Leaking shower waste

stevemcol

I've got a leak through the kitchen ceiling from the shower waste above.
It couldn't be worse really, the shower is built and tiled in. The waste is above the floorboards.
I've cut a hole in the ceiling below and am fairly certain the leak is directly under the shower base. I'm thinking the least destructive way forward is to cut the floorboards from underneath to gain access.
Any advice or warnings before I start would be appreciated.

southcoastrgi

if the shower waste is above the floor boards then the tray must be raised, take off what ever is around the tray to get at the waste, i wouldn't even think of cutting the boards from below unless it is the only option as you may not be able to gain enough access from below anyway

SailorSam

I you sure there isn't a part floorboard next to the shower that gives access.. The usual order of things would have been to put the tray into place then join the pipework underneath.

stevemcol

Yes the tray is raised on a wooden platform which is then completely tiled in. The pipework was assembled (nearly ten years ago) then the platform and shower tray fitted over and tiled. To gain access I'd have to start removing tiles, then cutting through the wooden platform. Whichever solution I go for is going to be a nightmare. I see accessing below as being the least worst. At least the kitchen has a false ceiling which will eventually hide all the mess.

tigeress289

As the tray is raised, it is far easier to work from tray level than room below. Have you removed the tiles on front of tray riser. I would have thought the plumber would have made up his joints for the waste, with it in position? The facia frame piece, could have gone on after. If you think the waste was pre fitted, how did the plumber make the connection to the waste outlet? Surely he would have needed to test the shower tray waste in situ?

stevemcol

The tray is on adjustable plastic legs. Yes the plumber tested the waste before the platform, or better described as a step surround made from 3x2" (by me) was fitted around the shower base. It didn't leak then and hasn't since until very recently.
I think I might be able to get one of the unobtrusive tiles off nearest the wall and partly obscured by the bath. That might give sufficient access to tighten up whatever is leaking. I can't quite remember the arrangement but I'd guess it's a threaded coupling and trap.
I was attracted to the idea of working from below beacaue it would limit cosmetic damage (false ceiling in kitchen). I'd only have to cut one, maybe 2 floorboards to get access.
I found today that there is no leakage when the bath is drained and that is only a metre and a half down the same pipe so it does indicate that the leak is directly under the shower.

VfM4meplse

The joys of maintaining your own home!

I'd be interested in hearing how you get on with the repair.

tigeress289

I am slightly confused at this point. The shower is on legs and you put the frame in after, How? Surely the front timber can be removed as it doesnt support the tray, the legs do.

stevemcol

tigeress

You are bang on, the timber frame isn't load bearing, it forms a step up to the shower. BUT, it's very tightly tiled in, both with floor tiles butted up to it and then itself finished with tightly cut floor tiles. Very much a fixture.
I'd have to photgraph it but I'm sure you can imagine.

tigeress289

Yes I understand, but if me I would still remove a few tiles(face) and drill and cut an access from the front, to repair the leak. That way you can leave an access point for any future problems,just in case.

southcoastrgi

i get this kind of prob all the time, leak under the bath can't get the tiled panel off cause no access left take off all the tiles, need to change the syphon in a wc can't get at the bolts cause it's been tiled right up under the cistern take off all the tiles & boxing, having everything tiled looks very nice but as you are finding out it's a nitemare for any maintainence