 
Over 698,000 strictly plumbing related posts
Plumbing education, information, advice, help and suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers who wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been the best online (strictly) PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't tract you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by: 
|
|
Author:
dvitale71 (PA)
Hi all,
I noticed a fast drip coming from the ceiling of my basement (not finished). I searched google and tried some basic troubleshooting but wanted to post my issue here in hopes of your support.
I was able to identify that the leak is coming somewhere from the hot water supply line as it shoots up to my second floor bathroom.
I ruled out the bathtub drain and replaced that today.
I also cleaned around tub and placed new caulk around the tub area
I'm unable to see the pvc pipe up to the bathroom as it's hidden behind drywall but what I can say is that the pipe only leaks when the tub faucet or shower head is running. There is no water damage anywhere that I can see as I checked drywall areas for softness. So it appears that it's a drip that runs straight down the pipe line to the basement.
For now, I've shut the water off to that bathroom until I can figure this out. My best guess is that it has to be a fixture of some sort. I'm no plumber but my educated guess is that when the water supply is active (faucet off), I assume I would see some sort of leak if there's a pipe crack. Again, if the water supply is active (faucet on), then I see the leak.
My next step is take apart the single level faucet from the tub. Is that correct? Is there anything else I should try before I need to call out a plumber? Obviously, I'm trying to save money and hoping not to tear up my walls to find the issue.
Any help is appreciated!
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
packy (MA)
you need to determine if it leaks when the shower is active, the tub fill is active or leaks when either is active.
first scenario involves a leak going up to the shower arm or the arm itself.
second involves a leak going to the spout.
scenario 3 involves both of those pipes being fine but the leak is at the packing around the stem or cartridge.
so, remove the handle and trim around the valve , put on your sherlock holmes hat , get a good flashlight and start investigating..
one test for the piping above the shower valve is to remove the shower head and cap the shower arm. turn the water on and if there is a leak above, you will know it..
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
srloren (CA)
divitale, take Packy's advice and you should be good to go.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
Paul48 (CT)
What is on the opposite side of the shower wall? Would it be possible to put a pop-in access panel there?
|
|
Post Reply
|
Please note:
- Inappropriate messages or blatant advertising will be deleted. We cannot be held responsible for bad or inadequate advice.
- Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages posted here. Please follow external links with caution.
- Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing related advice and NOT to ask about pricing/costs, nor where to find a product (try Google), nor how to operate or promote a business, nor for ethics (law) and the like questions.
- Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor's site:
Special thanks to our sponsor:
|