned with a rag.
A cleaning brush can be used to clean the opening of the drain. However, a new gasket can then be installed without any obstructions caused by debris.
5. The new gasket should be installed
You’re halfway there, so celebrate! Installation is now the easy part.
Once the new gasket has been inserted into the opening, the old gasket should be removed. Additionally, it should be positioned on the rim of the drain body, in the center. To seal the Stainer body, apply plumber’s putty with your fingers. Moreover, ensure that the rim of the strainer is completely covered with putty.
6. Make sure the new shower drain body is screwed in and sealed with putty
The new shower drain body should be screwed into the opening. In addition, once the new shower drain body has been tightened, turn it clockwise until it is secure.
7. Excess Putty Should Be Removed From Around the Drain
If there is any excess putty on the drain, wipe it off with a putty knife. However, with a rag, you can clean up the mess easily. Overnight drying is recommended before using the shower unit.
The drain cover should be returned to the drain on the following day.
After a long day at work, take a break and enjoy a night on the sofa with your favorite movie. Moreover, knowing your ceiling won’t leak every time you shower will give you peace of mind. A big hurrah!
Leaky Shower Drains: What Causes Them?
Bathroom problems can be caused by a leaky shower drain. As a result, other areas of the house are also opened up for trouble. It is possible for a leaky shower drain to:
- Insulate the ceiling and dampen it
- Beams in the ceiling rot
- Ceilings become discolored
- Cause respiratory problems and allergies by becoming a breeding ground for mold
Unattended problems, as they grow more complicated, will be more difficult to solve the longer they remain unaddressed. Eventually, this can result in more expensive and larger repairs having to be made. The first cause of a leaking shower drain is what?
Here are some causes of leaky shower drains. In addition, you will find some fixes below that can help you solve the problem.
Fixing Leaking Shower Drain:
| Identifying the Problem | Solving the Problem |
| Traps that leak However, there are traps at the bottom of all sinks and showers. Over time, these traps may leak. It is even possible for the trap itself to leak if there is a small crack. | Firstly, put your hands on the slip nut and tighten it. However, once you’ve tightened it up, use a pair of small pliers to give it an extra tighten. Additionally, remove the trap if you cannot tighten the slip nut. Moreover, if the rubber washers have become hard or deteriorated, replace them. Pipes that have rusted should be replaced. |
| Strainers that are loose Over time, drain strainers can become loose. However, when they are not connected to the drain properly, a shower leak drain may occur. | It is important to check the drain connections on a regular basis. If they are loose, make sure they are tightened up as soon as possible. The strainers should be replaced if they are cracked. |
| Connections that are rusted Water supply connections can be loose or rusted, causing leaks. Wear and tear or bad installation could be the cause. | It is important to check the water supply connections on a regular basis. However, in case they are loose, make sure that they are tightened up. Even when tightened, some connections will leak. The connections have developed pinhole leaks due to pinhole leaks. As the system ages, pinhole leaks may develop. If this is the case, the connections need to be replaced. Finally, the connections should be replaced if they are rusted. |
Fixing a Leaky Shower Drain Requires Caution:
The drain isn’t the only area of the shower where leaks can occur. However, leaks may also occur in the following areas:
- Solder connections on shower valves
- In the faucets
- Around the inlet holes, there are gaskets and springs
- Valve cartridges or ball valves
If this happens, you might wonder how to fix the leak in these parts. Indeed, these problems can be fixed quickly by using some of the quick fixes mentioned.
| Identifying the Problem | Fixing the Problem |
| Shower valve solder connections | – Make sure they are tight – Repair old and rusted connections that may have developed pinhole leaks |
| Leaky Faucets | – The faucet’s rubber gasket needs to be replaced – Change the faucet washers |
| The gaskets and springs around the inlet holes should be replaced | – The gaskets and springs should be replaced – Inspect the valve for worn washers and replace them |
| Ball valves or cartridge valves | – Check the ball valve or cartridge valve. Moreover, replacing a cracked one is a good idea. |
Summary
Indeed, leaking shower drains are the worst. However, only thinking about the cost of a professional repair is worse than the initial discovery. Moreover, the purpose of this article is to guide you through the steps to fix your leaking shower drain. Hope the pan has not had to be removed in order to fix yours.
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Wishing you a wonderful day!
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