Can't find the leak source

[Rzrbkr67]

I have a real puzzler - my cast iron bathtub (36 years old) has a small leak that I can not find the source of. I have access to the bottom of the tub around the drain and can see up to the spout/shower riser area. There is a small amount of water leaking through the tub bottom approx. 3.5 in to the side of the drain. I have verified that the water is not running from another point and accumulating at this spot. I have also verified that there is no visible crack or hole in the porcelain of the tub at that spot (or another other spot for that matter). The leak only shows up when someone is showering - any suggestions?

 

[hj]

leak

You are misdiagnosing it. The leak is somewhere above the bottom of the tub and is then running to the spot you see. It could be anywhere in the tile or at the tub's overflow gasket. A plumber with a Ridgid SeeSnake might be able to pinpoint the location.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Rzrbkr67]

No, I have isolated the spot so that nothing could "run down" onto it, with a plumbers putty "dam". The water is coming through the cast iron.

 

[Southern Man]

Cast iron can be porous or have voids. You have to find out where the break in the interior coating is. Or it could be under the tailpiece as I've suggested earlier.

 

[Redwood]

Cast iron can be porous or have voids. You have to find out where the break in the interior coating is. Or it could be under the tailpiece as I've suggested earlier.

But when it is covered with enamel it is impervious.
There would be a visible defect in the enamel...

 

[Southern Man]

The enamel would be the interior coating, genius.

 

[Redwood]

The enamel would be the interior coating, genius.

No chit Sherlock!
And the water gets from the inside to the outside by teleporting?

 

[Southern Man]

No, through a break in the interior coating as I suggested.

 

[Redwood]

Hard stretch to run over 3 1/2 " from your leaking drain...
I agree with HJ the source is mis diagnosed.

 

[Southern Man]

"Or" under the leaking drain.

Keep grasping, please.

 

[Redwood]

I guess the poster will just have to decide where it is...
And who they should believe....

The Plumber

Or,

The Engineer

 

[Southern Man]

Let's hope that he understands that "enamel" is specific term for "interior coating", and that he doesn't take offense at someone who attempts to denigrate an entire group of people, and does so before the forum moderator has to remove yet another thread that you have derailed.

 

[Redwood]

The question is which train is off the tracks....
Last message in our dialog!

 

[Southern Man]

Yes, better to quit before you get another spanking.