Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Leaking shower drain

I have a fiberglass shower and water is leaking down between the drain and the fibergless floor, where it is set. I was able to trace the leak to this spot, due to the water dripping from the ceiling below. I opened up the ceiling and noticed that the plumbers putty was crumbling away. The rubber gasket and threaded ring seem to be intact. The whole assembly is PVC. My question to the experts is can I replace the plumbers putty and reset the drain without having to remove it, or will I have to cut the pipe, buy a new drain and reconnect it? It is glued in to the pipe, so I can't pull it out. Any help would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.

Sparkeyj

sparkeyj, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
You can try loosening the nut as far as it will go and then check to see if you have enough "play" to push the line up. Do not put too much pressure on it or it may break the pipe. If you can push it up 1/4" you can push plumbers putty under the flange and then retighten the nut. Try to get a screwdriver with a rag on the end, under the flange to clean out the old putty. Otherwise, its a cut job. Good luck.

Dear Majakdragon,

Thanks for the advice. I was able to lift the pipe a little bit, enabling me to clean out the old putty. I then cleaned the area with alcohol, repacked it with new plumbers putty, put the rubber gasket back up and tightened the nut. It seems to be working and I don't have any doubt it will continue to do so for many years to come. Thanks again for the advice and now I know where to come for answers to any problems that may arise.

Sparkeyj