How To Fix A Leaky Bathtub Overflow Tube?
The bathtub overflow tube is a secured feature that channels water. If the overflow tube fittings become loose, it may cause water to spill out or drip beneath the tub. And the leaky bathtub makes trouble situation so need to fix it quickly.
When you find your tub is leaking it may be the overflow tube that requires tightening or a replacement gasket. Probably the overflow drain is the source of the leak.
Prior To You Start
Find out the exact source of the leak. Begin with checking for grouting as well as the caulking issues. While you use the bathtub or shower, these will make water leaks.
If the leak is created on a pressurized water line, the a great possibility to be a continuous leak. That is to say, the water would be leaking, if you don’t use the shower or bathtub. In that condition, it’s not a great issue with the overflow tube.
When the leak is produced on a drain line, it will present just during the bathtub or shower is in use. Eliminate the extra panel or hatch you need to expose the tub’s plumbing connections.
To observe any water leakage below the tub you can run the water. If you realize water is leaking, this is more likely you have the loose connections of the drain fitting. So tighten or repair them as required.
If the active water in your tub produces no leaking, then run the shower instead. If you notice leaking, find out signs of water splashing onto the tub spout or showerhead.
If the shower check doesn’t show any leaks, the overflow tube is then the most possible culprit.
What you required:
Tools or Equipment:
- Utility knife
- Screwdrivers
- Rag
- Need-nose pliers
Materials
- Rubbing alcohol
- Silicone caulk
- Replacement overflow gasket
1. Test The Overflow Gasket
With the overflow gasket (ring-shaped) a tub overflow pipe seals contrary to the tub. This gasket generally lies from the flange around the pipe opening to the behind of the tub wall.
Basically, the gasket is made of rubber or neoprene so can become cracked and brittle over time, conducting to leaks.
If you want to test the overflow gasket, eliminate the overflow plate. Accomplish this task by removing the screws attaching the plate in the exact place and then pulling off the plate. You may require cutting away the caulking from around the overflow plate. And suing a utility knife cut the caulk.
Overlook the gasket; in case, it is fully cracked or worn, this is time to replace it. Even when you doubt, it is better to replace the gasket. At the time of inspection, you may also feel that the overflow pipe assembly is damaged or loose. This situation leads to a simple fix to replace the total overflow assembly with new parts.
Tip: A few overflow plates are joined to the stopper assembly for the tub drain. So, pull the assembly carefully up and out of the drain opening. Maximum assemblies contain a long, thin rod adjusted to a cylindrical stopper at the bottom.
2. Take Aside The Old Overflow Gasket
At first, removing the old gasket replace the worn or damaged gasket. Typically, the overflow drainpipe holds a little give, whereas you can push it behind to attain someplace to grab the gasket with needle-nose pliers or your fingers.
Take aside all of the used gaskets, then clean around the tub hole. As well as clean the drainpipe flange with a rag to remove all residue and grime.
3. Place The New Gasket
Push the recent gasket into the tub wall hole and diligent fit it contrary to the flange around the opening in the drain pipe. Be aware of it is properly seated against the flange so as to it will create an even seal contrary to the tub.
Overflow gaskets are frequently tapered to allow the angle of the tub wall; you can pursue the manufacturer’s directions for how to act with the taper.
4. Replace The Overflow Plate
Adjust the overflow plate backward the position, ensuring the opening is at the bottom. While the plate holds a stopper assembly, slip the stopper carefully into the overflow pipe together with slide the rod down until the plate accommodates the drain opening.
Confirm the plate with its screws. If it includes two screws, simultaneously tighten them, changing back and forth so as the gasket is compressed on a level against the tub.
Tip: The super method to check the new gasket is to fill the tub all the process and let the overflow act its function-take some water overflow into it. But not waste more gallons of water, to accomplish this you can wait until the following time you take a bath.
Tub Overflow Problem-solving Tips
When the overflow gasket is in suitable condition or while replacing the gasket does not appear to stop the leak, so you can try some other approaches:
- Ascertain the gasket is placed in the right way and that it fits in the middle of the tub overflow drain.
- Go over the edge of the tub surround the overflow plate for decay that can commit water to infiltrate into the back.
- Assure that the overflow plate is screwed tightly into an accurate place.
- Inspect the seal on other shower parts, and attach new caulk as required to assure water can’t get behind the shower surround.
Summary
Bathtub overflow tube leaking is a common issue often marked to the overflow tube or drain assembly.
When appearing that such a tube leak then needs to tighten or replace the gasket.