How to repair a leaky bathtub overflow drain

 

The overflow part of a bathtub drain can be a homeowner's undoing if the overflow pipe has developed a leak or a loose connection. The overflow pipe of a bathtub is specifically designed to prevent water from flooding the bathtub, eventually leaking through the floorboards and ceiling of the room below, but if this essential pipe has its own defect, it is possible for water to leak from the pipe and flood the ceiling anyway.

This can cause damage to plaster, flooding of the room below and even destruction of carpets and electrical items in the room below. Repairing the pipe is not a difficult job, and you do not need a professional if you have some basic housework skills. Just follow a few simple steps to get the job done quickly and easily.

Turn off the water

The first step is to make sure that all the water in the house is completely shut off. To do this, you need to open the main water valve of the house, which should be located outside the house or in the garage. Turn it off and perhaps lock it to prevent it from being opened by others. To check that the water is shut off, run the cold tap for about a minute.

Remove the pipe

Next, the overflow pipe must be removed from its position. To do this, unscrew it from the fitting at the back of the tub. There should be a small ball with three or four bolts attached to it.

These must be unscrewed, then the screwdriver must be inserted between the tub and the pipe and the hole must be enlarged by prying. Loosen the lower part of the pipe with the spanner and pull it out of the connecting pipe. It may be necessary to move the overflow pipe a little, as caulk may also be present around this joint.

Repairing the overflow pipe

Once you have completed this operation, you will have to assess the extent of the damage on the overflow pipe. If it is badly damaged, you will have to discard it and replace it with a new pipe. Small cracks can be repaired simply by using a soldering iron to heat the pieces until they melt. You can add a strip of tape over this weld until it is completely solid again.

Finishing

Before finishing the project, you will have to put the pipe back in the tank. Another cause of leaks is a bad seal, so be sure to screw the overflow pipe back tightly to the tub fitting. Insert the pipe into the drainage fitting underneath and screw it into the tub. You can add some caulking on top of the joints. Remember to turn the water back on when you have finished.

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