Do you have a damp cabinet below your sink, or is a weird smell developing in your kitchen? Then, a leaking garbage disposal may be the culprit.
If you don’t fix the problem as soon as possible, it might cause smelly drains, bacteria to grow, and diseases to spread. It can also cause a blocked sink drain, especially if fats and grease have accumulated in your garbage disposal. Eventually, this will flood the kitchen, leaving you with a mess that ruins your day.
It’s crucial to know how to spot and repair leaks, so we’re here with some handy tips to help you sort out a leaky garbage disposal. These steps will guide you on fixing the leaks and avoiding potential drain blockages.
How To Fix A Leaking Garbage Disposal?
1. Identifying The Leak
First up, let’s find that leak! Start by clearing out everything you’ve got stored under the sink. If it’s damp, you’ve located your problem. Next, pinpoint where the water is seeping from, have a look at the sink drain, dishwasher hose, or any nearby lines.
If all these are fine, your garbage disposal needs to be checked. See if the rubber gasket at the seam is missing or loose. If it is, you must change it to a new one. Also, check if it leaks from the bottom or top, as the fix will differ. Identifying these are essential steps in fixing your garbage disposal leaks.
2. Fixing The Leak
For those who are handy and have the time, fixing your garbage disposal leaking can be a D.I.Y. project for the weekend. Doing that will save you some extra costs on professional help. Here are some ways to do that:
A. Leakage From The Side
Water can leak in garbage disposals from the sides as the connection to other drain lines (like the dishwasher drain pipe) becomes loose. To fix it, use a screwdriver to tighten the metal clamp or the drain pipe screws connecting them. You can also do this at the main drain line, or you may need to replace the worn gaskets
B. Leaking From The Top
Your garbage disposal unit can also leak from the top. In such a case, your sink flange or the putty around it will become worn out. However, you can fix it by removing the garbage disposal unit and the old garbage disposal flange or cleaning out the old plumber’s putty. Once completed, you can re-seal it with a new sink flange or plumber’s putty.
C. Leaking From The Bottom
Garbage disposals can also leak from the bottom. Such leaks happen when the internal seals of the garbage disposal unit get worn out, which can occur over time. For times like that, it is recommended that you replace it with a new garbage disposal. Fixing it would not be worth the time and cost without a warranty.
Installing a new garbage disposal can be tricky. Messing around with electrical wires isn’t just risky for your safety; there are rules and regs to follow! Avoid any worries by hiring a qualified plumber to do the installation right.
D. Final Checks
Once fixed, check if the leak persists before you use the disposal again. Doing this will help prevent further damage to your newly installed unit and help you understand if it has been installed incorrectly.
Start by drying the area with a clean cloth. Next, take out the sink drain and pour two to three cups of dyed water down the sink. Use a flashlight to check for leaks. If the coast is clear, feel free to switch it on and give it a go!
3. Hiring A Professional Plumber
If you’re not the DIY type, tackling a leaky garbage disposal can be a bit challenging. It often involves working with electrical wiring, making it risky. Plus, it might just be that time isn’t on your side. If you’ve tried and it still leaks, it’s wise to call in a professional plumber.
With experience, a plumbing professional can fix the leaking garbage disposal within hours, which might take the whole day if you try to D.I.Y. Therefore, it will save you time and allow you to be productive elsewhere. In addition, it will protect you from unnecessary injuries and accidents.
Some Preventive Measures For Future Leaks
There are some myths and misconceptions about how to manage your garbage disposal. One important thing to note is that garbage disposals need care so they do not leak and last long. And you can avoid such problems if you take some preventive measures. Keep track of the dos and don’ts of what to dispose of in your garbage disposal. You can also install a kitchen sink stopper to catch food waste.
In addition, ensure you keep the water running while you dispose of food waste in your sink. Occasionally inspect your garbage disposal system to catch and fix any issue that may become a hazard later. It would be best to always do this with other components, like the dishwasher drain line or the disposal dishwasher inlet.
Don’t Ignore Your Leaking Garbage Disposal
Plumbing problems like garbage disposal leaking are something we all face inevitably. Knowing how to fix them can save you money. However, knowing when to hire a professional plumber is crucial to avoiding injury. Remember, it is always best to call an experienced professional when dealing with your plumbing system.
Need a hand? Reach out to Fixed Today. Our team of licensed plumbers is ready to help, no matter the leak. With 24/7 emergency services, we’re here in Sydney for all your garbage disposal needs, repair, maintenance, or installation.
