Sprung a leak? If your garbage disposal is leaking, it’s important to fix that as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’ll tell you how to know if your garbage disposal is leaking, possible causes and of course, ways to fix it. Show
You’ll also learn ways to prevent future leaks. That way, you can ensure you have the best functioning garbage disposal possible. How to Fix Leaking Garbage Disposal (Summary)
Signs That Your Garbage Disposal Is LeakingIt’s important to know the signs of a leaky garbage disposal. Unfortunately, if you don’t notice the leaks early on, the issues may be beyond repair by the time you do notice. Here are some signs that your garbage disposal is leaking:
You should also listen out for leaks. Sometimes you can hear dripping sounds which indicates there’s a bigger issue at hand. Reasons for Garbage Disposal LeakingIf you’ve found a leak in your garbage disposal, knowing the cause can help you to fix it and prevent it from happening again. Here are the main reasons your garbage disposal might have sprung a leak. Worn GasketsWorn gaskets may be the cause. If your leak is on the side, where the disposal meets the waste drain pipe, it’s likely that the rubber gasket inside the pipe is worn down. You could also check the gasket between the flange and the rubber seal. It may only start as a little drip of water, so we recommend checking this frequently, before the problem gets worse. Leaky Sink FlangeYou’ll find your sink flange at the top of the garbage disposal unit (but still underneath the sink). It’s where the disposal meets the sink. If there are leaks from this spot, it might be from loosened putty or screws. Dishwasher Connection IssuesDid you find a leak at the connection between the dishwasher hose and the disposal’s dishwasher inlet? This is usually on the side of the disposer. It could be a dishwasher connection issue. The metal clamps could be loose, or there’s a crack or issue with the hose itself. Loose Drain LinesIf you have loose drain lines, you’ll notice drips or leaks from the drains. There could be a loose connection, or cracks in the drains, which is common over time. Check the spots where the garbage disposal meets the drain lines, for leaks too. Split BodyIf your garbage disposal itself is leaking, check for splits or cracks on the unit. These can occur from other leaks, knocks, bumps or accidents within the unit. Loose Seals or PipesCheck under your sink for loose seals or pipes. If there are leaky spots, or drips, from seals or pipes, it might just be that they’re a bit loose. This is common in overcrowded cupboards, as somebody might have bumped or nudged the pipes. Discharge Pipe IssuesThe discharge pipe — located at the bottom of your unit — might be the issue. If your unit is leaking from the bottom, this could very well be the cause. Check the pipe itself for wear and tear. If that’s not the case, check for loose or damaged connections. Leaky Reset ButtonMost garbage disposals have a reset button at the bottom. If you have water leaking out of this area, it’s too complicated and costly to fix. Acknowledging that’s where the problem is, is the first step. But from then, it’s best to contact the manufacturer for a replacement (if it’s still under warranty) or buy a new unit. How to Fix Garbage Disposal LeakingNow that you know where your leak is, it’s time to fix the leaky location. Before you get started, we recommend putting a shallow container and towel down on the cupboard floor. This can collect any water so you don’t damage your cupboard interior or floors. Garbage Disposal Leaking From TopThis is most likely the sink flange. There could be an issue with the plumber’s putty or the screws. If your sink flange is screwed on, simply tighten or replace the screws. If it’s secured with plumber’s putty, here’s how to fix the issue:
Garbage Disposal Leaking From Reset ButtonThis commonly happens during the end of a garbage disposal’s life. If you’ve got an old garbage disposal, and this is the case, it’s time for a new one. You may still be covered by the warranty, so definitely check. If it’s a new garbage disposal, and there are leaks from the reset button, the warranty should cover a replacement. Garbage Disposal Leaking From Sink FlangeIf your garbage disposal is leaking from the sink flange, or the top of the unit, follow the steps from our “Garbage Disposal Leaking From Top” section. Garbage Disposal Leaking From Power CordIf you find leaks from the bottom of the garbage disposal where the power cord is located, turn off the power immediately as this could be a fire hazard. Check for cracks or splits on the unit. If there are some, contact the manufacturer and they should send you a replacement if the unit is still under warranty. If there is no evidence of wear and tear, then there may be an issue inside of the unit. Because this is a fire hazard, we recommend contacting a professional. Keep the power off in the meantime, and do not use your garbage disposal. Ultimately, if there are leaks coming from the power cord, then it might just be time for a new unit. Garbage Disposal Leaking From Weep HoleA weep hole is a small opening intended for water drainage. You may notice a little hole at the top of your garbage disposal unit. This isn’t actually a weep hole — this is a side drain that can be connected to your dishwasher. If you don’t have a dishwasher, you should add a section of hose here with a clamp and plug to keep water from leaking. However, you may also think you have a leak hole which appears as a tiny hole at the side. But this is likely water pressure that has created a burst in the drain pipes. To fix this, you should replace the drain pipes. Garbage Disposal Leaking From Side HoleGarbage disposals can leak from the side, where the dishwasher connects. To fix this issue, follow these steps:
The leak may be coming from the other side hole where the disposal meets the waste drain pipe. Follow these steps to fix this issue:
Garbage Disposal Leaking From Side PipeCheck all the screws on the side pipes. Tighten them and test for leaks. If you still have leaks, look for parts that look out of place or are worn down. You may need to replace pipes or connections. You could also use plumber’s putty to fix loose seals if it’s just a small drip. Keep in mind this is only a temporary fix. If the leak is coming from the discharge pipe, change the seal between the holding nut and the discharge pipe. How to Prevent Garbage Disposal LeakingNobody likes a leaky garbage disposal. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future.
No More LeaksMost leaks can be fixed by tightening up connections, replacing worn gaskets or getting new drain pipes. However, if your garbage disposal is leaking from the unit or from the reset button, it’s probably near the end of its life. Time for a new garbage disposal unit. If you’re looking for recommendations, check out our list of the best garbage disposals. To prevent further leaks, always read the manufacturer’s advice and use your disposal accordingly.
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