Is Your Sink Disposal Leaking? Here's What You Need to Know!

Garbage disposal is an appliance homeowners rely heavily on for efficient waste disposal and kitchen cleanup. While the unit is incredibly rugged, it will succumb to wear and tear with prolonged use.  

Becoming familiar with signs, including the sink disposal leaking, will allow prompt repairs or a replacement sooner rather than later. The earlier problems are detected, the better the chance of extending an existing machine's lifespan and less downtime in the kitchen.

What Does It Mean When a Garbage Disposal Leaks 

When you notice water coming from under the sink or leaking from the disposal many problems can exist. Whether these can be repaired, or you need a new machine will depend on the severity. It could be a matter of worn seals, loose connections, or a crack in the disposal. 

The issue is urgent to avoid significant problems such as water damage to the cupboards or flooring. Here are a few tips on addressing the situation as a homeowner. 

Find the source of the leak 

If a professional is needed to repair or replace the garbage disposal, the first step is finding the source of the leak. You can do this by checking the machine along with all the connections and seals. This will give you a better idea of what to do to make the necessary repairs.  

Connections need tightening 

If the source of the leak is loose connections, you could simply need to tighten them. This can be done DIY with only a wrench to secure the connections so water can't escape. Visit https://www.thespruce.com/leaking-garbage-disposal-2718868 for guidance on fixing a leaky garbage disposal. 

Damaged parts 

Machines with damaged parts, like a crack in the unit or worn seals, need these parts replaced. In this case, a professional will change out the old for the new to ensure it functions correctly after the repairs. 

It's always wise to reach out for help when you can't determine the source or fix the issue. A professional can diagnose and suggest repairing or replacing the disposal. 

What Are Causes for Leaking Disposals 

Garbage disposal is a sturdy piece of equipment that can withstand much abuse; however, with time, the unit begins to wear and leaks start to develop.  

In order to prevent considerable damage in the household, it's essential to pay attention for early signs of leakage. The following are repairs that could crop up over time with your disposal.  

Wear and tear of the flange and seal 

With time, the flange or seal can become worn, commonly creating leaks with disposal. This is the connection from the unit to the sink. Because the system is used excessively, water can slip through where seals have degraded.  

When performing household care and upkeep, it's wise to look at the seal's condition and replace it when it shows signs of wear. Acting proactively can help prevent leaks before they have a chance to start. 

Connections become loose 

Leaks are sometimes not attributed to damage but a matter of connections coming loose. These can work their way loose over time and with use and can be secured back in position to fix the issue.

When checking the seals, the drainpipe and dishwasher connections should be checked to ensure they aren't coming loose. 

Equipment cracks 

The underlying cause of the leaks can be from damage to the unit, such as cracks. This can happen if hard objects become lodged in the machine. It's suggested to avoid putting super hard things into garbage disposal to prevent damaging the equipment. 

The recommendation is to inspect the disposal for damage when performing regular household maintenance. 

As a homeowner, the objective is to be proactive when trying to prevent disposal leaks. Much of that involves routine maintenance to detect issues early and save the household from major problems resulting from water damage. 

Professionals further advise that homeowners be mindful of what they put in the system. Many people don't realize that non-disposable and too-hard items can be destructive to the blades and lead to damage to the unit.  

That can mean an unnecessary replacement. If you need help deciding what to put in the disposal and what to avoid, speak with a professional to become an informed user. Go here for details on resolving disposal leaks. 

Final Thought 

A disposal leak is not always readily identifiable for the DIY homeowner, and sometimes the problem is too great for a DIY fix. When attempting to repair significant damage or a recurrent issue, you could create a bigger problem if you are not versed in disposal mechanics.

A professional has the knowledge and expertise to diagnose a problem from the start and ensure it's fixed correctly with little likelihood of recurrence. This will save you time and money and get your kitchen back to being functional.