There’s arguably no kitchen appliance that works harder than your garbage disposal. It’s also an appliance that we all seem to take for granted. It rests under the sink out of sight and we expect it to do its thing when we flick the “on” switch. Here’s a look at how to fix a leaking garbage disposal:
To fix a leaking garbage disposal, first locate the source of the leak, which can be at the top where it meets the sink, on the side where the dishwasher hose connects, or from the bottom of the unit. Leaks from the top often require resealing with plumber's putty and tightening the flange. Side leaks can be resolved by tightening drain hoses or replacing a worn gasket. If the leak is from the bottom, indicating internal issues, replacing the unit, which typically lasts about 15 years, is often the most effective solution.
Like all appliances, however, wear and tear can catch up to garbage disposals too. One of the tell-tale signs of a garbage disposal issue is it leaking. Because of the threat of water damage and mold growth, it’s important to immediately address a leaking garbage disposal. You should refrain from using the appliance until it is repaired or replaced, and place a bucket or towel underneath it to collect any water. Then, the troubleshooting can begin.
Fixing a Leaking Garbage Disposal: What to Look For
How do you locate a garbage disposal leak?
Leaks are likely to originate from three places: at the top where the disposal meets the sink, on the side where the dishwasher hose connects to it and from the bottom of the unit. Before you get too involved in attempting to resolve the leak, make sure you can identify where it’s coming from. Grab a flashlight, run some water and check things out underneath the sink. You should be able to determine the source fairly quickly.
How do you reseal a leaking garbage disposal?
To reseal a leaking garbage disposal, you'll likely need to reapply plumber’s putty to the space where the unit meets the sink and then tighten the flange back into place. Plumber’s putty can fail over time, causing problems to the water-tight seal that’s necessary to prevent leakage. Resealing often includes detaching the disposal, which can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll then need to remove the old plumber’s putty and apply fresh, new putty before reattaching it.
How do you tighten drain hoses to fix a garbage disposal leak?
If the disposal is leaking from the side, then it’s likely going to be a rather simple fix. Simply start by just tightening the metal clamp on the drain hoses that run to and from the disposal. If the leak is on the side with the waste pipe, you may need to replace a worn gasket.
When should you replace a leaking garbage disposal?
Disposals last about 15 years, so you’ll likely be replacing the unit several times in your lifetime. If the disposal is leaking from the bottom, it’s usually indicative of internal problems, such as worn out seals. In this case, replacement is easier and cheaper than attempting to repair the issue. While you may be equipped to replace the disposal yourself, hiring a professional plumber can ensure that installation is correctly performed so you can ensure it’s working properly.
Contact Fix and Flow Plumbing Today
For more information on how to fix a leaking garbage disposal, contact Fix and Flow Plumbing today. We’re standing by and ready to troubleshoot any garbage disposal issues and perform new unit installations when warranted. Contact us today for more information.