![]() ![]() Sometimes, it can be challenging to find the source of the leak as the water generally moves downwards across the drain waste tube. If this happens, water can more easily find a breach. ![]() This causes water levels to rise to or exceed the level of the overflow cover plate. Rubber located behind the tub can eventually break down. Another common issue that arises with an overflow cover plate is a problem with the gasket behind the faceplate or drain cover. If a clog is severe, the cover plate won’t be able to do its job. The cover plate can start to become less effective if the pipes are clogged in your bathtub. In either case, read on! The experts at Service Plus Plumbing have the answer.įortunately, as with many plumbing concerns, there are some indications and warning signs you can look for to know when it’s time to replace the overflow cover plate. ![]() You might also wonder how to identify problems with the cover plate and stop them before they become a significant problem. Even if you know what the name means, you might be wondering, “how does a bathtub overflow drain work?”. When water overflows from the tub, it can cause significant damage to the floor, other appliances, and the bathtub. As the name implies, the cover is designed to prevent water in the bathtub from overflowing. One of the most important is the overflow cover plate. Replace the drain assembly and then fasten the plate with the two mounting screws to finish the job.Your bathtub has several working parts. Make sure it seats evenly for a complete seal around the connection. The overflow pipe will have a little play (although not much) that should allow you to adjust its position and make room for the gasket. ![]() Use a little plumber’s silicone grease to lubricate the gasket and work it into place around the mouth of the overflow body. When installing the gasket, make sure the thick side is at the bottom. You’ll need to buy a new overflow washer or gasket from the hardware store. But since I had already opened the wall, here’s a look at the rear of the overflow body where the old gasket is falling out. With any luck you can complete the repair from the tub without having to open the wall. I used an old wire hanger to dig out the rotted gasket material from the overflow body. Shown here is the old deteriorated gasket that must be removed. Pull out the assembly, including the drain plug. The first step is to remove the screws that mount the cover plate. The good news is that replacing an overflow drain gasket is a fairly easy fix. I only mention this to demonstrate that plumbing leaks can happen in some seemingly unlikely places, and locating the problem can be half the battle. Something about the manner in which my wife showers-whether it’s the way she shampoos her hair or maybe shaves her legs-directs water onto the overflow drain, and consequently past the deteriorated gasket. Finally, as she was showering, I inspected the plumbing from the floor below and followed the active leak all the way up to the overflow drain. The tub only leaked when my wife took a shower in it. Nor did we have problems when my kids took a bath. Most frustrating of all: I could not reproduce the leak when I took a shower. I eventually opened up the ceiling and the wall behind the faucet to investigate. Convinced of this, I replaced a couple of faucet valves, tightened some threaded connections, and sealed a couple different drain connections with silicone tape, yet I still had a leak. It didn’t make sense to me that the overflow drain got enough water exposure to be the source of a leak which was ruining a drywall ceiling downstairs. You wouldn’t think a bathtub overflow drain would be the source of a water leak, especially if you never fill the tub to a level at which water would enter the opening. Alternative Heating & Fireplace InsertsĪ simple leaky gasket can cause a big problem. ![]()
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