Bath u bend leak

[pandaman]

We noticed a stain on our utility room ceiling and worked out it was from the bath. We do not use the bath but flush the u bend out weekly to stop it drying out but only say half a kettle full. Managed to get bath panel off after a struggle. Surprised to see the hole in the floor to fit the u bend in. Has anybody seen this before? Looks like a botched job to me. Hot water pipe looks like it has been leaking too. Got a plumbing company, who we have used a few times over the years and are reliable, coming next Monday. Said there was no rush.

 

[Burnerman]

For sure, shallow traps are available but we’ve all seen this before.
No evidence of leaks though, but the copper pipe looks ok. The green verdigris is where the flux hasn’t been polished off and the leak would always be there.
Time to get in there with the kitchen paper or whatever to give the plumber a clue.
Pour some water into the bath and keep a sharp lookout!
John

 

[pandaman]

Thanks for info. Yes going to see if leak can be seen, did try to get some paper underneath but pipe too close to floor board each side. Will try to push a cloth under. Glad the hot pipe is not leaking as you say.

 

[Madrab]

Yes - very common - allows the correct depth of trap to be accommodate whilst ensuring the bath height isn't too high to allow the bath panel to fit properly.

Cheap and nasty trap mind you.

FYI - unless the bath trap is being pulled by something else and syphoning it out - the trap seal will be ok for months, unless you can smell anything? You're doing well to even consider filling the trap regularly, most wouldn't even think about it but you could leave it a bit longer than a week without an issue.

 

[pandaman]

Hi, thanks for that info. Very useful.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Surprised to see the hole in the floor to fit the u bend in. Has anybody seen this before?

Mine is the same - idea is to get the rim of the bath, as low as possible. It makes getting in and out of the bath easier.

 

[pandaman]

It's been in place 30 yrs, too late to change it now though. I see Screwfix do a low profile u bend, will as plumber when he comes if it will fit.

 

[Madrab]

It's been in place 30 yrs, too late to change it now though. I see Screwfix do a low profile u bend, will as plumber when he comes if it will fit.

Not advisable (nor to regs) to use a shallow trap, if the waste pipe is going into anything but an open gully/hopper

If it's feeding into a stack then min 50mm water seal is required. Shallow traps are prone to syphoning or drying out quicker