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MARTINJ · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4 Location: DEERFIELD, IL

Hello, recently I have noticed a small water stain on the ceiling below our shower. The spot is wet to the touch and the plaster is breaking away. Today, however, the plaster broke through and there is considerable break away (2 square foot) area of plaster fall off. There is some minor drippage but water pressure appears normal.

I'll call a local plumber but wonder what this very vague explanation sounds like to you, an expert. Any assistance would be most appreciated. Thank you very much.

AlanE · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:04 am Post subject:

Sounds like you have a leak but you probably already knew that. Without seeing the situation not possible to be more specific. Sorry.

MARTINJ · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4 Location: DEERFIELD, IL

thanks allen for your quic reply. i wish i had more information to provide.

happy thanksgiving and, again, thanks again.

ITPC · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 6:31 pm Post subject:

Five types of shower leak come to mind:

1). Leaking seal between the shower trap and tray (or cracked tray)
2). Leaking trap or waste pipe
3). Leak due to poor seal of tray to wall / tiles
4). Leak due to cracks in grout
5). Leak from concealed shower unit's plumbing

If you cover the tray outlet centre using an inverted cup or tape and then fill the tray with water, this can help identify 1

For 2 just direct water directly down the trap.

For 3 spray the edge of the tray / bottom of cubicle.

For 4 spray the tiles

For 5 try to removed concealed shower cover and look for evidence of leak.

If the leak is small / slow then the delay between use and seeing the effect of the leak can be ??? This makes shower leaks very difficult to diagnose.

MARTINJ · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4 Location: DEERFIELD, IL

Ian, thanks so much for your very thorough response. I'd hire you in a second if you'd relocate across the pond. Anyway, you are right on. #3 was the culprit. It's now fixed, and I had my baptism to the world of plumbing in 3 short hours on Friday.

Many, many, thanks. Best always.