Tub/shower leaks into kitchen below

[Danny Featherstone]

I have a combination fiberglass tub/shower on the 2nd floor which leaks through the kitchen celling below. It seems it only leaks when someone is actually standing in it taking a shower. I've filled the tub with water 3 times ( with a garden hose) and drained the tub. No leak. Turned the shower on twice for 10 minutes each and still no leak. Seems to leak only when someone is using it. I suspect it is the drain but dunno for sure. Is there a way to fix the problem without cutting a hole in the kitchen celling? It is a textured celling. I can reach the back of the tub/shower through a closet but was hoping there was something I could do without cutting holes. Sure hope you can help.

Thanks..........Danny

[ScottMan]

Check that your soap dish holder, faucet handle or spout, etc, are all caulked. I had this problem and found water running in behind the soap dish holder. Caulk fixed that problem. Water was actually running down the side of the house whenver a shower was taken.

[Kevin C]

I had the same problem in my house. It turned out to be the seal/cauking around the drain where it meets the tub. When someone was in the tub is caused it to leak, but no one in the tub and it didn't leak. Just unscrew the drain from inside the tub and re-seal.