Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?

Your garbage disposal is not just one isolated device. It is composed of different components that work in unison. Though each component might malfunction independently, however, the damage in one part will affect the work of the other parts. From our experience at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, garbage disposals usually leak from the top, the pipe connections, the bottom, or a combination. This article will help you determine whether your garbage disposal is actually leaking, where it is leaking from, and how you can fix the leak. 
If you have any questions or concerns or if you would like to hire a certified plumber to take a look, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for 24-hour emergency repairs. We are always happy to help.

Locating the Leak

Your garbage disposal is most probably installed under your kitchen sink. You might notice a musty smell, dampness, or puddling water, but these signs do not necessarily mean that your garbage disposal is leaking. It might be that your sink or its p-trap is leaking instead.
Grab a flashlight and empty bucket to get started on locating the source of the leak. Before you begin, make sure your garbage disposal is turned off and is unplugged. Then, fill the sink with water to the halfway mark. Adding food coloring to the water will help you spot the leak easier. Check these spots specifically:

• The Sink Flange: This is the point of connection between the sink and the garbage disposal. Check for moisture around the top and bottom of the flange’s ring.
• Dishwasher Hose Connection: This point connects the dishwasher hose to the disposal. Without turning on the garbage disposal, start the dishwasher and watch for leaks as water runs from the dishwasher drain into the disposal.
• Drain Line Connection: This connects the disposal to the main drainpipe. Check around the screws that fasten the drain line to the disposal. 
• Reset Button: This emergency stop button usually found on the bottom of the unit deactivates the motor of the disposal. Check for dripping or water accumulation.

Fixing the Leaks

Each of the leaks we just mentioned have specific causes and repairs. We will continue in list form:

• The Sink Flange: Putty and bolts hold the flange in place. The watertight seal can break if the putty deteriorates or the bolts are loose. If the flange is leaking, then remove it, scrape off the old putty, and reapply fresh putty. Replace any rusty or damaged screws and bolts before reconnecting the flange.
• Dishwasher Hose Connection: The hose is usually held in place by metal clamps and screws. Try replacing these parts. It also might be that your hose is leaking, in which case it should be replaced.
• Drain Line Connection: Similar to the dishwasher hose connection, this connection should be tight. Replace screws, gasket, or clamps and retighten.
• Reset Button: If your unit is leaking from the bottom, then it just might be time to replace the device. 

Call the Professionals

If you would like a local plumber to take a look or replace your garbage disposal, then call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for quick, quality, and around the clock service. Our live representatives are eager to take your call.