Advice on refitting shower trap

[RyanM]

Hi folks. I thought I would be smart and remove the top part of the shower trap (I'm assuming it's called that) in order to give it a clean.

In taking the top part of, most of the sealant below came off with it. I put a bit of kitchen towel inside the trap to soak up some of the water and it dropped down further towards the floor below the tray. I barely touched the trap but now I'm worried I've messed something up as there's a bit of give in the trap. You'll notice the black seal. I expected this to be sitting flush and tight with the underside of the tray. Is it normal to be like this?

When I tried to reconnect the top part of the trap, it kept moving on me and I'm worried it's not connected properly - certainly not water tight. I know I'll probably have to seal it too but not even sure where to seal it and what sealant to use.

sorry for rambling on - We had a leak from the precious tray and ended up with a long weekend of sealing and repainting the ceiling below so I wanted to double check this with a professional. Plumbing scares the life out of me. More so than the wife - who will definitely be gunning for me if there's another leak. Thank you for any help. It would be much appreciated.

Top part of the trap that I unscrewed:



Trap with top part removed:



Videos showing movement of trap below:

 

[Aquarius]

Dry off the top part of the tray, and the underside of the top part of trap. Position the thread and trying not to move the rubber seal attempt to screw threaded part of topper into lower half of trap. Once you feel this starting to come together, apply a neutral cure silicone sealant to tray where it connects, and carry on tightening. Once satisfied, wipe off excess sealant with a damp cloth.

 

[RyanM]

Dry off the top part of the tray, and the underside of the top part of trap. Position the thread and trying not to move the rubber seal attempt to screw threaded part of topper into lower half of trap. Once you feel this starting to come together, apply a neutral cure silicone sealant to tray where it connects, and carry on tightening. Once satisfied, wipe off excess sealant with a damp cloth.

Thank you m8. I appreciate that. I'm going to take a run out and get some plumbers gold. Getting the seal to line up might be tricky enough but I'll give it a shot.

 

[exedon2]

I always use a stiff piece of wire hooked into outlet to hold it firmly in place while starting thread . Stainless steel wall tie ideal but any bit of stiff wire will do.

 

[Aquarius]

I always use a stiff piece of wire hooked into outlet to hold it firmly in place while starting thread . Stainless steel wall tie ideal but any bit of stiff wire will do.

A Great tip, thanks.