Garbage disposals might just be a modern marvel. The appliance eliminates slimy food remnants after you rinse your dishes and place them in the dishwasher. At some point, however, you may find yourself facing an unexpected mess in the cabinet beneath and suddenly asking, “Why is my garbage disposal leaking underneath?”
Read Grasshopper Heating & Cooling’s diagnostic guide on how to fix a leaking garbage disposal unit. It takes more than some plumber’s putty to plug that leak, so be sure to keep the team’s number on speed dial.
What Causes a Leaking Garbage Disposal?
A garbage disposal unit might leak because of the following circumstances:
- Regular use: Garbage disposal leaks happen more frequently as the disposal ages. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll replace that old disposal.
- Too much garbage: Rinsing too much or excessively large portions down the sink drain might clog and build water pressure. Eventually, the pipes will spring a leak.
- Inappropriate food waste going down the sink: Things like coffee grounds and apple cores wreak havoc on the disposal machinery. It’s best to avoid them.
Homeowners who aren’t sure how to safely navigate garbage disposal problems don’t have to worry. Plumbers like Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can check that the unit is connected properly to the kitchen sink drain and flush clogs to prevent garbage disposal leakage.
How to Find Leaks on Garbage Disposals
“Why is my garbage disposal leaking underneath?”
You can often pinpoint the problem area on a leaking garbage disposal unit if you run cold water from your sink into the sink drain. Open the cabinets and watch the water leaking from the exposed plumbing. Put a bucket beneath the sink to catch the running water.
Where does the leak come from? The average garbage disposal unit is cylindrical with a cone-like tapered top. It should be connected or adjacent to the sink plumbing. Identify whether the disposal leak drips from the top, side, or bottom of the appliance. Then, read below to learn how a trained plumber might fix a leaking garbage disposal unit.
Leaks at the Top Might Be the Sink Flange
The sink flange is the metal mounting ring that connects the sink with the disposal. Many homeowners find their flange to blame for the leak.
Check for loose metal connections and tighten or re-attach them to solve this problem. You might also discover cracks across the disposal casing, allowing water to seep through the structure.
Leaks on the Side Are Because of Loose Drain Lines
Typically, the garbage disposal drain pipe connects to the dishwasher drain pipe. That dishwasher hose connection empties food remnants into the garbage disposal drain. Then, the waste collection travels to the sewage system through a second drain pipe.
The existing drain line connecting the unit, dishwasher hose, and sewage drain has a metal clamp on each connection to secure the pipe materials. Is that clamp secure? Professionals will inspect these drain pipe lengths for holes or cracks that might cause a leak, too.
Leaks From the Bottom Are Because of Damaged Seals
If the garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, it might be because one of the internal seals or the rubber gasket has loosened or broken. A broken seal allows water to escape from the bottom-most portion of the unit.
A plumber from the team at Grasshopper might replace that internal seal or fix it with some plumber’s putty. However, you’re usually better off having the whole disposal replaced.
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking Underneath? Other Reasons for a Failing or Leaky Garbage Disposal
Leaks aren’t the only issues that arise in garbage disposals. For instance, the mounting assembly can slowly loosen, masking a garbage disposal leak and other problems. The reset button may also get stuck, cutting power to the garbage disposal.
In any situation that involves power, like a reset button or breaker box, it’s best to leave repairs to the professionals. Otherwise, you could risk electrical shock and other injuries. For safety reasons, get a skilled plumber like Grasshopper Heating & Cooling to repair things and help you prevent future leaks.
Call Grasshopper Heating & Cooling to Fix It!
“Why is my garbage disposal leaking underneath?” Why not contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling for answers and relax knowing you have all the professional disposal unit service you need? We can replace parts, put in your new garbage disposal installation, or issue garbage disposal repairs to ensure it can run efficiently.
Whether you need professional help with a garbage disposal flange, unresponsive reset switch, or clogged drain lines, call 518-545-3271 to schedule your plumbing service with us!
