Leaking tile shower...can't find the leak!

[d_random]

I have a tile shower (60 yrs old), actually it is a tub (cast iron) that was converted to a shower, the plumber can't find where it is leaking . He did originally find areas where the grout was worn away and he caulked them. Still leaks. He suggested painting the shower with Thompson's Water Seal. Would that work? I need a temporary fix because a tenant lives there and I cannot do any fix that would not be complete in 24 hours.
Ideas?

[Rd Tile]

60 years old eh, rip it out, redo it correctly and cover it with a sheet of poly as you do the work so it can still be used, no big deal.

[framer]

how do you know it's the wall that leaks? did this just start happening?
does the shower head come out of the wall?

[d_random]

George-

The shower pipe and head stick out of the wall, if that is what you mean. It has been leaking for some time by the damage of the subfloor and joists under the tub.

[Rd Tile]

What's leaking?

Water runoff, drain, what?

Let me guess, it's a tub without a lip and tiled directly on at the walls?

[d_random]

Cast iron tub, does have a lip.
It's not the drain because I can see the tub from the crawlspace and the water droplets are forming on the lip (underneath the tub). Beyond that I am not sure, it's a good amount of water coming out though.
Would thompsons water seal work on the tiles if there was a hairline crack?

[Dave Taylor]

d_random asked: Would thompsons water seal work on the tiles

No... I sincerely doubt it.

My guess is that Ritche (RD Tile) is correct..... Your shower needs a complete overhaul.
Sounds like the wall is leaking, has been leaking for some time and….. now water damage (and mebee’ interior mold) are taking a toll.

BTY…. Thompson’s won’t seal the wood on my balcony for two weeks. I doubt any sealer (tile/grout type or otherwise) will fix your wall leak for any meaningful length of time…. if at all.

Hope this helps.

[Davestone]

I can tell you sometimes if the tub filler isn't secured to the pipe stub when you turn the diverter on to fill the tub water will actually shoot backwards toward the wall and get throught the hole in the wall around the stub out.You could also take out drywall behind the shower wall where all the plumbing is and see any leaks, drywall is an easier fix than redoing the tile if it is in fact a plumbing leak(even though the plumber can't find a leak anyone that would recommend Thompsons water sealer as a fix has to be suspect)

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Originally Posted by Davestone

...anyone that would recommend Thompsons water sealer as a fix has to be suspect

I second that. If the walls are leaking after 60 years, the tile job has served its useful life and it's replacement time. 60 years is also a long life for plumbing pipes (that I'm assuming are iron pipes).

Do a test to start isolating the leak. Tape a continuous sheet of plastic on all three tiled walls (you'll need a piece 7' tall by 10' wide), draping the bottom into the tub. Run the shower as usual and see if it still leaks below like it has been. If she stays dry, then you know your walls are shot and time for replacement. But if she still leaks, then you know that at very least, you'll need to work on your plumbing pipe(s).

[d_random]

Thanks for all the good advice.
It is very much appreciated.

[d_random]

How many days approximately does it take to demo and install a tile shower? Actually it is a cast iron tub that has been converted to a shower.
Thanks!

[cx]

Welcome, d random. Please put a first name in a permanent signature line for us to use (UserCP/Edit Signature).

I've combined you with your original thread. Please bookmark this one and ask all your project questions here so folks can see the history and what's been previously axed and answered.


Three days to three weeks or more.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[tilelayer]

you can get a new kohler tub a villager for 300 and they are better they have antislips on the bottom and lower than older tubs and not goofy looking. I would change the diverter also.

You can tearout new tub and plumbing and hardi one day, tile the next grout the day after that and usually u need to wait 48 hours before showering.

[d_random]

Thanks tilelayher. I wanna keep the tub, but take out the tile.

[Davestone]

Depending on what type tile and what type construction, a diyer could easily do it in a week,including new valve.If i were you i'd take a claw hammer and punch a hole in the back wall before wyou back out, that way you are commited,you can do it.Take the escutcheon off and put a blanket in the tub to protect it,and punch a starting hole through the wall, put the claw hammer in said hole and yank off the tile and board all in one.