What to Do If Your Garbage Disposal Is Leaking from the Bottom
A garbage disposal is an excellent tool for your kitchen, as it helps eliminate food scraps that might otherwise go in the trash. Unfortunately, if it breaks or begins to leak, it can be a big problem. You’ll need to know how to spot a leak and what to do if you find the garbage disposal leaking from the bottom.
Edelman Inc. shares what causes this problem, what to do if you discover it, and when to call us for help!
Why You May Have a Garbage Disposal Leaking from the Bottom
A garbage disposal can leak from several different spots if certain problems occur. When a garbage disposal leaks from the bottom, this usually indicates a few specific issues. These include:
- The sink flange seal is damaged or worn
- An internal seal is damaged or worn
- The drain lines are damaged
- There are cracks in the unit
- A rubber gasket has worn out
What to Do If You Find a Garbage Disposal Leak at the Bottom of the Unit
When you first notice a leaky garbage disposal, you should check the unit right away. The most common cause of leaks in this area is a faulty seal – the part in your garbage disposer that stops water and sewage from leaking out. However, there are many other possible causes of leaks.
The first thing you need to do after finding that your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom is to inspect the unit’s body. Check all along the exterior canister of the unit, looking for drips of water, wet spots, and signs of cracks.
Next, look at the position of the garbage disposal. Many homeowners store cleaning supplies and other household items down by the unit under the kitchen sink, and it is easy for these items to knock into the garbage disposal, which could throw it out of place. If you see that the garbage disposal has shifted from its specific location, it’s more likely that the body of the appliance could be damaged or cracked.
After checking out the unit itself, you should confirm your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom and not somewhere else. It may look like water drips out the bottom of the unit, but this water could originate from another spot in the appliance. Follow these steps to verify it’s leaking from the bottom.
- Shut off the garbage disposal and disconnect it from its power source.
- Place a bucket or other large container underneath the sink to catch water.
- Allow the faucet to run, filling the bucket a bit less than halfway.
- Add some drops of food dye to water running in the sink.
- Look below the sink and watch for the colored water coming out of your garbage disposal; note the location.
Help for a Leaking Garbage Disposal
Once you verify the garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, turn off the faucet and drain the bucket of water in another sink. Next, call your plumber to make repairs to the garbage disposal and stop the leak.
If the leak is caused by something that’s fixable, like a worn-out seal or gasket, your plumber will be able to replace these components promptly. Leaks stemming from the drain pipes can also be repaired. If there are cracks in the body causing the garbage disposal to leak from the bottom, it’s best to go ahead and replace the unit with a new garbage disposal.
Why Work with Edelman Inc?
After making the decision that your garbage disposal needs professional assistance, you need to hire a plumbing company that you can trust. At Edelman, we have committed ourselves to treat every customer like family. We provide the highest quality work available when folks need it most. When it comes to something as serious as your home, don’t work with just anyone.
Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement
If you have a garbage disposal leaking from the bottom, don’t let the leak linger and cause further damage. Call Edelman, Inc. today for garbage disposal repair and replacement services.