Strange Bathroom Leak

[crushuk]

Hi all,

I have a peculiar problem leak in the bathroom that I need a little advice about.

The leak appears to be coming from the bath. However, it ONLY leaks if I allow the water to run directly down the plug hole. It doesn't leak if I allow the water to fill in the bath and then unplug it.

What could be the possible causes for this kind of leak. It's annoying because when it leaks, it comes through the kitchen celing. I know I can keep the plug in and let it fill and then unplug it and it won't leak then but that isn't possible when it comes time to rinse the bath out...

 

[CBF]

take the bath panel off & see where it is leaking

 

[joe-90]

It'll be the trap seal. When it has a lot of heavy water on it it is sealed but when light it leaks.

 

[Nige F]

That` heavy water is a bugger - H202 - particularly when it leaks out of your nuclear reactor

 

[45yearsagasman]

Another invaluable plumbing tip from Mr90.

 

[joe-90]

We are awaiting your answer to the problem.

 

[joe-90]

Is the screw on the bath waste loose? (plug hole)

 

[kjacko]

Actually to me, what Joe says makes sense.
If the trap is pretty much sitting on the floor, and there is a slight leak, then the weight of a full bath will compress down and seal it, whereas with only a little amount of water there is nothing to compress the seal, which sounds like it need tightening?

Sounds plausible to me.

 

[Jackrae]

Does the bath over-flow connect onto a collar that is mounted immediately under the bath. Chances are this collar is the leak point since this is dry until there is water draining from the bath. Similarly the waste trap connections are also dry until water is actually flowing. I've found blue hand drying paper excellent at tracing leaks. This is light blue and turns much darker when it picks up a drop of water.