Basement Ceiling Leak - Part 2 - Initial Correction Attemps

Yesterday we discovered the water stain in one of our basement’s drop ceiling tiles. We had just contacted Bruce, our contractor for his guidance.

After being informed that the pipe in question was an air pipe, I then asked if it was possible that the leak originated from the roof where the pipe extended out beyond the roof’s shingles. Bruce said not likely. The reason, which makes sense to me, is that before be purchased the house the room which now contained our en suite was a small bedroom. And, through the installation of the bathroom Bruce simply tapped into the existing air pipes. So, this air pipe did not in itself extend up through the roof, but connected with an existing air pipe that did extend out through the roof.

Bruce said that likely the cause was insufficient caulking in the shower. Again, this made sense to me as the shower seemed to be directly above the pipe.

Now, this conversation with Bruce spanned a few days. So, after the first conversation I had thought that perhaps the drain in the floor of the shower was not sufficiently sealed. So, I attempted to reseal the drain.

I removed the silicone caulking around the metal cover followed by the metal cover itself. I had just come back from our local building supply retailer to purchase some silicone caulking and they also said I should use plumbers putty on the inside. So, that is what I did.

First I applied some of the silicone caulking around one of what appeared to be a connection ridge on the inside of the drain just in case the leak was there. Then, I liberally applied (I am sure way too much but I had never done this before) the plumbers putty on the inside of the drain opening.

This was followed by my applying silicone caulking around the edge of the tile flooring around the drain opening.

I next replaced the metal cover into the opening and applied even more silicone caulking around it. (I know, I know……likely too much). However, I hate rework. And, I have formal training as an accountant who typically are a conservative bunch so the more preventative measures the better).

I then preceded back down to the basement and turned the ceiling tile with the water stain 90 degrees. I wanted to have a clean area of the ceiling tile directly underneath the leaking pipe as the test. The next morning we took our showers and proceeded down to the basement to check on the ceiling tile. All I can say at this point is…. rats.