Tub overflow leak into bathtub

[Cathy]

Hello, My bathtubs' overflow valve recently started leaking. The amount of water that is coming out is between a fast drip and a steady stream. It runs from the bottom of the overflow cover down into the bathtub drain. Do I need to just replace the overflow cover (which looks like it could use replacing) or could this be something more serious?

 

[Jimbo]

This needs immediate attention. If water is coming out the overflow, you either have a major blockage on the drain line; or you have a leaking pipe or fitting inside the wall and the water happens to find its way through the overflow cover.