We discovered a leak in our tub after the ceiling came down in the living room.
It is leaking where the water turns on. We took off the part that turns the water off and on. There is a black plastic ring around the spout it in the way but we can't seem to get it out. Is it okay to take it out? The leak is just about where the pipe has been welding in place

"It is leaking where the water turns on.?"
Do you mean the shut off valves or the faucet itself?

"We took off the part that turns the water off and on."
And what part would that be? The stem?

"There is a black plastic ring around the spout"
Around the base next to the wall? Where is this "black plastic ring"?

"The leak is just about where the pipe has been welding in place"
Lots of pipes, lots of joints, please be a little more explicate.

In other words you have provided us with no details to go on. Please post back and tell us more. Regards, Tom

Thank you Tom, while I was at work, my husband, called in a plumber. It cost 290.00 to rebuild the faucet. For that we have a faucet that works, but its crooked or cock eyed. But it seems to have stopped the leak. Now all we have to do is replace the ceiling downstairs. Thanks anyway, sure do appreciate that you're here.