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The kitchen in a home is its heart, and a fully functioning garbage disposal makes a significant contribution to the kitchen’s cleanliness. But what do you do when your garbage disposal starts leaking? Suddenly, you find yourself in a situation where you have to deal with a dirty, smelly, and potentially clogged sink.
The leaks from your disposal unit can be small or an indicator of more significant problems. Understanding the causes of a leaking garbage disposal, how to identify the source, and when to repair or replace it can save you time, money, and stress.
Magnificent Plumbing wants to provide you with the best information you can utilize to make the best decision. Below is a complete guide to help you handle a garbage disposal leaking problem and find out when it is the right time to repair or replace it.
Before repairing or replacing, let’s first look at the signs that indicate problems with the garbage disposal in your kitchen:
One of the most common indicators is the accumulation of water under the sink. Puddles, dampness, and even warped cabinet panels are strong indicators that water is leaking from the unit.
Odors emanating from the sink might indicate food particles rotting within the system. Dirty organic materials can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which in turn produce nasty smells.
Increased rattling or vibrating sounds coming from the garbage disposal suggest damage to internal components, which could create additional problems in the form of leaking. The unit requires further inspections to determine the extent of the repair work necessary.
Over time, the metal body of your garbage disposal can corrode because of moisture. If its outer shell has rust spots or bubbles, this may indicate the entire unit’s deterioration and potential leaks.
To determine whether your garbage disposal requires repair or complete replacement, you should first find out the leak’s source. Each leak location can have different causes and solutions.
If the leak is found just below the sink, then it could be caused because of a loose sink flange that has deteriorated over time. The sink flange is a metal ring that mounts the garbage disposal to the sink and is designed to hold the disposal in a secure position. Additionally, loose mounting bolts or old plumber’s putty can lead to this problem.
A kitchen waste disposal unit (garbage disposal) may also develop side leaks where the hose or drainpipe connects to the disposal. Over time, these parts loosen or become cracked and cause water to leak, especially when the disposal is in use.
When a kitchen waste disposal unit begins leaking from the bottom, it could indicate that the motor casing or the unit’s internal seals have failed. Usually, such leaks are irreparable and need a replacement.
Certain issues in a garbage disposal can be resolved without requiring the entire unit replacement. If you face any of the below instances, your garbage disposal needs a repair:
Leaks from hose fittings or mounting assemblies are common issues that can be resolved by tightening certain components. Such quick fixes are low-cost and do not require unit removal.
With time, gaskets located between disposals and sinks are susceptible to cracking or compressing. This gasket can be replaced, and doing so will stop leaks at the top of the unit.
In some cases, unit problems are not centered around the device but rather a clogged drainpipe. Clogs have the capability of forcing water, which can leak from joints or seams. Fixing the drainage can resolve the matter completely.
For units that appear unresponsive or are not grinding properly, the reset button located underneath the disposal should be checked. Pressing this button can usually restore the motor and prevent additional issues that might cause leaks.
Pro Tip: For safe inspection and repair of the garbage disposal, it is best to switch off the circuit breaker and disconnect the unit.
Repairing the leak on your garbage disposal could only be a temporary measure of an unavoidable issue. These are the scenarios where it would be a lot easier and safer to just replace the unit.
If the garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, the most likely explanation is that the internal seals have failed. These are not serviceable parts, and in this case, the only feasible solution is a replacement.
If there is visible rust on the exterior of your garbage disposal, it is likely that the insides are also corroding. Once rust starts damaging the casing, the stray water it contains will compromise the watertight seal. And continued use can lead to bigger plumbing issues.
If you have already spent money multiple times repairing the garbage disposal, then you understand that the cost of frequent service calls can become quite steep. Quite often, it is just more economical to replace the unit than to continually call for repairs.
A good rule of thumb is that disposals last between 8 to 12 years. If it is older than that and starts working erratically or leaking from the bottom, chances are that it is reaching the end of its lifespan. It is often more economical to upgrade to a newer model than to continually repair a malfunctioning unit.
Strange sounds, such as grinding or struggling even after pressing the reset button, indicate possible internal damage to the garbage disposal. At this stage, repairing may not be the right option.
When solving the current leaking issue with your garbage disposal, it is critical to apply measures to prevent future problems.
Some leaks in garbage disposals can be fixed with a wrench and a YouTube tutorial. Most, however, need a professional touch. A DIY fix without proper tools or knowledge often leads to severe plumbing damage.
From loose clamps to complete system overhauls, at Magnificent Plumbing, we’ve seen it all. Repair or replace? We will guide you through an honest evaluation of your situation.