How To Fix A Leaking Garbage Disposal?
This guide on How To Fix A Leaking Garbage Disposal will uncover:
- How to identify the source of leaks on a garbage disposal?
- Common places from where a garbage disposal can leak
- How to fix a leaking garbage disposal: Step-by-Step Instructions
Project Overview:
- Working time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Tools & Materials Needed: Screwdriver, Plumber’s Putty, A Putty Knife, New Gaskets
Table of Contents
- How To Identify the Source of Leaks on A Garbage Disposal?
- How To Fix A Leaking Garbage Disposal: 5 Easy Steps for DIY Repairs
- Preventive Maintenance Tips To Prevent Future Leaks
- Conclusion | When To Call A Professional
How To Identify the Source of Leaks on A Garbage Disposal?
Here are some common places garbage disposal can leak from, which help you identify the source of leaks:
Garbage Disposal Leaking From The Top
A leaky garbage disposal from the top is due to the damaged rubber gasket set between the sink flange and the lip of the garbage disposal.
Due to age or improper installation, the gasket can get worn out and cause a leak.
Apart from this, no water in the drain for an extended period can cause the disposal to dry up the gasket, developing a leak in the gasket.
Garbage Disposal Leaking From The Sink Flange
A loose sink flange or worn-out plumber’s putty can cause a leak in the garbage disposal.
Generally, a sink flange connects your garbage disposal to the sink drain. The sink flange is resealed with the plumber’s putty and tightened from under the sink.
It will develop a leak if you don’t tighten the sink flange enough or the plumber’s putty gets worn out.
Garbage Disposal Leaking From Side
Either a loose connection in the dishwasher hose or drain pipe is causing the garbage disposal to leak from the side.
For example, if the dishwasher hose connected to the disposal unit comes loose, it will create a gap for the water to seep through.
Similarly, loose screws at the drain pipe connected to the disposal discharge line can cause the unit to leak from the side.
Besides, a worn-out gasket between the elbow flange and the disposal discharge inlet is responsible for leaky garbage disposal.
Garbage Disposal Leaking From Bottom
A bottom leak on a garbage disposal happens due to damaged internal seals or cracks on the flywheel.
If you observe the disposal leaking from the bottom, especially from the reset button, you must replace the garbage disposal.
To identify the exact source of a leak, dry the exterior of the disposal unit and the surrounding pipes. Place a stopper in the sink and fill the sink with water. Add some food colors to the water. Now, remove the stopper and turn on the garbage disposal. Check the disposal and the pipe connections for colored water seeping out.
How To Fix A Leaking Garbage Disposal: 5 Easy Steps for DIY Repairs
Here are the step-by-step instructions to fix a leaky garbage disposal:
1. Replace The Fiber Gasket
Check for A Worn-out Gasket and Replace It
A worn-out fiber gasket is the culprit that throws a wrench into the work and causes the disposal to leak from the top. To fix this issue, you should replace the gasket.
Go along with the instructions below to replace the gasket:
- Turn off the garbage disposal and cut the electric supply to the unit by unplugging the power cord.
- Disconnect the drain trap from the waste discharge tube. Then, unfasten the dishwasher connection.
- Insert a screwdriver into the right side of the lug and turn it left to remove the garbage disposal.
- Place the garbage disposal on a surface where you can work and check for the gasket. Remove the gasket from the lip of the garbage disposal.
- Install the new gasket that should sit on the lip of the garbage disposal.
- Reconnect the garbage disposal to the mounting assembly.
- Test for leaks.
2. Reseal The Sink Flange
As previously mentioned, your garbage disposal is leaking from the sink flange because of a loose sink flange, worn-out plumber’s putty, and a deteriorated fiber gasket between the sink flange and the backup flange.
Now, let’s see how to reseal and tighten the garbage disposal flange.
- Verify you turn off the garbage disposal and unplug its power cord.
- Remove the garbage disposal from the mounting assembly.
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the three screws on the mounting assembly.
- Remove the snap ring using the screwdriver.
- Remove the sink flange from the sink drain.
- Use a putty knife to scrape the old plumber’s putty from the sink.
- Please remember to inspect the gasket between the sink flange and the backup flange. If it gets damaged, replace it.
- Apply a 1/2-inch thick layer of plumber’s putty evenly around the sink flange.
- Insert the sink flange into the sink drain and press it. Put a weight on the sink flange. Ensure you put a rag between the weight and the sink flange.
- Underneath the sink, insert a fiber gasket, backup flange, and mounting ring. Hold in place while inserting the snap ring. Pull the snap ring open and press until it snaps into place.
- Tighten three mounting screws against the backup flange. These three screws help hold the sink flange and the mounting assembly in place. So, ensure you tighten those screws evenly.
- Now, reconnect the garbage disposal to the mounting assembly.
- Restore the power to the unit.
- Test for leaks.
3. Verify That The Mounting Assembly Installation Is Correct
Improper installation of the mounting assembly can cause a garbage disposal to leak from the top. Correcting the mounting assembly installation will fix this issue.
Ensure you assemble the mounting assembly correctly. Then, check the garbage disposal locking ring and verify you turn it fully to the right. Finally, inspect the three mounting screws and ensure each is tight & secure.
4. Check the Dishwasher Hose Connection and the Drain Pipe Connection
Inspect the dishwasher hose connection if the garbage disposal leaks from the side.
If the hose connection comes loose from the disposal inlet, reconnect the dishwasher hose to the disposal inlet. Tighten the nut on the hose clamp.
Next, check the disposal discharge connection. If the elbow connected to the discharge outlet becomes loose, you should tighten the elbow pipe.
Don’t forget to check the gasket between the elbow flange and the discharge outlet. If required, replace the gasket.
5. Replace the Garbage Disposal If Required
Replace your garbage disposal if you observe the garbage disposal leaking from the bottom, especially from the reset button.
Typically, damaged internal seals are responsible for garbage disposal leaking from the bottom.
Yeah, you can call a professional to reseal the damaged internal seals. But the heck is- it will cost you more than replacing the disposal unit with a new one.
So, it will be best to replace the garbage disposal.
Preventive Maintenance Tips To Prevent Future Leaks
Here are some plumbing maintenance tips you can follow to prevent future leaks:
- Check the top seal, sink flange, dishwasher connection, and drain pipe periodically for leaks.
- Tighten the dishwasher connection and the drain pipe connection if they come loose.
- Run the garbage disposal regularly.
- Turn on the cold water supply before, during, and after using the garbage disposal.
- Don’t put certain foods like celery, corn husks, and non-food items. They can cause a clog and make the sink back up.
- Clean the garbage disposal once a week with baking soda and vinegar.
Conclusion | When To Call A Professional
A leaking garbage disposal is a pain in the neck that can turn your pristine kitchen into a watery mess.
Fortunately, you can easily remove the pain of a leaking garbage disposal from your neck by following our guidelines.
Check the suspected areas, such as the top of the disposal, sink flange, dishwasher connection, drain pipe, and the bottom of the unit.
Worn-out gaskets, improper installation, loose dishwasher connection, and damaged internal seals cause the disposal to leak.
To fix a leaking garbage disposal, follow the step-by-step instructions I outlined.
If your garbage disposal is still leaking persistently after trying our troubleshooting steps, call a professional for further assistance.
Relevant:
Sohel Rana is the founder of FixTheDisposal.Com. He is a plumbing expert with 7+ years of hands-on repairing garbage disposals, water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances used in a home. Before the launch of Fix The Disposal, he wrote and provided advice on water heaters, sump pumps, and space heater repairing & troubleshooting tips for LilDutchUncle.Com.
