How do I know if my bathtub overflow is leaking?

Start by removing the bathtub access wall panel, located in the room opposite the tub faucet and shower head. If you don’t see water dripping from the plumbing, look inside for water pooling behind the wall. Small puddles are sure signs of leaks around the drain pipe or supply lines.

How do you seal a bathtub overflow?

You could put a piece of Saran Wrap over the whole thing and the water would probably hold it in place after the water rises over it. You might take the overflow mechanism off the tub and try to fit a rubber gasket behind it, with a hole for the drain actuator, to effectively seal the overflow.

Where does the rubber gasket go on a bathtub drain?

A thick rubber gasket completes the seal on the underside of the tub. It goes over the drain insert before threading the insert into the elbow portion of the drain line, also called the drain waste shoe or ell.

Why is my overflow leaking?

When an overflow pipe is dripping or running with water, one of the most common causes is a problem with a float valve. Float valves are found in toilet cisterns, cold water tanks and central heating feed and expansion tanks. This movement turns the cold-water feed on so the tank refills.

Why does my bathtub have an overflow tube?

The overflow tube is a safety feature that helps channel water that has overfilled the tub back down into the drain pipes before it can spill over the edge of the tub. But if the fittings on the overflow tube become loose, it can allow water to spill out and drip beneath the tub, where it might even ruin the ceiling in the room below the tub.

What to do if your bathtub overflow is leaking?

The overflow tube is loose or has a bad gasket. Here is a quick diagnostic process: Start by running water in the bathtub to look for any water leaking directly below the bathtub. The easiest way to do this is by removing whatever access hatch or panel you might have to cover the plumbing connections.

How is a tub overflow plate attached to a stopper?

Some overflow plates are attached to the stopper assembly for the tub drain. In this case, carefully pull the assembly up and out of the drain opening. Most assemblies have a long, thin rod connected to a cylindrical stopper at the bottom.

Why is my bathtub leaking behind the shower wall?

Cracked or missing caulk around these elements lets water behind the shower wall. If the shower test does not reveal leaks, then the overflow tube is the most likely culprit. A tub overflow pipe seals against the tub with a ring-shaped gasket that typically lies between the flange around the pipe opening and the backside of the tub wall.

Can a gasket cause a bathtub overflow?

A simple leaky gasket can cause a big problem. 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.

How to fix an overflow drain in a bathtub?

1 Unscrew the cover plate of the overflow drain. 2 Pull out the plate and the drain plug. 3 Remove the old gasket. 4 Lubricate the new gasket (make sure you’ve bought the right kind for your drain). 5 Fit the new gasket into the hole. 6 Make sure you have a tight seal. 7 Replace the drain plug and cover, and screw back in.

What does it mean when your tub overflows?

The tub overflow is an essential drain fitting located behind and under a bathtub that impedes the water level from getting too high.

How do you fix an overflow drain gasket?

The good news is that replacing an overflow drain gasket is a fairly easy fix. The first step is to remove the screws that mount the cover plate. Pull out the assembly, including the drain plug.