What to Do When Your Bathtub's Overflow Drain Leaks?

The bathtub has a handy feature in it to prevent flooding and spills: the overflow drain. This round cap under the faucet, usually a metallic circle with a latch or switch-like feature in the middle, acts to catch water that has collected far too high in the bowl of the tub, then direct it down to the sewage pipeline. Without this drain, you'd have to closely monitor the bathtub's water levels at all times. You'd also be more likely to get your floor all wet when you step in or out of the tub, or stir too much in the water.
Ironically, the overflow drain can also be responsible for leaks. So what do you do when you notice that the overflow drain is leaking? First, call a 24-hr emergency plumber in Pittsburgh, PA, then follow this advice.

Identify Leak
First, you need to identify the source of the leak. Often, this can be the hardest part, because leaks can be subtle, running down the insides of your walls or under flooring, ruining materials. Leaks can even cause mold to make you sick or eat away at valuable building materials like wood and drywall. 
If you notice a leak around your bathtub, use a screwdriver to pop the overflow drain out of the wall of the tub. You may notice that the gasket, or a plastic rink inside the drain cap, is loose, torn, or rotting. More often than not, a defective gasket will be the source of the leak. 

Search the Drain Plug
The drain plug, or the hole in the tub where the overflow drain is located, may show signs of leaking water. It may also contain pieces of the frayed or broken down gasket. Use a piece of a wire hanger to search the drain plug. If there are pieces of gasket, then a leak can occur there, if it hasn't already. A plumber will need to clean out this area, then install a new gasket that's watertight, before installing the overflow drain again. 

A Plumber's Assistance
A plumber should install the gasket because it needs to be installed in a certain formation. A well-positioned gasket will prevent future leaks. The overflow drain cap should also be installed with care, otherwise, it may simply cause more leaks. Finally, a plumber can find standing moisture or other effects of a leak around your bathroom, then recommend the necessary repairs. As with any leaks, be sure to contact a 24-hr emergency plumber in Pittsburgh, PA.