DopeyRunr
New Member
I cannot describe how upset I am. After countless leak-free tests, today, during the first official shower in our DIY renovation, water came pouring down out of the ceiling below. After some troubleshooting, I've determined the problem is probably a faulty soldered joint at the elbow (but possibly the joint at the valve). The leak only seems to happen when the shower is running (not just the tub) and there's a little pivoting "play" in the elbow (up and down) that suggests that's the problem.
The attached image shows what the inside of the wall looks like. It's long since been enclosed and tiled over.
The tub enclosure is fresh subway tile. I REALLY don't want to have to tear that apart. The wall behind the plumbing is the (also) newly remodeled master bathroom, with beadboard running up the wall about 48". Above that is drywall.
My plan of action is to open up that wall up high, and confirm that the elbow joint is the culprit. Between a sawzall and a reciprocating cutter, I can free the support from the studs and then the elbow from the support, and re-solder the connection.
My question is this: how can I re-secure the elbow to the 2x4? I can't see how I can get two screws into it from the backside. Maybe if I screw it REALLY low on the 2x4 BEFORE soldering, and leave the joint sticking down enough below the 2x4 so I can solder the joint? What's the best approach here? I'm sure others have faced something similar...
Do you have any other advice for me?
Thanks so much for your help!
Chris
The attached image shows what the inside of the wall looks like. It's long since been enclosed and tiled over.
The tub enclosure is fresh subway tile. I REALLY don't want to have to tear that apart. The wall behind the plumbing is the (also) newly remodeled master bathroom, with beadboard running up the wall about 48". Above that is drywall.
My plan of action is to open up that wall up high, and confirm that the elbow joint is the culprit. Between a sawzall and a reciprocating cutter, I can free the support from the studs and then the elbow from the support, and re-solder the connection.
My question is this: how can I re-secure the elbow to the 2x4? I can't see how I can get two screws into it from the backside. Maybe if I screw it REALLY low on the 2x4 BEFORE soldering, and leave the joint sticking down enough below the 2x4 so I can solder the joint? What's the best approach here? I'm sure others have faced something similar...
Do you have any other advice for me?
Thanks so much for your help!
Chris