How to Fix a Leaking Garbage Disposal

A leaking garbage disposal can be a frustrating and messy problem to deal with in your kitchen. Not only can it cause water damage, but it can also lead to unpleasant odours and the growth of mould and mildew.

Fortunately, you don't always need to call a plumber to fix a leaking garbage disposal. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can often tackle the issue yourself. This blog displays expert tips from plumber from the North Shore to identify, diagnose, and fix a leaking garbage disposal.

Step 1: Safety First

Before you begin any repair work, it's essential to ensure your safety. Here are some precautions to take:

• Turn off the power: The first thing that’s suggested by plumber from the North Shore is to locate the circuit breaker or the disposal's power switch under the sink and turn it off. This step is crucial to avoid accidental activation while working on the disposal.

• Disconnect the disposal: Unplug the disposal from the electrical outlet or, if it's hardwired, disconnect it from the power source. Double-check that there's no electricity flowing to the unit.

• Protect yourself: Wear safety gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, and consider using safety goggles for extra protection.

Step 2: Identify the Source of the Leak

To effectively fix a leaking garbage disposal, you need to pinpoint where the leak is coming from. Leaks can originate from various areas, including the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, the drain pipe, or the disposal unit itself.

Inspect the sink flange: This is the part of the disposal that connects to the bottom of your sink. Check for any visible cracks or gaps in the seal. If you find damage here, you may need to replace the sink flange.

Examine the dishwasher connection: If your dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal, inspect the hose and the connection points for any leaks. Tighten any loose fittings and replace damaged hoses.

Check the drain pipe connections: Inspect the connections between the disposal unit and the drain pipes. Look for any loose or damaged seals. Tighten connections or replace seals as needed.

Inspect the disposal unit itself: Carefully examine the disposal unit for cracks, rust, or other signs of damage. If you discover any, you may need to replace the entire unit.

Step 3: Fixing the Leak

Now that you've identified the source of the leak, let's move on to fixing it.Fixing a leaking sink flange:

• Loosen and remove the bolts securing the garbage disposal to the sink flange.

• Carefully lift the disposal unit off the sink flange.

• Scrape away any old plumber's putty from the sink flange and disposal unit.

• Apply a fresh layer of plumber's putty to the underside of the sink flange.

• Carefully place the disposal unit back onto the sink flange and tighten the bolts to secure it in place.

• Wipe away any excess putty and reassemble the drain pipes.

Fixing a leaking dishwasher connection:

• Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.

• Disconnect the dishwasher hose from the garbage disposal.

• Inspect the hose and the connection for any damage or wear.

• Replace the hose or connection if needed.

• Reconnect the hose, ensuring it's properly tightened.

Fixing a leaking drain pipe connection:

• Turn off the water supply and remove the drain pipes connected to the disposal unit.

• Inspect the seals and connections for damage or wear.

• Replace any damaged seals or connections.

• Reassemble the drain pipes, ensuring that all connections are tight and secure.

Replacing a damaged disposal unit:

If the leak originates from the disposal unit itself, you'll need to replace it. Here's how:

• Disconnect the disposal unit from the sink flange and drain pipes.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove the old unit.

• Install the new garbage disposal unit according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

• Reconnect the unit to the sink flange and drain pipes.

Step 4: Test the Repairs

After fixing the leak, it's crucial to test your garbage disposal to ensure that the issue has been resolved.Turn the power back on: Reconnect the disposal to the power source by flipping the circuit breaker or turning on the disposal's power switch.

• Run water: Turn on the cold-water faucet and let it run. This helps flush any remaining debris and ensures that water flows smoothly through the disposal.

• Activate the disposal: Turn on the disposal and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. Check for leaks while the disposal is running.

• Check for leaks under the sink: Inspect the area under the sink for any signs of water leaks or drips. If everything appears dry, your repair was successful.

Conclusion

Identifying the source of the leak, whether it's a damaged sink flange, dishwasher connection, drain pipe, or disposal unit, is the first step to a successful repair. Once you've made the necessary fixes, be sure to test the disposal and check for any leaks. By following these steps and practicing preventive maintenance, you can keep your kitchen sink and garbage disposal in excellent working condition for years to come.