Can I rerun the bathtub pipe and use a bracket to reassemble the ceiling after finding a problem with the drain?
Asked by Mita Šerbedžija 
7 months ago
Last Updated: May 15, 2024
So, I had to take down part of the ceiling to access the bathtub drain and discovered this. How serious is it? Do you think I could replace the pipe and fix it with a bracket? Trying to avoid any negative remarks. The plumber mentioned it’s a joist.
It’s tricky to pinpoint the exact source of the leak. Is it the hot or cold water, or perhaps the drain, overflow, or around the tub/wall flange? Have one person run water while another checks underneath with good lighting to locate the origin. Also, ensure the tub doesn’t move when someone stands in it. Trust me, I’ve dealt with this before.
I got a plumber to take care of the problem – it was in the trap or drum, I believe. In this picture, I’m concerned about the joist being cut in that manner. Trying to find a way to fix it without having to tear up more of the floor or ceiling.
Did the plumber completely remove the trap, ?
Just and only the new text:
Did the plumber completely remove the trap, ?
I believe they replaced the cap, but it’s hard to say for sure since it was about 6 months ago. Today, a different plumber noticed that the joist was cut and mentioned it should be fixed as soon as possible. He used to work as a carpenter so he knew what he was talking about.
Hey , unless the drain trap is located further down the line, I don’t see one.
Got it, .
Yes, the floor joist is situated in a problematic location obstructing the trap for the bathtub, and the absence of a p trap is also a concern. Since it was cut close to where it connects to the foundation, I recommend adding a header and boxing it to distribute the load from that joist to the two nearby ones. As a plumber, I frequently have to cut joists in situations like this where tub drains or toilets need to be centered for code compliance, and then the framers come in to box it.
This will ultimately have a similar appearance.
I noticed that it is pointing towards something nearby. Recently, it was swapped out. Do you think it could be a trap?
Do you know where the P-trap is?
I didn’t mean to say the plumbing would end up looking that way. I meant to say the floor joists would end up looking like that once someone installed a correct header.
Yeah, that’s the new drum trap
Safely avoid the trap and carefully handle the joist. Choose one of these alternatives instead.
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Oh, that’s a drum trap!
Do you see any traps in the picture?
You’re correct, the setup seems to be for a drum trap given the age and the presence of lathe and plaster. It’s difficult to confirm without actually seeing the vent.
By the way, there could be asbestos in that plaster.
Applied new plumbing paint and patched the ceiling with mold paint. Let’s move forward.