The ceiling leak is coming from the tub upstairs, but you can’t pinpoint the problem. The drain isn’t clogged, pipe connections are tight, and the caulk looks good. Sometimes, it’s hard to figure out what to do when the bathtub overflows and leaks downstairs.
Have you checked the tub overflow drain? When the small component goes bad, it creates big problems.
Most homeowners are surprised by how much trouble this bathtub part can cause. Our teams restore water-damaged ceilings in Chicago homes every week. Faulty overflow drains are often the source of the problem.
Let’s take a closer look at this overlooked fixture.
Why Is My Bath Leaking Through the Ceiling?
You start running a bath, but something distracts you for just a minute. It doesn’t take long for the upstairs tub to fill and spill over. This type of bathroom flooding creates a mess that soaks the ceiling below. The overflow drain is designed to prevent a bathtub overflow that leaks downstairs.
How Does the Bathtub Overflow Drain Work?
This simple safety feature is located behind the bathtub overflow cover plate on the front wall of the tub. The bathtub overflow gasket is an important part of this contained system.
The rubber or neoprene washer forms a seal between the backside of the tub wall and the overflow drain opening. When water in the bathtub reaches the small hole in the overflow cover plate, the overflow drain channels the excess back down into the tub’s main drain pipe.
6 Causes of Overflow Drain Problems
When bath water reaches a set level, a properly working overflow drain prevents the tub from leaking through the ceiling.
However, these six problems problems can compromise its operation and result in overflow drain leaks:
1. Clogged Overflow Drain – Over time, every day use clogs the drain with debris and soap scum.
2. Leaky Overflow Tube – Leaks in the overflow drain tube seep outside the tub drain and through the bathroom floor.
3. Damaged Overflow Gasket – A cracked or deteriorated overflow gasket allows water to escape the overflow drain.
4. Leaving the Tub Running – A continual flow of faucet water overflows the tub and overwhelms the drain.
5. Misdirected Shower Water – Overflow drain problems occur when shower water continually runs over the cover plate.
6. Deep Tub Soaks – Relaxing, deep baths submerge the overflow plate and eventually compromise the drain’s capacity.
Can Bath Overflow Damage My Property?
Bath overflow water damage on a ground floor can range from soaked floors to warped baseboards. Water leaking from an upstairs bathroom to the downstairs is especially concerning because it can result in these serious problems.
- Damage to bathroom floors, including tile and subflooring
- Warped tiles and stains in ceilings below the bathroom
- Electrical problems in overhead wiring and ceiling light fixtures
- Water stains on the ceiling and walls below the bathtub
- Structural damage to drywall and wood framing on lower floors
- Mold and bacterial growth in water-damaged materials
When Is a Leaking Ceiling an Emergency?
Overflow leaks from upstairs bathrooms often result in water dripping through the ceiling below the bathtub. Unless the damage is minor, your DIY options are limited.
If tiles are sagging or parts of the ceiling have collapsed, don’t take chances. Structural issues can easily extend up inside the ceiling to critical support joists. Call a water damage restoration specialist right away.
If you rent and your apartment ceiling begins to leak, try to alert the upstairs neighbor, and then contact the landlord right away. The situation can easily turn into an emergency that affects multiple units.
What Should I Do If I Overflow the Bath?
Start by confirming the overflow source. Remove the bathtub access wall panel, and look for leaks around the tub drain pipe. Let the shower run, splash water on the tub faucet, and check again.
If you don’t see water dripping from the main drain pipe, follow these seven steps to repair the overflow drain.
1. Remove the Cover Plate
Unscrew and remove the cover plate. Pull out the overflow drain assembly, including the plug. Take a look at the components for signs of damage.
2. Inspect the Assembly and Gasket
If parts of the overflow drain are loose, clogged or corroded, replace the entire assembly. However, the source of the overflow leak is usually a worn gasket. In that case, continue with step 3.
3. Remove the Old Gasket
Use needle-nose pliers and your fingers to gently remove the damaged overflow gasket from the pipe flange. Clean the exposed flange and surrounding surfaces with rubbing alcohol.
4. Insert a New Overflow Gasket
Lubricate the new gasket with plumber’s faucet grease, and take a look at its bevel. Position the gasket over the pipe flange with its thickest side on the bottom. Ease it around the opening in the overflow drain pipe.
5. Secure and Seal the Gasket
Carefully work the gasket into place around the overflow assembly opening. Make sure it’s secure against the flange for an even seal. Let the gasket set for a few minutes.
6. Replace the Plate
Position the cover plate so that its overflow hole is located at the bottom of the installation. Reattach it by tighten each screw a little at a time. Alternating pressure as you work ensures even compression and a snug fit.
7. Address Ceiling Water Damage
If water damage from the tub overflow isn’t extensive, you may be able to take care of it yourself. However, it’s best to let restoration professionals handle the water-damaged ceiling. Their technicians know how to safely take care of ceiling repairs. They also restore soaked floors, replace damaged drywall and address mold problems.
Dealing with Bathtub Overflow Water Damage in Chicago, IL or Suburbs? We Can Help!
The aftermath of a bathtub overflow can cause extensive property damage that needs attention right away. We’re ready to respond with a full line of industry-certified water damage restoration services. Our teams take care of pipe repairs, and we can help with your homeowners insurance claim too.
When you’re facing cleanup after any type of water damage at your home or business, you want Chicago’s best.
Call us first here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba: 773-647-1985
The post What to Do When the Bathtub Overflows and Leaks Downstairs appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.
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