An unexpected leak in your kitchen can be extremely frustrating and expensive, especially if it goes undetected and causes water damage. There are three places that a garbage disposal may leak: from the top of the unit, from the side of the unit, or from the bottom of the unit. And, there are several causes of a leaking garbage disposal. Here are 6 possible reasons why your garbage disposal is leaking.
1. Leaky Sink Flange
One of the most common causes of garbage disposal leaks is a leaky sink flange. The sink flange is found at the very top of the disposal unit where the sink meets the drain.
The flange helps prevent dirt from clogging the drain, but over time, it can become worn, damaged, and defective. It can also begin leaking if the garbage disposal unit is hit hard enough to shift the unit or loosen the seal.
A leaky sink flange is fairly easy to spot. If you see that the water is leaking from the top of your unit, you can try to unscrew the bolt and add plumber’s putty between the pipe and flange. Resealing and re-tightening the flange may do the job.
However, you shouldn’t attempt this if you’ve never worked on a garbage disposal before. And, if you try this and your garbage disposal is still leaking, you may need to contact a Pompano Beach plumber to solve the problem for you.
2. Damaged Dishwasher Connection
Many garbage disposals are connected to the dishwasher drain pipe. This connection is responsible for getting rid of food that comes off of your dishes as they run through the washer.
When the clamp on the hose connecting the drainpipe is loose or if it becomes damaged, a leak can begin. If you notice a leak coming from where the dishwasher hose connects to the unit, you may have a damaged or leaky dishwasher connection.
You may be able to fix your dishwasher connection simply by tightening the clamp on the hose. However, if it is still leaking after you do this, you may have a crack in the hose, warranting a hose replacement.
3. Worn or Defective Gasket
Another reason why your garbage disposal may be leaking is a worn-out or defective gasket. The gasket is located between the flange and the rubber seal.
An easy way to spot a worn or defective gasket is if you notice any discharge or buildup leaking out of your disposal unit. Or, if you have had the same gasket for several years, it can become weak and start dripping water.
A loose gasket could be a fix as simple as tightening the screws. However, a worn or defective one could need a full gasket replacement.
4. Loose Pipes or Seals
There are various different pipes and seals connected to your garbage disposal. If any of these are knocked loose by moving items around, cracked due to age, or defective in any way, it can cause a leak under your sink.
In some cases, you may be able to fix this by tightening loose screws and bolts. But, if the pipes or seals themselves are cracked or broken, it might be time for a Pompano Beach plumber to visit your home for garbage disposal repair.
5. Cracked Body or Interior
Your garbage disposal is resilient, but it isn’t indestructible. Overuse, aging, and even underuse and drying up can eventually make your disposal susceptible to cracks along the body or interior wall.
When the wall of your disposal begins to crack, water will start emerging from the seams, and you’ll notice water seeping through the areas near the cracks.
Unfortunately, if your garbage disposal is leaking because of a cracked interior, there is no fast and easy fix. You will need to hire a plumber to replace the entire unit.
6. Damaged Discharge Pipe
If you have checked all of the above-listed reasons and still aren’t sure why your garbage disposal is leaking, you may want to inspect the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe is located at the bottom of the garbage disposal and connects to the drain with a flange and a seal.
If the flange or the seal becomes loose, worn, or cracked, the discharge pipe could begin leaking onto the floor below your disposal unit.
A loose discharge pipe can be fixed by tightening the flange with a plumber’s wrench. But, if the water is still leaking from the bottom, you may need a Pompano Beach plumber to change the seal or replace your discharge pipe.
Garbage Disposal Repair in Pompano Beach, FL
If you suspect that your kitchen leak is the result of a broken or defective garbage disposal, it’s time to get it taken care of before your home sustains water damage. Sam Jolley’s Plumbing is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Whether you notice a leak in the middle of the night or after a long shift at work, we can come out to access the damage, give you an estimate, and provide residential plumbing and repairs the same-day. Call Sam Jolley’s Plumbing services today.
