How to Fix a Leaking Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal unit is one of the significant investments a homeowner should undertake without any qualms. This device is installed under a kitchen sink between the trap and sink drain. It is used to shred food waste into small pieces that can pass through the plumbing system.
Household waste is usually a problematic component that creates a lot of public health outcry, municipal waste problem, and sanitation problems. For any homestead or business premises to properly dispose of waste, the waste disposal units should be working fittingly.
Kitchen waste also creates environmental problems. This is possible as the disposal units increase the amount of carbon that reaches the waste treatment plants, which increases the consumption of oxygen. A garbage disposer should, always be in the best condition and working 100%.
Why Garbage Disposal Unit is Leaking
A leaking waste disposal unit can be quite intimidating and frustrating. A leaking garbage disposer unit will make the floor or cabinet under the skin wet and cause unexpected damage. Such an issue can also lead to other costly water damages a homeowner does not fix the problem immediately.
If a homeowner has the skill sets and experience to DIY garbage disposal unit, he or she can handle the problem hassle-free. If stuck and do not know where to start. It is advisable to leave the task to professionals, and it is rewarding to work with a plumbing company.
A professional will do anything possible to leave a waste disposal unit working correctly. Have a look:
Worn Out Gaskets – Consider checking the gaskets of the kitchen sink found between the rubber seal and the flange. Any discharge from these parts means the gasket is defective and needs repair or replacement. If a homeowner has been using gaskets for many years, they might become weak and start to drip. And if one does not use the garbage disposer occasionally, it might dry up and leak in turn.
Leaky Sink Flange – This section is where the sink and drain meet, and the flange helps dirt from blocking up the kitchen drain. The flange can be defective if the flange is weak putty or loose mounting bolts. A homeowner can consider replacing the putty or unscrew the bolt until he or she notices the gap causing problems.
Loose Drain Lines – Garbage units can leak from the drain lines, and it is easy to notice this problem by checking the spot where the unit meets the lines.
Loose Pipes or Seals – Check under the sink to find these parts, and they may be leaking if someone accidentally hits the disposal pipes. One might also push the pipes or seals away from their original position.
Cracked Body or Split – If one has just replaced a leaking gasket and noticed a discharge, there is a possibility of large cracks on the surface. Most ruptures occur from bumps or knocks while a homeowner is retrieving items near the garbage unit.
Leaking Reset Button – If a garbage unit is old, there is a likelihood it will leak from the rest button. To fix this issue, buy a new button.
Damaged Discharge Pipe – Inspect the discharge pipe that is fixed to the sink and here is fore tear and wear. Check for loose plumbing as it is the root of most leaking garbage disposal unit problems.
Fixing a Leaking Garbage Disposal-What to Know
A homeowner who does not want to seek services of a plumbing company in Fairfax VA, and understands what it takes to fix a leak; he or she is among the lucky few. If he or she can DIY a leaking waste disposal unit, there are essential steps or procedures to follow and succeed in these endeavors.
1. Start by Preparing and Investigate the Leak
Start by unplugging the unit from the wall outlet and turn off the power and prevent possible electrical shock. Insert a watertight sink stopper and prevent any water from running down the drain. Wipe the unit dry with a clean cloth and clean it any debris.
Using a torch or flashlight, inspect the disposal unit after pouring colored water into the unit for any leaks. It is easy to notice leaks from different parts of the unit. They include:
The top where the unit meets the sink drain.
The sides where the main drainpipe or dishwasher hose connects to the unit.
The bottom of the entire garbage disposal unit.
Inspect all these locations and find the central spot of the leak. Leaks on the top of the unit are easy to notice as they show up when the sink is plugged. Side and bottom leaks will show up when the sink is unplugged.
2. Fix a Leaking Garbage Disposal at Flange
Start by unplugging the garbage disposal from the power source. Go on and loosen the dishwasher drain hose from the unit. This involves loosening the clamp and unscrewing the screws with a flathead screwdriver.
Remove the flange by pushing it from underneath the sink and pull it out through the top of the sink. Try and scrape off all excess and old putty from the sink and flange.
Reseal the flange with a generous amount of plumber’s putty and around the rim of the flange. Go on and push the flange back to position and tighten the screws around the unit and lock the garbage disposer back to the original position. Reconnect the system and test whether it is still leaking.
3. Replace the Gasket
Remove the gasket and replace it and keep the entire system working correctly. Disconnect the drain and unplug the cord from the garbage disposal. Remove the dishwasher from the system and unlock the unit.
Remove the old gasket and put a new one in the same place. Ensure the unit pops into the lip of the system and sits flat. Reconnect all the drains and test it for leaks.
4. Fixing Parts Causing the Unit to Leak
Check the whole system and fix loose drain lines and check for wear and tear. Use a new roll of the putty sealing ring for loose seals and tighten the bolts at the leaky spots. If the leak is from dishwasher connection, secure and replace the hose if it is old or worn out.
5. Know What Not to Pour Down the Garbage Disposal
There is no better way to solve problems with a garbage disposer than knowing what to put down the drain or not. Do not pour down the following:
Pasta, rice, and bread
Coffee grounds
Animal bones
Seeds, nuts, and shells
Stringy fruits and vegetables
Grease, fat, and oil
Seek Professional Help to Solve Garbage Disposal Leakage
For homeowners who cannot DIY and fix leakage, its best to seek professional help to solve garbage disposer leakage issues. To rest assured of top-notch plumbing assistance, work with a reputed plumbing company. Ensure the company hires well-trained, experienced, and competent plumbers.
Interview the available plumbers and pick the best for the project at hand. Pick licensed, insured, and trustworthy plumbers well-acquainted with plumbing problems. Go and contact the available plumbers and schedule an appointment or request a plumbing estimate.