We recently had a plumber remove a clog from our sewage drain. We then used a root killer which was causing the clog, which took care of the problem.

NOW the tub leaks from the bottom where it meets the floor. Could the fact that my husband used the plunger on it (quite hard I might add) have broken the drain line? If so, HOW do we fix it?

Any advice is helpful, as I am tired of mopping up water.

Sharon Schmidt
Warner Robins, GA

 

It's possible, but not too likely, that the drain pipes were loosened by plunging.
The more likely problem is probably the old plumber's putty under the lip of the drain.
A. Heat the drain in the bottom of the tub with a hair dryer on High to soften the old plumber's putty.
B. Stick the handles of a pair of channel-lock pliers down into the drain crosspieces, and use a screw driver in the channel-lock teeth for leverage to turn it out counter-clockwise. Try NOT to break the crosspieces, or you'll have to replace the drain in order to be able to tighten it back down.
C. Clean out the old putty, roll a roll of fresh putty about the size of a pencil in your hands, and wrap it around the drain hole depression in the bottom of the tub.
D. Tighten the drain lip down on the new putty, and wipe off the excess.
If that doesn't stop the leak, THEN you need to go to the drain pipes. If we can help you, just come back on this same thread and ask.
Good Luck!
Mike