Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - How to fix leaking shower drain?

I need to fix a leaking shower drain. It has a fiberglass type base. I took the drain cover off and there was a rotting rubber gasket between the drain pipe and the drain flange. I removed it, obtained a black rubber coupling type round thing at H.D., rammed that in between the pipe and the flange with a mallet and then cut off about an inch excess. What I am thinking now is to seal it with silicon caulk, as well at the joint between the drain flange and the shower base itself. There is a gap of about 1/8" between the two. Is there any other thing that should be done to seal this so it won't leak?? What sealant would work best, and how long will this type of repair last? I have some epoxy putty on hand if that would be better to use.

The shower drain is visible but inaccessible from below, as it's drain trap is sitting in a notch in the joist right beside a heater duct and there is an electrical wire near there too.

I know these leaks are VERY common, and this may just be a "patch" but doing a full rip out type repair is NOT in the budget as my job was offshored! Thanks in advance for any help!



(Upcoming projects after this: replace shower door,replace bathtub faucet,
fix leaking utility tub drain, replace another lavatory faucet) WHEW!

Replacement of the drain assembly does not require removal of the drain piping itself.


The kits are sold at all plumbing supply houses, and the connection will be watertight when it is complete.

Dunbar plumber: When you say "Replacement of the drain assembly does not require removal of the drain piping itself" does that mean the drain assembly can be replaced from the top? I sure hope so. Underneath there is virtually no access with the joist and heating duct in the way.

Thanks...I have never done this repair before...

They make drain assemblies for showers that consist of the same assembly as a basket strainer on a kitchen sink.


The key is to remove the inner threaded ring inside this basket that compresses the rubber ring, and from underneath, either snap the ring or slowly unwind it off the basket.


The drain pipe stays where it is, with no removal of the drain piping.


I will say that this is a job that takes some skill. Not exactly an easy job.