You reach under the sink to grab a bottle of dish detergent and find a disconcerting puddle at the bottom of the cabinet. This doesn’t look good. You run the tap, check the P trap, and look at all the connections with a flashlight. You finally discover the leak is coming from the most unexpected place and wonder, “Why is my garbage disposal leaking?”
Even the most scrupulous home care schedule may not prevent your garbage disposal from leaking. The cause depends on where the water is coming from when it begins to leak.
Garbage Disposal Leaking From Top
If your garbage disposal is leaking at the top, it’s likely the sink flange has failed. The sink flange connects your garbage disposal to the drain. It’s commonly a round metal device, a type of collar, that has rubber flaps to direct waste into the drain. It also helps keep it from coming back up again when the disposal is turned on.
Primarily, it works as a mounting bracket to keep the disposal in position.
If your disposal is leaking from the top, check the sink flange. Check to ensure it’s sealed properly. If not, you’ll have to reseal it to resolve the leak.
Detach the garbage disposal by loosening the screws in the clamp that secures the hose for the dishwasher. Detach the drainpipe and dishwasher hose.
Then, loosen the screws that holds the disposal to the mounting assembly under your sink. Carefully remove the garbage disposal and place aside. Remove the mounting assembly by loosening the bolts and remove the assembly.
Remove the sink flange from the sink by lifting it up. Scrape off any deteriorated plumber’s putty on the top of the flange and clean thoroughly.
Next, you’ll need to apply another layer of plumber’s putty. Grab a small amount, about the size of two quarters, and roll them into a rope about 1/4-inch wide and long enough to go around the flange.
Wrap the putty rope around the top of the flange and then replace the flange into the sink, making sure it’s fitted tightly.
Reinstall the mounting assembly and ring under the sink, securely tightening the bolts. Reattach your garbage disposal, and next the drainpipe, and then the dishwasher hose.
Garbage Disposal Leaking From Side
Loose drain lines cause your disposal to leak from the side. Two drain lines connect to the disposal. One allows your dishwasher to drain into the disposal, and the other drains into the sewer line.
Normally, these are well-connected to your garbage disposal with the use of clamps. However, sometimes vibration from the disposal loosens them and causes a leak. If the leak seems to be coming from the dishwasher hose, tighten the screws on the clamps holding this line in place.
If the leak is coming from the waste drainpipe, check the rubber gasket in the pipe to ensure it’s not degraded before tightening the clamp.
Garbage Disposal Leaking From Bottom
If your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, it’s time to purchase a new one. This usually means that internal seals have corroded and are causing the leak. Disposals are meant to last about 5 to 10 years and broken seals mean replacement is imminent.
When interior seals are deteriorated, the garbage disposal often leaks from the reset button. Alternatively, the casing for the disposal can become cracked by hard blows when other plumbing work is performed nearby.
While you can have these repaired, replacing your disposal is usually the most cost-effective option.
Some Garbage Disposal FAQs
If your garbage disposal is leaking, you may have a few questions about this handy kitchen feature:
1. How much does it cost to repair a garbage disposal?
The cost to repair a broken garbage disposal can run between $70 to $400, depending on where you live and the repairs required. The cost of a new unit runs as low as $50 to $100, without installation. So, purchasing a new one is often more cost-effective.
2. Is it better to repair or replace a leaking garbage disposal?
Garbage disposals have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Considering the cost of repair vs. the purchase of a new model, if yours is over 10 years old, replacing it is the better option.
3. Can I fix my leaking garbage disposal myself?
Depending on the location of the leak, you can often fix a leaking garbage disposal yourself. If it’s leaking from the top or sides, it’s an easy fix. If it’s leaking from the bottom, the unit may be too worn out to repair.
Not comfortable working with the plumbing yourself? Make an appointment today with the plumbing experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Port St. Lucie. We’ll repair or replace your leaking garbage disposal quickly, with professional results.