You're doing the dishes after dinner, and when you open the cabinet under your sink to get something you see it - Your garbage disposal is leaking.
A garbage disposal leaking from the bottom is a common problem that plagues many homeowners. There are several reasons why this could be happening with your garbage disposal, but most of them have to do with care and maintenance of the garbage disposal unit itself.
This article will cover some of these common causes as well as some things you can do about them on your own. However, if none of those options work or if nothing seems to be making it better, then it may be time to call a plumbing professional - especially if there is any flooding occurring underneath your kitchen sink area.
How to Locate a Garbage Disposal Leak
Kitchen garbage disposals are powerful tools that help you get rid of your garbage in a quick and efficient way. But sometimes garbage disposals start to leak around the seams, which can be annoying. Luckily there are some easy ways to track down the source of the leak by following these simple steps:
1) Locate the garbage disposal unit inside your sink cabinet.
2) If you see water leaking out at any point underneath the sink, then look for a rubber gasket around its seam. Check if it's missing or damaged, in which case it will need to be replaced by a new one.
3) Inspect all pipes and drain lines appearing beneath your sink or garbage disposal unit. Check if any valves or rubber gaskets are damaged. Also check if the piping is not kinked or clogged with garbage that can drain and cause a leak.
NOTE: If the garbage disposal seems to be leaking from top then you need to find out what's wrong with your garbage disposal because it could be dangerous for your household later on.
Now let's explore what specific leaks at different points of your garbage disposal mean, and determine when you should call for professional garbage disposal repair service from a trained plumber.
Leak at the sink flange
Make sure that all pieces are properly in place where they attach together. Ensure that both the garbage disposal and the garbage disposal drain hose are connected to either sink. If you are using a garbage disposal with your dishwasher, make sure the dishwasher drain pipe is connected properly. There should be no wiggle room between where anything connects.
If all of these areas are securely connected and fastened together, then it may be something else causing the leaky garbage disposal - for example, if there is too much garbage in the garbage disposal or garbage disposal main drain line, the water will not run efficiently through it - this could cause a leak at any point along its length. It could also cause your garbage disposal unit to get clogged.
Leak at the dishwasher hose
Garbage disposals are typically connected directly beneath the kitchen sink into an existing drain line. Garbage disposal drains are usually attached to the garbage disposal unit via a flexible hose. It is best if this hose attaches into your dishwasher drain line, but it can connect to other types of garbage disposals as well - just not directly into your sink drain .
If you find that the garbage disposal leaks at the hose connection for any reason (e.g., age or wear and tear) then you could try replacing the hose before attempting anything else. If the garbage disposal was installed prior even before you moved in, it may be time for professional plumbing installation.
If none of these options work, then it's possible that there is debris lodged inside of the garbage disposal or garbage disposal drain .
Leak from the reset button
Garbage disposal units have a reset button on them usually, usually located at the garbage disposal flange. This button is designed to stop the garbage disposal unit if it starts to vibrate or make noise unexpectedly (such as when something gets stuck in it and the garbage disposal tries to turn itself on). This leak can happen from either edge of this button if debris has lodged under it and water is now leaking out from there.
It's best to avoid using your garbage disposal or garbage disposal drain for anything that could potentially cause jamming (even with things like eggshells, coffee grounds, etc.) It is also important not to try and use too much force with garbage disposals - garbage disposals are designed for easy operation; you should not have to force garbage down the garbage disposal drain.
A broken seal inside of the unit
The garbage disposal unit is sealed into place at the garbage flange by a rubber gasket. This gasket will wear over time and may need replacement work done to it, especially if you notice that there is any leaking coming from there. If this happens, then you could either try replacing this internal seal yourself or hire a professional for installation and repair help.
Cracks on body or faulty
You can look for cracks in your garbage disposal unit. When garbage disposals leak from the bottom, it's usually because there has been damage done to it - either through regular use over time or due to an impact. If this is the case, then it's best to look into garbage disposal installation and repair for help before anything gets worse.
Other Garbage Disposal Tips to Remember
Before you do anything with your garbage disposal itself, shut off power to the unit at the breaker box to avoid electrical shock. Make sure that there isn't any garbage or debris where it connects to your sink or garbage disposal drain. It's also important not to overload these areas - garbage disposals are designed to work with minimal amounts of actual garbage (e.g., eggshells, coffee grounds, fruit pits, etc.).
Lastly, if all of these areas checked out and your garbage disposal still keeps leaking from underneath your kitchen sink, then it may be time to replace your garbage disposal completely. If you are looking for help with installation or repair services, make sure to call a professional garbage disposal company in order to get any garbage disposal problems fixed!
New Garbage Disposal Installation from ARS/Rescue Rooter
If your leak has progressed to a broken disposal and you are unsure what causes one to stop functioning, ARS/Rescue Rooter can assist. We can replace your existing leaking garbage disposal and also help determine whether any additional plumbing issues are contributing to your garbage disposal's malfunction, such as a clogged drain.
To get started, find your nearest ARS/Rescue Rooter location here or call 866-399-2885 to book a plumbing repair appointment today.
