A garbage disposal is a staple in the modern kitchen. what if they stop working, make a humming noise, or start leaking? If you’ve just discovered a puddle under your kitchen sink, don’t panic. Chances are it’s coming from your garbage disposal, and I’ve got good news – this is often something you can fix yourself! Let’s walk through the most common culprits behind a leaking garbage disposal, how to deal with them, and when to call a professional plumber at Benjamin Franklin.
Common Garbage Disposal Leaks
Your garbage disposal can spring a leak in three main spots, and each one tells us something different about what’s going on. Let me break it down for you.
1. Leaking from the Top
Cause: Loose Sink Flange
You know that metal ring where your sink meets the disposal? That’s called the sink flange, and it’s often the troublemaker when you’ve got water dripping from the top of a leaking garbage disposal. Here’s the deal: over time, your disposal’s daily grinding and vibrating can loosen things up, and water starts sneaking through.
The fix might be super simple:
- Grab a wrench and check those mounting bolts – they might just need a good tightening
- If that doesn’t do the trick, take a look at the plumber’s putty around the flange. If it’s looking crusty or cracked, you’ll want to replace it. Just scrape out the old stuff, clean everything up, and put in fresh putty. When you tighten those bolts back up, you should be good to go!
2. Leaking from the Bottom
Cause: Worn-Out Internal Seals
If you’re seeing water coming from the bottom of your disposal, I hate to break it to you, but this usually means your internal seals are wearing out. Think of these seals like the gaskets in your car engine – they keep water away from parts that shouldn’t get wet.
Real talk: While you technically can replace these seals, it’s usually smarter (and often cheaper in the long run) to just get a new disposal. Most units last about 5-10 years anyway, and you’ll get a nice warranty when you purchase a new one.
3. Leaking from the Side
Cause: Loose Drain Lines
Got water leaking from the side? Good news – this is usually pretty straightforward to fix! Your disposal has two main connections on the side: one that might go to your dishwasher and another that leads to your plumbing. Both are held on by metal clamps that can get loose over time.
Quick fixes:
- First, try tightening those clamps with a screwdriver
- If you’re still seeing drips, the rubber gasket might be worn out. Replacing that little piece of rubber often solves the whole problem!
How to Prevent Future Garbage Disposal Leaks
Want to avoid future garbage disposal leaks? Here are some pro tips from an Orlando, FL plumbing professional at Ben Franklin.
Take a look at what can help your disposal live its best life:
- Always run cold water while using it (hot water can make grease stick around).
- Be nice to your disposal – no bones, eggshells, or tough veggie scraps.
- Give it a quick check-up now and then – look for cracks or loose connections.
- Keep those bolts and clamps snug.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to identify the source of a leak, add a few drops of food coloring to water and let it flow through the disposal. The colored water makes it easier to spot exactly where the leak is coming from.
Reliable Garbage Disposal Repair Services in Orlando, Florida
If you’re in the Orlando, Florida area and this all sounds like more than you want to tackle, no worries! The Punctual Plumber has your back with their professional garbage disposal repair services. Their licensed techs can handle any disposal drama you’re dealing with.
Most disposal leaks aren’t as scary as they first appear. Whether it’s just a loose connection or worn-out seals, catching these issues early can save you from bigger headaches down the road. With a little maintenance and TLC, your disposal can keep chomping away at those food scraps for years to come!