Tub Waste and Overflow unit
It's really quite amazing that the only thing that seals over 100 lbs. of water (about 12 gallons) is 2 little
gaskets. The tub waste and overflow assembly attaches from the top of the tub to the bottom by way of pipes that
eventually go to a trap (not shown here) and out to the main drain. After a period of time, say 15 years or so the gaskets
will rot out so that they will no longer create a good seal. It is then time to replace the gaskets or if the whole unit is corroded by then
you will need to replace the complete unit. If you are really on top of your maintenance and you have an access
panel behind or to the side of this area you can check to see if it is high and dry behind there and if it is not, you
can then decide whether these gaskets can be changed. Usually if there is no corrosion on the pipes the plumber
can just change the gaskets. Bear in mind there are big differences in the thickness of these pipes depending on
the maker.
