Tub Overflow Leak

[randomsd]

I'm looking to remedy a leak I have a in the overflow portion of my tub. Most of the water damage (image attached) from below came after a bath and prior owner, so now we only use the tub for showers. The most similar setup I've found is the Watco Innovator (image attached) online. It requires a washer behind the tub, star nut, and cover. Water gets between the star nut and tub. If i tighten the star nut too tight, I can no longer fit the cover. I think that would mean that the washer behind the tub is worn out. I do not have access to the plumbing to replace that washer.

Is there anything i could do to remedy this, without access to the back? I think even if I did cut open drywall for an access hole, getting a washer back around might damage more plumbing due to having to pull the pipe back out of the tub.

Could i just tighten the star nut and ditch the cover, which is not aesthetically pleasing? Add a rubber washer between the tub and star?

Any general advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Geofd]

Normally on a tub overflow the washer you show is thicker on one side to make up for the slant on the tub, I think I would try 2 things, silicone caulking on the face of the foam gasket facing the tub then a little more
Under the black nut, after fastening the chrome cover you could put a bead of silicone around the chrome cover
The 2nd would be plumbers puddy
Except for the chrome cover silicone there
Might not be a bad idea to open the ceiling it's wet anyway you could see up there so you could test before you start,
Then after things dry(silicone).

 

[GReynolds929]

Need a new foam gasket. The pipe should have enough flex to remove and replace.

 

[randomsd]

Need a new foam gasket. The pipe should have enough flex to remove and replace.

Thanks for the response. It really doesn't feel like there is enough flex to push the pipe all the way back, if that's what you mean. I'd be worried to cause damage to the other portions of pipe connected to it, like the drain.

 

[randomsd]

Normally on a tub overflow the washer you show is thicker on one side to make up for the slant on the tub, I think I would try 2 things, silicone caulking on the face of the foam gasket facing the tub then a little more
Under the black nut, after fastening the chrome cover you could put a bead of silicone around the chrome cover
The 2nd would be plumbers puddy
Except for the chrome cover silicone there
Might not be a bad idea to open the ceiling it's wet anyway you could see up there so you could test before you start,
Then after things dry(silicone).

Thanks for your response. I might go down the silicone route unless I get other suggestions. I'm not trying to get this tub bath ready. I'm just trying prevent residual water from leaking out during showers.