Garbage disposals are convenient kitchen appliances that when working properly keep your kitchen clean and free of food debris. However, when they malfunction they can create messes, leaks, and foul odors. It is essential to the safety and comfort of your home to identify issues with your garbage disposal quickly so further problems do not develop. Here are six common reasons a garbage disposal may leak so be on the lookout for signs of problems.
Clogged Drain
The most common reason garbage disposals fail is due to a clogged drain. Disposals are responsible for grinding and disposing of pounds of food waste. This waste can congeal along with grease and oil inside of drain pipes to create blockages. It is important to understand the correct disposal of foods and to know which foods must never enter the hopper. Food scraps such as egg shells, coffee grinds, fibrous food, and foods that have a high starch content should be placed in a trash can and kept out of the garbage disposal. Using a plunger or a plumbing snake can help push the blockage down the drain but oftentimes a professional is needed to clear your drain.
Damaged Connection Between Sink And Disposal
A garbage disposal is installed under your kitchen sink using bolts. The vibration of running disposal can loosen these bolts and create a space for water to leak. A plumber will tighten these bolts so the disposal sits tight against the under part of the sink. They will also create a watertight seal using a plumbing sealant to prevent future leaking.
The Dishwasher May Be The Culprit
The dishwasher drain pipe is attached to your garbage disposal’s drain. As the dishwasher empties the water flows into the disposal and sink drain. When a hose clamp becomes loose water will drain from the hose causing water to run onto your floor. Tightening the clamp or replacing a worn or cracked hose could be the solution to your water leak.
Worn Out Impeller Blades
When food is deposited into the garbage disposal hopper it is ground into small, easy-to-drain pieces by the impeller blades. Over time these blades can become dull and damaged which could account for your water leak. A professional can evaluate the impeller blades and determine if you need to install a new garbage disposal in your kitchen.
Failing Internal Seals
If you see water dripping from the bottom of your garbage disposal unit the problem could be the internal seals are worn out and allowing water to seep out. Your plumber can remove the garbage disposal and replace the deteriorating seals or, if too far gone, replace your disposal to eliminate your leak.
Cracked Casing
If the casing of your garbage disposal is cracked, water entering the hopper will leak out through the cracks creating a mess. If this occurs repair is no longer possible. A new garbage disposal will need to be purchased and installed. Although it may appear to be a DIY job it is recommended to hire a plumber to install a new garbage disposal.
A functioning garbage disposal free of leaks will provide cleanliness and safety in your kitchen. If your disposal is leaking it is important not to ignore small leaks as they can cause the growth of toxic mold, can saturate substructures leading to rotting wood, and can leave your kitchen with a sour odor. To prevent these issues it is recommended you visually inspect your disposal and the surrounding areas looking for leaks. If a leak appears you will need to call in a professional to evaluate your impeller, drains, hoses, internal seals, and the garbage disposal’s casing to determine the cause of your leak. They will then determine the next best step to return your kitchen to the healthy, clean, and well-functioning space it is intended to be. A professional plumber understands the inner workings of your garbage disposal and will guide you through the process of repairing or replacing your garbage disposal.
Looking For A Plumbing Company In North County?
If you have a leaking garbage disposalin your North County home, we can help! Our team of professional plumbing technicians has decades of experience identifying and repairing plumbing problems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
