Leaking Garbage Disposal? Here’s What to Do.

A leaking garbage disposal can damage the base of your kitchen cabinets and your kitchen floor. A slow leak that might at first go unnoticed can lead to mold growth and ruin your much-loved wood flooring.

You can put a bucket under your leaking garbage disposal to temporarily stop the damage from escalating, but it’s best to repair the problem as soon as possible, before it gets worse.

What could be causing the leak?

Hopefully it’s the Top Flange

First, find out where the disposal is leaking. Is the water coming from the top? It could be that the connection with the sink is loose or worn out. The flange is what connects and seals the disposal and the sink’s drain, and this could degrade over time. Sometimes just a simple flange replacement or additional plumber’s putty is enough to remedy the issue.

This is a common reason for a leaking garbage disposal, and it’s also the cheapest and easiest to fix.

Check the Discharge Pipe and Dishwasher Connection

The disposal could have sprung a leak in two other potential areas: the sewer disposal line or the dishwasher connection. These drainage lines usually clamp in place, but sometimes they’re also connected with either a seal or flange. Just like the sink drain flange, they can weaken over time and may need to be tightened, resealed or replaced.

Leaking from the Bottom? Time to Replace.

A garbage disposal is made up of many different parts, including inner seals that are integral to its performance. If you see that water is leaking out of the bottom of the disposal, this means some of those inner seals have worn out.

If you see cracks on the sides of the disposal, this means it’s past its useful life. In both scenarios, you need a new disposal.

Safety First!

Whatever you do, never put your hands inside of the garbage disposal, even if it’s turned off. The metal blades can cause serious injuries.

If you are attempting to repair the problem on your own, make sure you shut it off at the breaker before disconnecting it.

Better yet, call My Buddy the Plumber when you have a leaking garbage disposal. Our experienced team will take care of the problem for you. We’ll diagnose the issue, make recommendations, provide a free quote, then provide expert repair. Give us a ring today!