Garbage disposals are a great convenience in modern kitchens. But they can be a big headache when they start leaking. Make sure your sink does not have a clogged issue. For blocked drains in Geelong, make sure you get those fixed before trying to fix or change a garbage disposal.
Leaks can occur in several places, including the flange that connects the unit to the sink drain and the dishwasher drain connection. These connections are usually secured with metal clamps and seals, which can become loose over time.
Damage to the Sink
It doesn’t take long for the first wet spots under a faulty disposal to turn into a flooded kitchen. Once the water and musty odor start seeping in, you need to act fast to clean, sanitize and dry everything that’s been affected.
Garbage disposals typically live underneath the sink, where they’re frequently bumped and jostled by items stored under there. This can cause the pipes to shift enough to make connections loosen, causing leaks to spring up.
In most cases, a leaking garbage disposal is caused by the flange gasket or seal that connects the unit to the sink drain. The seal is usually made of plumber’s putty, which can deteriorate over time. Check that all the retaining bolts are tight and force new putty into any gap where it is missing. This will fix the problem for most disposals. If it’s still leaking, you may need to replace the flange or the unit itself.
Damage to the Floor
A leaking garbage disposal can create puddles and dampness under your sink. These puddles and dampness can damage your kitchen cabinets and floors. It can also lead to mold growth. It is important to fix a leaky disposal quickly to prevent further water damage.
Before attempting any repairs, unplug your garbage disposal and turn off the power at the breaker box. Then, put a bucket under the disposal to catch the drips. If you have trouble finding the source of a leak, try adding food coloring to a cup of water and pouring it around the drain. This will help you locate the leak.
Leaks from the top of the disposal can be caused by a corroded flange gasket. A plumber can replace this gasket and tighten the flange bolts. A leak from the side can be fixed by checking the dishwasher or waste line hose gaskets and tightening them as needed. A leaking bottom usually indicates that the internal seals have worn out and needs replacing. A new disposal is generally the best option at this point.
Damage to the Cabinets
The garbage disposal is typically located inside of your kitchen sink cabinet. If it leaks, the cabinet and sink will need to be repaired. If the leak is a slow one that goes unnoticed for some time, the cabinets could rot and need to be replaced. This is a job for a professional.
Thankfully, fixing a garbage disposal leak is fairly easy. However, before you
attempt to fix it, make sure you turn off the power and water supply to your disposal unit. You should also put a bucket or bowl under the disposal to catch any leaks or debris that might come out during the repair.
Leaks around the flange connecting the disposal to the sink drain are often caused by old plumber’s putty that needs to be removed and re-sealed. Similarly, leaks from the bottom of the disposal are usually due to cracked internal seals. Use your hands to feel around the disposal for moisture and a musty smell to identify where the problem is coming from.
Damage to the Plumbing
The garbage disposal is a great convenience but it can also cause major plumbing problems in your kitchen. Fats, oils, and other foods can clog your drain and pipes, especially if they build up over time. In addition, putting things like corn husks or bones into the unit can damage it and cause it to leak.
To prevent these issues, take the time to learn what can go wrong with your garbage disposal and how to fix it. The first step is always to turn off the power and unplug the unit. Next, put a bucket or bag underneath to catch any leaking water. Finally, mix a few drops of food coloring into a cup of water and pour it down the sink drain to find out where the leak is coming from.
A leak from the top can usually be fixed by tightening or resealing the flange that connects to the sink drain. If a leak is found near the dishwasher or waste line hoses, it may be a result of a loose connection or failed gasket.
