We had a new shower put in a year ago, memebrane, mortar, tile.
I have access to the basement and noticed two leaks minor but leaks none the less. One is around the drain on the plywood subfloor, I cleaned the drain that had a lot of hair slowing but not sropping the draining, would the slow water draining back up and be able to circumvent the membrane draining setup?
Also, a screw that was used to secure the plywood frame to the subfloor, that is extending through the subfloor, sometimes drips. This screw head would be under the membrane/mortar/tile. This screw is porbably a foot out from the drain. It’s not a lot of water but concerns me enough not to insulate and rock the basement ceiling just yet.
thanks
h
Replies
would the slow water draining back up and be able to circumvent the membrane draining setup?
No, any water eventually not going directly down the drain should have eventually seeped through the weep holes and then down the drain...
Also, a screw that was used to secure the plywood frame to the subfloor, that is extending through the subfloor, sometimes drips. This screw head would be under the membrane/mortar/tile. This screw is porbably a foot out from the drain.
Indicates a problem; remember the plywood is a flat surface and will saturate with water prior to your getting significant horizontal action. The screw is is probably acting as a wick. Safest bet is to assume you now have a circular area at least two feet in diameter that is getting wet....
Regards,
Rework
You have some problems. I can not tell you what they are but can give you some advice as to how you can figure them out for yourself.
First, do a flood test. Unscrew the drain screen, and plug the drain with an expandable stopper that will totalling stop the water. Fill the shower with water up to the curb. Make a mark with a grease pencil. Wait 24 hours. If the water is at the same level, then your pan passes the test, and I would look elsewhere for your problem, like a pin hole in a supply line.
By the way, I assume that this pan was tested just like the above prior to tiling. This type of test is Code in most cities. Your pan was tested and the City signed off on it, right?
Second, if the water level goes down in the shower, you have problems. The pan and/or the clamping drain is leaking. I would call the tile setter who did the job back and explain the problem. I would suspect that the pan has a leak in it from an errant nail or screw, or that the 2 part clamping drain was not installed properly and is allowing water under the membrane. This may involve a tear out to fix.
By the way, if properly constructed, a shower drain and membrane, even if completely backed up for extended periods of time will not leak. Standing moisture may cause mold, but should not ever leak through the membrane and pre-slope.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
Thanks I'll do that this weekend. It's a very slow water situation but any is too much for me. The idea of tearing out the marble is a drag.
h
Was your shower flood tested when installed? Did you pull a permit? Did a licensed contractor do the work?
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
no permit, licensed contractor, not sure if it was leak tested, if it wasn't, this is a good reason to do it!
h
licensed contractor.....
Call back????????
A good reason to always pull a permit. You know, the contractor and the shower wouldn't have gotten this far if it was tested.
Even if it is a slow leak your subfloor was/is/will be saturated. Mold just loves wood. It makes a great food. Mold loves water. There are some really nasty types of mold out there than can cause headaches, bloody noises, sneezing etc. I have a client who had to literally move out and practically tear down a house which became infested with mold.
You need to address this issue.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
I will, thanks for the heads up
h
If you find the shower holds water when you do your test. One source of water could be coming from the valve or water lines. the water could be running down the wall and getting under the membrane (think cappillary attraction)