How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal
A leaking garbage disposal can create a stinky mess and cause expensive water damage to your home. Reproducing a leaky disposal quickly is important to prevent further damage and minimize inconvenience. Leaks around the sink flange often occur because of loose screws or old plumber’s putty. In most cases, you must consult a professional plumber to fix a leaking garbage disposal.
Identify the Source of Leak
One of the most important things you can do to help identify the source of leaky disposal is to run a simple test. Unplug your disposal and place a bucket or pan under it to catch any leaking water. Dry off the outside of the disposal and sink flange, then put a stopper in your sink drain and fill the basin with several inches of water.
If you have a light-colored rag handy, pour some dyed water over the disposal to quickly pinpoint the leak’s location. This can also help you determine whether the problem is caused by a faulty faucet, seal, or other minor issues that you may be able to address yourself. If not, a professional should be consulted to avoid extensive damage or expensive repairs.
Turn Off the Power to the Disposal
Before attempting to troubleshoot or repair water-leaking disposal, it is important to turn off the power to the unit. Doing so will prevent any accidental electric shock or injury. To cut off power, find the switch that controls the disposal unit and flip it to the “off” position.
Next, remove any plugs from the drain pipe opening in the sink basin and fill it with a few inches of water to determine where the garbage disposal leak is coming from. It is usual for a plumber’s putty to ooze out during this process; however, any excess should be wiped away.
Finally, loosen and tighten the disposal’s mounting bolts and screws. Doing so will ensure a secure fit between the sink flange and the disposal unit. Generally, this will stop the leak.
Tighten Mounting Bolts & Screws
Worn gaskets or loose mounting bolts can cause leaks from the sink flange. Start by making sure the flange is tight and loosening any loose bolts. Then, replace the sink flange gasket or plumber’s putty. If the plumber’s putty has dried out, reseal it with fresh putty.
If the leak persists, it may be time to consider replacing the disposal unit entirely. An inexpensive new disposal can last 5-10 years and prevent future problems. If you decide to replace the disposal, a professional installation is always best. This will ensure proper alignment of the disposal to the dishwasher drain pipes and help ensure that all internal seals are properly replaced and in good condition.
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Replace Worn or Damaged Gaskets
If your garbage disposal leaks at the flange that mounts it to the kitchen sink, the issue is likely with the sink flange gasket or the plumber’s putty that seals it. To repair this, remove the flange and either clean off the old plumber’s putty and apply new or replace it entirely.
Another common cause of disposal leaks is a clogged drain line. Clear out the clog by using a plunger or plumber’s snake to fix this. After clearing the clog, reassemble the disposal and tighten any loose parts or bolts. Test the disposal by running water through it to ensure no further leaks in the copper line. If the disposal still leaks, check and tighten all drain line connections. If this doesn’t work, it may be time to call a professional.
Check & Tighten Drain Connections
Before starting any repairs, it is essential to remember that a garbage disposal is extremely dangerous and should never be handled without the proper precautions. Unplugging the unit from its power source, either directly or via the circuit breaker that controls it, is also recommended to prevent the risk of electrical shock or injury.
Leaks from the bottom of garbage disposals are typically caused by internal damage to seals. In most cases, this issue is beyond repair, and it is best to install a new disposal.
A worn or damaged gasket commonly causes leaks from the disposal’s top rim. The rubber gasket is typically sealed with the plumber’s putty and secured to the disposal flange using bolts. If the putty deteriorates or the bolts loosen, it can create an imperfect seal that leads to leaks.
Inspect & Repair Sink Flange
A metal sink flange creates a watertight seal with the drain in your sink. The flange is usually sealed with the plumber’s putty (a clay-like substance) and secured under the sink with bolts. If the putty deteriorates or the bolts loosen, water could leak from the gap between the sink flange and the disposal unit.
Leaks from the bottom of garbage disposal usually indicate that internal seals have worn out and must be replaced. These are more serious than external leaks and often require replacing the entire disposal unit. To prevent this from happening, run cold water through the sink drain and garbage disposal after each use. Also, grinding hard items that could damage or dislodge the internal seals should be avoided.
Examine & Replace Disposal Unit
If the garbage disposal leak is caused by damage or a broken internal seal in the disposal unit, it’s unlikely to be repairable. In this case, it’s best to purchase a new disposal unit.
To prepare the disposal for removal, put a few paint cans, scrap wood, or a stack of phone books under it to support it once you remove the flange from the sink. It’s also a good idea to put on rubber gloves before working with a garbage disposal, as the sharp blades can be dangerous.
Before disconnecting the unit, pour a few cups of dyed water into your sink drain to help spot leak points when the disposal is removed. After you finish, test the disposal to ensure it doesn’t leak elsewhere.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky garbage disposal involves identifying the leak’s source, tightening mounting bolts, and replacing worn or damaged gaskets. Regular maintenance for the plumbing system, such as running cold water and avoiding grinding hard items, can help prevent future leaks. If repairs are beyond your skill set or the leak persists, consulting a professional plumber is advisable to avoid extensive damage and ensure proper installation.
Best Garbage Disposal Repair by Tommie’s Plumbing
At Tommie’s Plumbing, we understand the importance of well-installed garbage disposal. With our expertise and dedication to quality service, we offer various services, including water heater installation, tankless water heaters, sewer and drain cleaning, assistance with high water bills, and fixing high water pressure issues. Contact Tommie’s Plumbing today for reliable solutions tailored to your needs.
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We at Tommie’s Plumbing, only use the best quality materials and tools. With high-profile tools, our plumbers are able to identify the cause behind a copper line issue and address it with proper care.
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Having years of experience in the plumbing industry plays a vital role in our expertise. Since all our plumbers have been plumbing for years, they are able to deliver promising plumbing services efficiently.
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Tommie’s Plumbing focuses on fulfilling our customer’s plumbing needs. No matter what the issue is, you can sit back and let the professionals conduct a satisfying plumbing job. Trust in Tommie’s Plumbing for promising plumbing services.
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Tommie’s Plumbing has been providing the residents of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Morristown, TN with fast, reliable, affordable plumbing services.
Tommie’s Plumbing has been providing the residents of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Morristown, TN with fast, reliable, affordable plumbing services.
Tommie’s Plumbing has been providing the residents of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Morristown, TN with fast, reliable, affordable plumbing services.
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